Digital Solutions Specialist

University of Washington • Seattle, WA

1d

About The Position

The Office of Research is seeking a Digital Solutions Specialist to translate operational needs and service opportunities into practical digital solutions. The role focuses on workflow automation, AI-enabled support tools, technology integration, data-informed services, and scalable digital service delivery, using enterprise-licensed and emerging platforms such as Microsoft Power Automate, Power BI, and UW-supported artificial intelligence tools.

Reporting to the Executive Director of the Research Administration Collaborative, the specialist works throughout the solution lifecycle, from problem definition and requirements development through prototyping, testing, implementation, adoption, and continuous improvement. The role combines technical fluency with an understanding of business processes and user needs, and operates within institutional technology, data governance, security, accessibility, and responsible AI requirements. The specialist collaborates with central technology partners when a solution requires capabilities beyond the role’s scope or authority.

The position is part of the Office of Research, which is led by the Vice Provost for Research and oversees the Human Subjects Division (HSD), Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), and Office of Research Information Services (ORIS). This is a regular, 100% FTE position on the first shift. The stated annual pay range is $108,000 to $132,000.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in information systems, business, public administration, data analytics, computer science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in research administration, technology integration, data and reporting, or business analysis.
• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except where legal requirements apply.

Nice To Haves

• Experience designing, configuring, or implementing technology-enabled business solutions.
• Experience translating business or user requirements into functional digital solutions.
• Ability to learn and apply low-code/no-code, automation, analytics, or AI platforms.
• Ability to manage multiple solution-development efforts from concept through implementation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, documentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with technical specialists, business stakeholders, and end users.
• Experience with Microsoft Power Platform, including Power Automate and Power BI.
• Experience developing or configuring AI assistants, agents, copilots, or related generative AI applications.
• Experience with API-based integrations, structured data, connectors, or enterprise information systems.
• Familiarity with user-centered design, business process analysis, and Agile or iterative development methods.
• Experience in higher education, research administration, or another complex regulated environment.
• Familiarity with data governance, information security, accessibility, and responsible AI practices.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain digital solutions that improve the efficiency and reliability of research administration services.
• Develop workflow automations using Microsoft Power Automate and other approved platforms.
• Translate defined business requirements into functional workflows, applications, dashboards, and digital tools.
• Prototype, test, deploy, document, and maintain solutions through an iterative development lifecycle.
• Identify opportunities to replace repetitive manual processes with sustainable, scalable solutions.
• Define and request improvements to existing tools and identify needs for new tools.
• Develop and responsibly implement AI-enabled tools that improve access to information, decision support, and administrative services.
• Build and configure UW-supported AI agents for defined research administration use cases.
• Develop agent instructions, knowledge sources, workflows, and guardrails with subject matter experts.
• Test AI outputs for accuracy, reliability, usability, and appropriate escalation to human expertise.
• Monitor deployed solutions and refine them based on performance, user feedback, and evolving requirements.
• Manage small-scale technical projects, including gathering business requirements and authoring specifications.
• Configure solutions that connect approved platforms, data sources, and business processes.
• Develop reusable components and approaches that can scale across services and user groups.
• Partner with institutional technology teams when solutions require enterprise integrations, advanced development, or system-level changes.
• Maintain technical and operational documentation for supported solutions.
• Evaluate new information, system products, or services and suggest changes that better support end users.
• Develop Power BI reports and dashboards that translate operational data into useful service information.
• Automate recurring reporting and data preparation where appropriate.
• Collaborate with business owners to define meaningful measures and reporting requirements.
• Support monitoring of digital solution adoption, performance, and effectiveness.
• Manage relationships with external stakeholders and internal IM groups.
• Collaborate with Business Analyst and User Experience colleagues to define problems, requirements, and user needs before development.
• Engage users in prototyping, testing, and evaluation of proposed solutions.
• Adapt deployment, communication, and support approaches for different user populations and levels of technical experience.
• Incorporate user feedback and service data into iterative improvements.
• Advise clients on best practices.
• Evaluate emerging capabilities for potential research administration applications.
• Promote appropriate standards for solution documentation, maintainability, accessibility, and responsible AI use.
• Share reusable approaches, lessons learned, and technical knowledge with colleagues.
• Contribute to digital service planning and prioritization.

Benefits

• The posting refers applicants to the UW staff benefits information page.
• Opportunities for professional growth.
• Work in an environment described as diverse, intellectually exciting, and supportive of artistic pursuits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level