Senior Full-Stack Developer for Accessible Travel Marketplace

**Senior Full-Stack / Frontend Developer (Next.js / React) – Accessible Travel Marketplace (WCAG 2.1 AA)** ### **Project Overview:** We are building a custom, highly scalable B2C travel advice marketplace focused on accessible travel for individuals with disabilities ("Handicapped / Accessible Travel" niche). The platform connects travelers with verified local scouts who offer personalized travel advice, custom itineraries, and accessibility insights. The functional blueprint for the marketplace is based on our existing MVP [shoutascout.com]. We are migrating from a WordPress MVP to a modern, custom tech stack (Next.js/React, Node.js, PostgreSQL) built with **native WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility** at its core. --- ### **Key Responsibilities & Scope of Work:** 1. **Custom Web Application Development:** * Build a mobile-first, responsive Web App / Progressive Web App (PWA) using Next.js / React on the frontend and Node.js / PostgreSQL on the backend. * Implement core marketplace logic: Scout profiles, service packages (fixed rates \$5–\$60), user accounts, reviews/ratings, and search/filtering. 2. **Native Web Accessibility (WCAG 2.1 AA):** * Program accessibility directly into the frontend codebase (semantic HTML5, custom ARIA attributes, focus management, high contrast modes). * Ensure 100% full keyboard navigation and screen reader compatibility (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver). * **Note:** We strictly require native code-level accessibility — no third-party overlay widgets (like Eye-Able or AccessiBe). 3. **Stripe Connect Integration:** * Integrate Stripe Connect for marketplace transactions, enabling automated split payments between platform commission and local scouts. 4. **Geolocation & Accessible Mapping:** * Integrate Google Maps API with dynamic filtering alongside an accessible parallel list view for keyboard and screen-reader users. 5. **Direct Messaging & Chat System:** * Build a secure pre-checkout messaging system allowing travelers to communicate with scouts before booking. --- ### **Required Skills & Qualifications:** * **Frontend/Full-Stack Mastery:** 5+ years of experience with React, Next.js, Node.js, TypeScript, and modern database architecture (PostgreSQL). * **Proven Accessibility Experience (a11y):** In-depth knowledge of WCAG 2.1 AA / 2.2 AA standards, ARIA specifications, and testing with screen readers (NVDA, VoiceOver). * **Marketplace & Payments:** Hands-on experience with Stripe Connect and marketplace payment routing. * **Architecture:** Mobile-First Universal Design mindset, PWA setup, performance optimization, and clean API structure. ### **Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have):** * **IAAP Certification:** WAS (Web Accessibility Specialist) or CPACC certification is a strong plus. * Prior experience building accessible e-commerce or marketplace platforms. --- ### **How to Apply:** Please submit your proposal with: 1. Examples or portfolio links of web applications you built natively according to **WCAG 2.1 AA** guidelines. 2. A brief overview of your experience with **Stripe Connect** and marketplace architectures. 3. Your hourly rate and estimated timeline for an initial MVP release.