Volunteer WordPress Backend Developer

MatchingDonors.com is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping patients find living organ donors. We are currently rebuilding and modernizing our platform in WordPress.

MatchingDonors.com is offering this position only to individuals with OPT F-1 status.

As a Volunteer WordPress Backend Engineer, you will play a meaningful role in developing technology that directly impacts lives by helping patients connect with potential donors faster and more effectively.

MatchingDonors.com welcomes volunteers from diverse backgrounds, including individuals participating through F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs.

This volunteer opportunity offers valuable real-world engineering experience, mentorship, networking opportunities, and the chance to contribute to a mission-driven platform with global social impact.

Responsibilities

1. 1. Design, develop, and maintain backend services, plugins, and database structures within WordPress.
   2. Collaborate closely with front-end developers to integrate APIs and user-facing features.
   3. Improve platform performance, scalability, security, and reliability.
   4. Manage database interactions and ensure data integrity and optimization.
   5. Write clean, maintainable, testable, and well-documented code.
   6. Participate in code reviews and collaborate actively with the engineering team.
   7. Troubleshoot technical issues and implement bug fixes.
   8. Keep current with emerging technologies and WordPress best practices.
   9. Assist with migration and modernization of features from the existing ColdFusion platform.
   10. Contribute ideas and recommendations to improve architecture and user experience.

Required Qualifications

• • Experience developing websites, databases, and applications using WordPress and PHP.
  • Familiarity with MySQL or relational databases.
  • Understanding of REST APIs and backend integrations.
  • Knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Git version control.
  • Strong problem-solving and debugging skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote team environment.
  • Good written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• • Experience developing custom WordPress plugins or themes.
  • Familiarity with AWS, cloud hosting, or DevOps workflows.
  • Experience with API integrations, authentication systems, or payment systems.
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity and WordPress security best practices.
  • Experience migrating legacy systems to modern platforms.
  • Familiarity with Agile or Scrum development methodologies.

Team Environment

• • Work remotely with a collaborative team of approximately 10 volunteers including developers, designers, and project contributors.
  • Participate in team discussions, planning sessions, and collaborative problem-solving.
  • Opportunity to work closely with leadership and directly influence platform development decisions.

Leadership Opportunities

Strong contributors may have the opportunity to:

• • Lead technical initiatives or feature development
  • Mentor newer volunteers and interns
  • Participate in architecture and planning decisions
  • Grow into team lead or project coordination responsibilities

What You’ll Gain

• • Real-world software engineering experience on a live production platform.
  • Flexible volunteer hours ideal for students and working professionals.
  • Mentorship and collaboration with experienced developers and nonprofit leaders.
  • Resume-building experience contributing to a socially impactful mission.
  • Networking opportunities within technology and nonprofit communities.
  • Opportunity to receive references and recommendation letters based on performance and contribution.
  • Contributors may showcase approved work in their portfolios, GitHub profiles, or professional case studies.
  • Experience working on scalable systems that support users worldwide.

Time Commitment

• • Flexible remote volunteer schedule.

Commitment of at least 20 hours per week.