Job Description
ABOUT THE BAIL PROJECT:
The Problem
There is no place in the criminal justice system where money more clearly buys justice that bail. People who can’t afford bail remain in jail before trial, while those with money buy their liberty. Tying freedom to financial ability upends the presumption of innocence, tears lives apart, and perpetuates racial and economic disparities. It is also a key driver of mass incarceration. Each year, an estimated 2.5 million people sit in jail cells across America because they cannot afford bail.
The Response
The Bail Project is a national nonprofit that provides free bail assistance and pretrial support to thousands of low-income people every year. We are on a mission to combat mass incarceration and demonstrate that a more humane, equitable, and effective pretrial system is possible.
The Model
The Bail Project uses a national revolving bail fund to pay bail for individuals who are legally presumed innocent, and whom a judge has deemed eligible for release. We then provide court reminders and work with local partner organizations to connect our clients with voluntary social services and community-based programs. We call this model Community Release with Support, and it has proven highly effective in helping people make their court dates. As our clients’ cases close, bail comes back into the fund where it is recycled to help additional people. In addition to these direct services, The Bail Project gathers human stories and data from our sites to support grassroots advocacy and inform policy recommendations.
The Team
We are a community of advocates committed to ending mass incarceration and advancing racial and economic justice. Our organization consists of a central support hub and a network of client advocates or “Bail Disruptors” who work in their local communities to provide bail assistance and help advance advocacy efforts on the ground.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Web Developer is responsible for maintaining and continually improving The Bail Project’s website, bailproject.org. This role will manage the day-to-day operations of our website, while also working on long-term web development projects. The Web Developer is responsible for gathering, analyzing, and reporting data to optimize web design and user experience.
Reports to: Creative Director
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the direction of the Creative Director, manages WordPress site and implements redesign initiatives, including graphics and interactive features
Keeps WordPress software and plugins up to date
Ensures site security, performs updates, and troubleshoots issues
Maintains SQL database and edits via MySQL Workbench if necessary
Helps maintain The Bail Project’s bail assistance online portal as needed
Works with the Communications Team to update website content
Analyzes web analytics and identifies opportunities to improve SEO, site speed and design
REQUIREMENTS:
A passion for the mission of The Bail Project
2-3 years of professional experience in a comparable position
High proficiency with WordPress
Familiarity with Salesforce
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
Well-versed in HTML5, CSS, PHP, JavaScript, and MySQL
Experience interacting with third-party APIs to submit or request data
Ability to use SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol)
Experience with cloud-based hosting, version control, and SEO
Experience with email management platforms and formatting HTML emails
Data analysis skills including Google Analytics
Job Type: Part-time at 20-25 hours per week
Location: Los Angeles, CA
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter. In the cover letter, please address the following:
Why do you want to work for The Bail Project?
Please share 2-3 experiences that highlight why you would be a strong candidate for the part-time Web Developer position.
No faxes or phone calls please. Applicants will be notified regarding whether or not they have been selected for an interview. APPLICATIONS WITHOUT COVER LETTERS WILL NOT BE PROCESSED.
The Bail Project is proud to be an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and actively seeks the candidacy of people of color, women, LGBTQIA people, and formerly incarcerated individuals. We are committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff.