Back End Developer volunteer opportunity at iLevelUP: unpaid work with App Development Team. This is a fully remote role.
Back End Developer: remote volunteer opportunity
Build the services that support iLevelUP’s learner experience. Develop server-side logic, integrate data and APIs, and document behavior so other contributors can use it reliably.
Fully remote | Unpaid volunteer | United States
About iLevelUP
iLevelUP is a free, AI-powered, game-based learning experience being developed by Believe in Me to help young people explore education and career possibilities and build self-confidence. The product is in limited beta. The learner is the main character, and iLevelUP is the guide.
Back End Developer role overview
As an iLevelUP Back End Developer, you will contribute practical expertise to a nonprofit education product in limited beta. Build the services that support iLevelUP’s learner experience. Develop server-side logic, integrate data and APIs, and document behavior so other contributors can use it reliably.
You will work with the relevant team to agree on priorities, review progress, and document decisions. Because the product is still developing, clear handoffs and useful feedback matter.
What you will own
Your contribution centers on the responsibilities below. First, understand the current work and the needs of your collaborators. Next, agree on a manageable scope with the team lead. Then, share progress and raise blockers early. Finally, document the decisions that your teammates need for the next step.
Back End Developer responsibilities
- Collaborate closely with front-end developers and other team members to realize our project's vision as outlined in the project roadmap and technical requirements.
- Design and implement server-side logic using frameworks like Next.js, ensuring high performance and responsiveness to requests from the front end.
- Integrate user-facing elements developed by front-end developers with server-side logic.
- Build and manage APIs to connect the application with external data sources and services.
- Implement security measures, including authentication, authorization, data encryption, and robust input validation, to protect the application and user data.
- Ensure database management and storage solutions are effectively implemented, focusing on NoSQL databases like MongoDB.
- Participate in all phases of the development lifecycle, emphasizing coding, debugging, and testing to ensure quality and stability.
- Assist in developing documentation and technical materials related to the back-end architecture and processes.
Early deliverables
- First, review the current software development and technical support work and identify useful next steps with your team lead.
- Next, agree on an initial deliverable, its review criteria, and the people who need to contribute.
- Finally, complete a reviewable piece of work and document what the next contributor needs to know.
Back End Developer required qualifications
- Demonstrated experience as a back-end developer with a portfolio showcasing deployed projects.
- Strong proficiency in server-side languages and frameworks, especially Next.js.
- In-depth knowledge of database technologies, preferably MongoDB, and database management.
- Familiarity with web security practices, data protection technologies, and compliance requirements.
- Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and commitment to high-quality software development.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Passion for the mission of supporting young learners and making a tangible impact through technology.
Back End Developer helpful experience
- Related education, nonprofit, or volunteer project experience can help you understand the context of the work.
- In addition, examples of clear documentation and remote collaboration are useful to share with your application.
How we work
Work with App Development Team through approved project tools. In practice, share concise updates, ask for the context you need, and keep decisions in the agreed workspace. For example, explain what you completed, what needs review, and what is blocking the next step. In addition, protect learner and project information when preparing examples or discussing your work.
Why volunteer with iLevelUP
- Contribute to a nonprofit education product at a stage when your decisions can shape the learner experience.
- Own a meaningful body of work and collaborate across education, design, engineering, and student support.
- Develop work samples and share approved contributions in your portfolio while respecting project and learner confidentiality.
Time commitment and location
This is a fully remote, unpaid volunteer opportunity. Weekly availability, meeting times, project scope, and the duration of your commitment will be agreed during onboarding. The published eligibility area for this opening is the United States.
How to apply
First, use the Believe in Me volunteer application to share your résumé or professional profile, relevant experience, availability, and a brief statement of interest. Before submitting, remove personal, confidential, and proprietary information from any work samples.
For the Back End Developer opening, explain a relevant project. For example, describe the problem you addressed and your own contribution. If you are still building experience, describe how your current skills connect with the listed responsibilities. Next, the team will review your application and discuss fit and expectations with selected applicants.
We welcome applicants from varied backgrounds and pathways. Before applying, review this role’s required and helpful experience. Also, if you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, use iLevelUP’s contact page.
Role details
- Role: Back End Developer
- Program: iLevelUP, a Believe in Me initiative
- Employment type: Unpaid volunteer
- Workplace: Fully remote
- Applicant eligibility: United States
- Team: App Development Team
- Company address: 107 Spring Street, 2nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98104
- Job ID: 744
This is a fully remote, unpaid volunteer opportunity. Weekly availability, meeting times, project scope, and the duration of your commitment will be agreed during onboarding. The published eligibility area for this opening is the United States.