Digital Media Manager / WordPress Support Specialist (Contract)

The Toledo Free Press, serving Northwest Ohio & Southeast Michigan, seeks an individual or firm for ongoing digital support of our WordPress websites. This is a monthly Service Level Agreement (SLA) requiring 8 to 10 hours per month, focused on technical backend maintenance, security, performance optimization, and mobile responsiveness.

This is a technical support role, not content creation, ensuring site stability, security, speed, and functionality as we expand our digital presence, including launching a second regional site.

Scope of Work

Monthly Maintenance & Updates

• Manage and update WordPress core, themes, and plugins.
• Install and configure necessary new plugins.
• Perform regular backups and security checks.
• Monitor uptime and essential performance metrics.

Technical Troubleshooting & Support

• Diagnose and resolve plugin conflicts or site errors.
• Provide limited emergency support during agreed-upon hours.
• Address mobile versus desktop display issues.
• Improve overall mobile responsiveness across the site.

Integrations & Functionality

• Manage integrations with third-party services (e.g., MailChimp).
• Support functional plugins, including donor tools and the obituary system.
• Assist in maintaining or adjusting the mobile app launching in 2026.

Site Improvements & Organization

• Organize and maintain story archives (taxonomy, categories, historical content).
• Help improve overall site structure and user experience (UX).
• Optimize page load speed and general performance.

Project-Based Work (As Needed)

• Build and launch a second WordPress site (AnthonyWayneFreePress.com) within the BlueHost hosting environment.

Preferred Experience

• Strong WordPress backend development and troubleshooting skills.
• Knowledge of plugin ecosystems, theme customization, and PHP familiarity.
• Experience with mobile responsiveness and front-end adjustments (CSS, layout fixes).
• Strong understanding of site performance, caching, and database optimization.
• Ability to communicate issues clearly and proactively recommend improvements.
• Comfort working within a small organization and supporting non-technical staff.

Details

• Monthly retainer of 8 to 10 hours.
• Hybrid remote support is acceptable.
• Contract/SLA structure with defined response expectations.
• Start date is flexible, with preference for immediate engagement.

Work Location: Remote

To apply, please send your résumé to Erin Holden, editor-in-chief, at [email protected].