Programming Team Lead at LSU Foundation in Baton Rouge, LA

Kate Spikes

The candidate manages the programming team within the information services function in the LSU Foundation’s Advancement Services department. This position is critical to the success of development efforts, in an environment that is driven by data and information. The position will interact with all development and development support departments, as well as departments throughout the University, in providing appropriate and accurate information about the university's constituents and fund-raising financials. This position reports to the Director of Information Services, who reports to the Director of Advancement Services.



The position works with the various departments that relate to reporting, including Information Services and software vendors, as well as other LSU Foundation central departments (accounting, stewardship, etc.), to meet data needs accurately and efficiently. Needs are to be met through ad hoc reporting, creating reports that are scheduled and delivered electronically or via a portal, developing and maintaining a self-service environment, and providing training and on-point documentation for accessing all of these options. There should be a hyper focus on report integrity to ensure existing reporting activities keeps pace with changing business processes with processes built in for regular audits and updates.



Manage the staff during implementation, conversions, and upgrades; frequently act as the “lead” on projects, and assist in the training and mentoring of programming staff. Design a new reporting environment and capitalize on increased functionality at a time of system upgrade and enhancement or future conversions. Partner with other IS team leads to develop and maintain a variety of applications used by audiences both internal and external with a primary focus on enhancing the development process. Support LSU Foundation’s technical changes and priorities as related to the Advance system and other development applications.



The mission of the LSU Foundation is to inspire and shepherd philanthropic giving to LSU and builds long-lasting relationships with donors who bring life to current and emerging university priorities. Its desire is to support LSU in its quest to enhance the student experience, provide working capital to recruit and retain world-class faculty and staff, support life-changing research, and drive economic development. The Foundation is dedicated to stewarding each gift to maximize donors’ impact on making LSU one of the best universities in the world.



Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise programming staff and manage the daily requests and ongoing projects while aligning with organizational priorities

• Translate requests into accurate reflections of requirements, provide recommendations and plans for handing data, document processes, anticipate needs, write accurate and detailed reports, and develop and deliver training materials for using self-serve system functions

• Assist the Director of Information Services with gathering information and for monthly/quarterly/annual reports to LSU Foundation and University Leadership

• Serve as lead in all significant gift, campaign, metrics, and survey reports

• Work closely with the data management team to ensure integrity reports are operational and data points for reporting are in complete and accurate

• Adhere to Development/Donor Services’ policies and procedures

• Continually maintain a detailed level of knowledge of best practices in data management, training, and reporting environments among peer and other institutions

• Monitor and participate in relevant listservs, training opportunities, user groups, publications, and professional groups to maintain a strong knowledge of developments in the fields of advancement, reporting and database management



Required Qualifications

• BS degree in Information Science, Computer Science, Software Engineering or other relevant field or equivalent combination of training and experience

• Experience with fundraising software, preferably Ellucian Advance, telemarketing, human resources, student systems and campus financial systems

• Proficiency in information and database management

• Experience in a large software development team and display knowledge of a strict software development process

• Experience or equivalent knowledge of working in a fund-raising environment is essential

• Demonstrated experience as a self-directed visionary who can mold existing and new tools and pieces into a streamlined client-oriented program.

• Three years of supervisory experience

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to understand and follow complex directions and work in a cooperative group

• Ability to communicate effectively and regularly with director and co-workers about department issues and deal with difficult individuals while maintaining composure

• Excellent organizational and time management skills

• Ability to develop working specifications from vague and often changing requirements

• Proven work performance of consistency, accuracy, responsiveness

• Ability to work under pressure, with frequent interruptions and meet inflexible deadlines

• Ability to sit for extended periods; requires close contact with computer display, keyboard and mouse for prolonged periods



Ideal Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Information Science, Computer Science, Software Engineering or other relevant field or equivalent combination of training and experience

• Expert in Ellucian Advance and five years of supervisory experience

• Expert in CASE Reporting Standards and Management Guidelines

• Expert with report writing tools, SQL, PL/SQL and/or related tools

• An understanding of the development process, and development terminology





Qualified candidates may apply online at https://www.netchexonline.net/HumanResources/ExternalAppTracker/Default.aspx?ShareGUID=109a5324-bafd-4e52-8b42-35a982b052e2.



Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The LSU Foundation wishes to fill this position quickly, but finding the right candidate is more important than the timeline, therefore the position will remain open until filled.



An offer of employment is contingent upon a satisfactory pre-employment background check. The LSU Foundation is an equal opportunity/equal access employer.