Library Website Developer

Introduction

The Bridging Divides Initiative (BDI) is a non-partisan research initiative that tracks and mitigates political violence in the United States. BDI supports efforts to grow and build local community resilience through elections and other periods of heightened risk, laying the groundwork for longer-term efforts to bridge the divides we face as a nation.

To improve access to our full range of resources for staff and partners, BDI created the Political Violence Data and Analysis Library (v1.0, currently hosted on Google Sites) and an advanced dashboard to streamline access to conflict-related data and analysis. To address the limitations of Google Sites (e.g., limited search/filter capabilities, lack of role-based access, design customization, and scalability), BDI is seeking a new library website with improved usability, role-based access, and secure management of sensitive materials. The new version (v2.0) of the library site will serve as a one-stop hub for political violence and conflict data, analysis, and partner resources for staff and partners that balances efficiency with professional, partner-facing usability.

Project Overview

BDI seeks proposals from qualified web developers and designers to build a modern, user-friendly, and secure microsite for the new version of the Political Violence Data and Analysis Library. The library 2.0 project will be embedded within the existing BDI website and serve as the central platform for organizing and sharing analyses, datasets, dashboards, and resources with staff and partners.

Project Goals

The Library website should:

• Consist of a custom password-protected environment that supports role-based access tiers (e.g., staff, key partners, general users) with customized permissions, including protected pages, to maintain control over sensitive materials
• Improve visibility into how content is used by including analytics tracking (e.g., file access, downloads, page visits, user behavior)
• Enable intuitive navigation and advanced search/filter functionality for quick access to datasets, analyses, and reports
• Ensure scalability to accommodate new content types and user groups
• Allow for easy content updates by non-technical staff (e.g., BDI team members can implement regular edits/changes to content on the back-end)
• Support seamless integration with existing workflows and tools

Scope of Work

The selected contractor will collaborate closely with BDI staff to deliver the following:

1. Website Design & User Experience
   • Develop a modern, accessible design that aligns with BDI’s brand
   • Ensure compatibility across major browsers and devices
   • Conduct testing and quality assurance to confirm performance and functionality
2. Access & Security
   • Implement secure user authentication and account management
   • Configure role-based permissions with differentiated access across pages
   • Follow best practices for data protection, privacy, and compliance
3. Content Management
   • Support content attribution for datasets and documents (i.e., displaying metadata)
   • Require Terms of Use acknowledgement at login and download points.
   • Enable labeling, tagging, and metadata management for content (e.g., datasets, reports, etc.)
4. Integration & Functionality
   • Integrate with existing tools (e.g., Google Drive/Sheets, Tableau dashboards, etc.)
   • Enable advanced search and filtering across multiple content types
   • Set up analytics tracking to track usage, page views, downloads, and user behavior, among others
5. Training & Documentation
   • Provide training for BDI staff on managing content and user accounts
   • Deliver documentation covering permissions, workflows, and technical setup

Deliverables

• Website design mockups (wireframes and prototypes)
• Fully functional microsite that meets access/security requirements
• Documentation for administration and maintenance
• Staff training session(s)
• Post-launch support for an agreed period of time

Proposal Requirements

• Relevant Experience: Examples of prior projects with tiered access, secure data platforms, and/or research/knowledge libraries
• Project Approach: A clear outline of how the contractor plans to handle the website design and technical approach while maintaining existing tools (e.g., Google Drive, Google Sheets, etc.)
• Timeline: Estimated schedule with milestones within project timeline (listed below)
• Budget: Itemized cost estimate (design, development, documentation, support)
• References: Two client references

Length: Proposals should not exceed 5 pages (excluding appendices).

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated on:

• Demonstrated expertise in secure, tiered-access website development
• Experience with knowledge/research libraries and/or nonprofit/research clients
• Strength of the proposed technical and design approach
• Usability and accessibility of the proposed solution
• Cost-effectiveness and value for money
• References and past performance

Timeline

• Proposal submission deadline: We will conduct application reviews on a rolling basis, with preference for final decisions by mid-October.
• Website development and launch: By November 30, 2025

Compensation

The anticipated compensation range for this project will be between $5,000 - $15,000 total.

Submission Instructions

Submit a resume and a cover letter to bdi@princeton.edu, with “Library Website Developer” in the subject line, along with a project proposal that outlines how you intend to meet the deliverables of the project, as well as a proposed rate for consulting services. Applications that do not meet these criteria will not be considered.

Eligibility

Both firms and independent consultants are eligible to apply.

U.S.-based vendors are preferred.