Systems Analyst-Rice University

Toni Parker

Position Summary
Reporting to the Director, Development Information Services, the Systems Analyst works at an experienced level supporting Rice University’s alumni/development system (OwlConnect, powered by Blackbaud CRM) and related applications, including the integrations to and from other campus systems. The Systems Analyst has expertise in a combination of technical and business application areas and actively participates in new technology initiatives. This position is responsible for working with OwlConnect users to develop queries, reports, automated business processes, integrations to third party systems and data warehouse solutions to support their business needs.

The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment managing multiple tasks and has strong verbal and written communication skills and analytical skills, as well as strong attention to detail, especially regarding data quality.

• Skills Required
o Knowledge of computer system capabilities, business processes and workflow
o Understanding of the software development life cycle
o Experience with enterprise applications and understanding of database driven applications
o Experience with SQL scripting
o Skill in conducting interviews
o Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to bridge functional and technical resources by communicating effectively with individuals of varying systems expertise and business needs
o Listening, negotiation and conflict resolution skills

Ability to maintain good customer relations with clients and external vendors and partners
Substitutions

Essential Functions
• Analyzes and documents user needs, existing and new policies, processes, procedures and operational methods to consider possible improvements to new and existing systems
• Utilizes elicitation techniques to understand business processes and translate into system requirements and/or development of systems solutions
• Defines and documents business requirements and test cases for system developments
• May include the writing of all or a portion of functional specifications
• Coordinates with business and technology teams, ascertaining system requirements, such as program functions, output requirements, input data acquisition, and system techniques and controls
• Problem solves in areas such as system design, input/output requirements and procedural flow between departments and/or business systems
• Performs configuration of enterprise application software
• Performs testing of new systems, upgrades and patching of existing systems; may include developing test plans
• Conducts and documents results of testing
• May develop instructional materials, training and job aids
• Performs all other duties as assigned
Additional Functions/Information
• Builds ad hoc queries, reports and business processes using standard Blackbaud CRM features/functionality
• Builds custom business process and data integrations
• Supports system users with issues, new requests and system upgrades
• Collaborates with team members and individuals across the Development and Alumni Relations division to develop best practices, re-usable objects and effective documentation
• Has frequent contact with division staff and other university offices
• Open office environment
• Many hours spent in front of a computer
• Evening/weekend and on call work as required to meet project deadlines and/or maintain system availability
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Management Information Systems, or a related field
• Three years related experience in application administration and support
• Experience utilizing SQL and related SQL management tools, including SSMS, SSAS, SSIS and SSRS

• No substitutions for education or experience allowed.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience
o Four or more years of related experience in application software support
o Programming experience utilizing SQL and related SQL tools, and report development tools using SSRS and/or Tableau
o Experience developing business intelligence solutions
o Experience building SSIS (SQL Server Integration Services) packages
o Experience with project management methodologies
o Experience with REST APIs
o Experience with alumni/development database systems, preferably Blackbaud CRM
o Experience in non-profit or higher education setting
o Thorough understanding and working knowledge of alumni relations and/or fundraising
• Skills
o Excellent organizational skills
o Strong attention to detail
o High levels of overall organization, accuracy and time management
o Goal oriented with the ability to prioritize a heavy workload
o Willingness to take charge of assignments and follow through with minimal supervision
o Ability to work with high level of confidentiality
o Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite