Systems Analyst-Rice University

Job Description

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior 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.

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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Management Information Systems, or a related field
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
• Three years of related experience in application administration and support, including experience utilizing SQL and related SQL management tools (SSMS, SSAS, SSIS and SSRS)
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
• Skills Required
  • Knowledge of computer system capabilities, business processes and workflow
  • Experience with enterprise applications and understanding of database driven applications
  • Experience with SQL scripting
  • Strong understanding of the software development life cycle
  • 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
  • Proven problem solving and analytical thinking and ability to approach problems logically and systematically
  • Ability to maintain good customer relations with clients and external vendors and partners

Essential Functions

• Builds ad hoc queries, reports and business processes using standard Blackbaud CRM features/functionality     
• Builds custom business process and data integrations using SQL
• 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
• 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, technical specifications and test cases for system developments
• May include the writing of all or a portion of functional and technical 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
• Plans, conducts and documents results of testing
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• 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

Preferences

• Four or more years of related experience in application software support
• Programming experience utilizing SQL and related SQL tools, and report development tools using SSRS, PowerBI and/or Tableau
• C# programming experience
• Experience developing business intelligence solutions
• Experience building SSIS (SQL Server Integration Services) packages
• Experience with project management methodologies
• Experience with REST APIs
• Experience with alumni/development database systems, preferably Blackbaud CRM
• Experience in non-profit or higher education setting
• Thorough understanding and working knowledge of alumni relations and/or fundraising
• Skills
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Strong attention to detail
  • High levels of overall organization, accuracy and time management
  • Goal oriented with the ability to prioritize a heavy workload
  • Willingness to take charge of assignments and follow through with minimal supervision
  • Ability to work with high level of confidentiality
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Rice University HR | Benefits 

Rice Mission and Values

Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

About Us

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.