Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE 

Under general direction, design flexible application frameworks for enterprise applications supporting the division of University Relations and Development. Analyze and improve performance of software programs and analyze requirements for data integrations with other enterprise applications such as PeopleSoft Financials. Determine viable alternative solutions, make recommendations; and design, specify, obtain consensus from the stakeholders in University Relations and Development and implement solutions. This position may lead upgrades and small to medium projects for constituent relationship management (CRM) system (Ellucian's Advance) and other advancement/alumni applications. This position will work with the business partners of the application to gather specifications, design, develop, and test these complex systems. Responsible for developing and retaining core knowledge of the business application and become a key resource into troubleshooting performance issues. The position develops the technical architecture of these enterprise applications based on the customer's business needs and technology requirements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Proactively contribute to the strategic planning of applications and technology for University Relations and Development. Design and deliver high quality, high impact system solutions. Propose viable solutions to business problems/ requests, which considers end-to-end processes. Define and scope projects for University Relations and Development by following project management standards. Write system requirements and/or specification documents according to departmental standards. May lead and coordinate software upgrades and customization projects. Review project deliverables conformance to established standards. Establish project plans and project schedules per established standards. Create test plans, data, procedures and scripts. (35%)
Keep current on day-to-day issues which arise in connection with University Relations and Development staff to insure agreed upon service levels are met. Provide technical support for University Relations and Development software applications including analyzing, troubleshooting and resolving complex problems. Evaluate technology alternatives, determine and resolve problems. Work with developers and business systems analysts on detailed complex coding and design. Serve as a key resource to consultants and customers. Coordinate and integrate assigned work with other team members. Provide on-call and remote support as needed. Work with users to solve problems/issues and answer systems-related questions. Use honesty and integrity to keep university data confidential. (30%)
Develop best practices of the software development life cycle (SDLC) and software quality standards; work with staff to assure software documentation, customizations and modifications meet quality standards. Solve problems with application software Analyze data, processes and system interactions; identifies alternatives for establishing systems and data interfaces for converting to new technologies. Analyze data requirements, identify data sources; diagram data flow and data relationships; create logical design of applications databases from customer data requirements; develop database specifications; define file/table structures; analyze systems interface requirements, create the integration and migration programs. Design and develop programs to address requirements for data conversions. Test and debug applications and develop programs for automatic correction of erroneous data in conjunction with business analysts and customers. (30%)
 

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with staff within the division to maintain workflow/ exchange information.

University: Daily contact with University Relations and Development personnel to provide technical assistance with applications.

External: Contact with vendors as needed. 

Students: None.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No direct supervisory responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 7 years of progressive experience; preferably in advancement services.

Education: Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or related field.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Demonstrated proficiency in SQL for data querying and reporting within constituent relationship management (CRM) systems; experienced with CRM automation tools to streamline workflows and enhance engagement; skilled in building reports and dashboards using Argos, Ellucian Insights, and Power BI; familiar with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for CRM customization and web-based reporting; and knowledgeable in Microsoft Dynamics CRM, particularly as it relates to Ellucian CRM Advance.
Expert analytical abilities to uncover trends and insights within CRM data; solid understanding of data governance and compliance standards such as FERPA and GDPR to ensure data integrity; experienced in analyzing, improving, and documenting business processes across a variety of university-related functions; and skilled in project management, particularly for CRM implementations and system enhancements.
Working knowledge of fundraising and donor relations is preferred.
Expert knowledge in systems design principles, methodologies, and tools, including those applicable to web- based environments.
Ability to communicate complex material clearly in all formats and ensures clients understand the scope of their requests.
Strong knowledge of operations and objectives across the department, division, and university.
Have sound business communications with the ability to communicate complex material in ways the customers can understand.
Excellent English oral and written communication skills using sound business practices, with the ability to communicate effectively and engage with a varied user base having varied levels of technical proficiencies.
Working knowledge in database theory, design rules and development practices, including data modeling, data flow and entity relationship analysis.
Demonstrate thorough understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and utilize the ability to lead efforts in implementing life cycle practices.
Strong mentorship, leadership, and facilitation skills. Considered a resource for others.
Strong interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and negotiating skills.
Ability to look at situations from multiple perspectives, break problems into component parts, and look for underlying causes and think through the consequences of different courses of action.
Strong ability to identify various types of problems along with the creation of workable solutions. Requires the identification and analysis of problems, evaluation of alternatives, and provision of solutions.
Strong adaptability to handle difficult, stressful, or sensitive interpersonal situations in ways that reduce or minimize potential conflict and ability to maintain good working relationships among internal and external customers. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
Ability to develop in-depth understanding of client needs to be more helpful. The ability to consider how different audiences are likely to respond and choose the best method of communicating the message to each audience.
Need to have a strong flexibility to meet the constantly changing scope and needs of the department, division and customers being served. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple projects. Ability to optimize the use of time and resources to achieve the desired results; effectively plans and organizes work to minimize crises; prioritized appropriately.
Ability to work with technologies for which little or no documentation or precedence exists. Commitment to self-motivated lifelong learning. Computer proficiency (including Microsoft Office) and the ability to learn new programs.
Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
Ability to meet consistent attendance. 
 

WORKING CONDITIONS

Professional office setting. This position will have access to secured information such as alumni and donor personal information. There will be frequent pressure from demanding customers. Due to time constraints, many functions must be completed on set deadlines. Travel between various locations on campus will be required. The position requires typing on a computer keyboard and using a computer mouse and a printer. The employee will be required to attend meetings/functions outside normal working hours. The employee will be required are to carry a cell phone, during and after their normal work hours, including weekends to attend to after-hours emergencies.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 7 years of progressive experience; preferably in advancement services.

Education: Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or related field.