Functional Systems Analyst

University of Kansas•Lawrence, KS

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Functional Systems Analyst in Housing & Residence Life (HRL) creates, manages, and continuously improves technology systems and business processes that support departmental operations and strategic initiatives. This position serves as the primary administrator for HRL enterprise systems, including StarRez, CS Gold, GFMS, and other operational software platforms. The analyst collaborates with departmental staff, university partners, and external vendors to maximize system effectiveness, ensure data integrity, support reporting needs, and improve operational efficiency. The Functional Systems Analyst is responsible for system configuration, maintenance, testing, documentation, training, reporting, and user support. The position serves as a liaison between HRL staff, KU Information Technology, Student Information Systems, and third-party vendors to support system enhancements, integrations, and process improvements. This position reports to the Associate Director of Business & Strategic Initiatives and plays a critical role in supporting Housing & Residence Life business operations, data-informed decision-making, and customer service. The analyst will regularly access confidential student and employee information and is expected to maintain a high level of professionalism, accuracy, and discretion. Housing & Residence Life at the University of Kansas is home to over 5,000 students on the Lawrence campus in residence halls, apartments, and cooperative houses known as scholarship halls. Our office is strongly committed to promoting and supporting students during their time living on campus.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 1 year of relevant experience OR a high school diploma and 3 years of relevant experience.
Experience troubleshooting issues, analyzing information, and solving technical problems, as evidenced in application materials.
One year of experience translating functional requirements into technical capabilities.
Experience utilizing Microsoft Excel, including sorting, filtering, tables, and basic data analysis, as evidenced in application materials.
Excellent written communication skills, as evidenced by application materials.
This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position.
The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations

Nice To Haves

Experience creating reports, dashboards, and data analyses to support business decision-making, as evidenced in application materials.
Experience with data analysis, SQL, and reporting tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau), as evidenced in application materials.
Experience providing user training and technical support, as evidenced in application materials.
Experience evaluating business processes and implementing system-based improvements, as evidenced in application materials.
Experience administering housing management software such as StarRez, Mercury, or similar systems, as evidenced in application materials.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary functional administrator for StarRez and other Housing & Residence Life enterprise systems.
Manage system configuration, maintenance, testing, upgrades, and ongoing support to ensure functionality aligns with departmental business needs.
Collaborate with HRL leadership to evaluate and improve business processes through effective use of technology.
Configure workflows, communication templates, forms, reports, and automated processes within housing management systems.
Monitor system performance, data integrity, and security protocols to ensure accurate and consistent operations.
Coordinate user account creation, modification, and access management while maintaining appropriate security controls.
Monitor emerging technologies, system enhancements, and industry best practices relevant to housing operations; evaluate potential applications, develop recommendations, and lead or support implementation efforts that improve efficiency, user experience, data integrity, and student services.
Collaborate with university technology partners and vendors on system integrations, troubleshooting, testing, and implementation projects.
Participate in system audits and ensure compliance with university policies, procedures, and data governance standards.
Analyze departmental business practices and identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and operational efficiencies.
Develop and maintain reports, dashboards, and data queries that support strategic planning, occupancy management, assessment, and operational needs.
Assist with special projects, strategic initiatives, and system implementations impacting Housing & Residence Life operations.
Gather business requirements from stakeholders and translate operational needs into functional system solutions.
Lead or participate in project teams to evaluate, test, and implement system enhancements and process improvements.
Collaborate with campus partners including Student Information Systems, Financial Services, Information Technology, Dining Services, and Student Affairs offices to support cross-functional initiatives.
Provide functional support and troubleshooting assistance to Housing & Residence Life staff utilizing departmental systems.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, system documentation, user guides, and training materials.
Coordinate and deliver training for new and existing staff regarding system functionality, best practices, and operational procedures.
Maintain documentation of system configurations, workflows, security roles, and business processes.
Communicate system updates, enhancements, and operational changes to users and stakeholders.
Support departmental communications, scheduling, and administrative processes related to system operations and projects.
Coordinate meetings with vendors, technology partners, and departmental stakeholders as needed.
Assist with management of departmental operational calendars and implementation timelines.
Serve as a resource during peak operational periods, including housing contracting, room assignments, move-in, and occupancy management activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.