Systems Analyst

Rice University Minimal Template External Career Site•Houston, TX

4h•Hybrid

About The Position

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 a highly collaborative leader and strategic thinker with a demonstrated track record of information systems project and team management and who is adept at leading and motivating staff to achieve goals that result in team and organizational success.

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 or more (3+) years of related experience in application administration and support, including experience utilizing SQL and related SQL management tools 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 to maintain good customer relations with clients and external vendors and partners
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

Nice To Haves

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
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

Responsibilities

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