Applications Analyst Hybrid Opportunity

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Applications Analyst analyzes, develops, deploys, administers, and supports information systems and related technology to support core business and organizational functions in Administration and Finance.

Essential Functions

• Performs Business Analysis: Researches, reviews, and analyzes the effectiveness and efficiency of existing systems and processes; develops strategies for enhancing these systems and processes. Makes recommendations and/or identifies alternatives for improving processes. Meets with decision makers, systems owners, and end users to define business requirements and systems goals, and identify and resolve business systems issues. Ensures compatibility and interoperability of in-house and third-party systems and related interfaces. Consults with users to identify current operating procedures and to clarify program objectives. Identify opportunities that can improve efficiency of business processes. Participates in database analysis activities such as: user interface design, usability, testing, and implementation. Participates in planning, design, development, and implementation of new applications and enhancements to existing applications.
• Performs Application and Operational Support: Supports staff in the use of various types of software programs and systems to effectively and efficiently fulfill business objectives. Attains proficiency in use and data structure of software applications used and supported by Administrative Systems. Manages the life cycle of problems from identification, root cause analysis, remediation, documentation, and ticket close. Monitors progress of requests for support and ensure users and other interested parties are kept informed. Develops reports and scripts using various reporting tools such as PeopleSoft Query tool, PeopleSoft SQR, Crystal Reports, SQL, Microsoft Access, and Summit Financial Reporting.
• Database Administration: Configures, administers, monitors, and maintains applications. Defines security roles. Migrates data between systems. Sets and maintains data integrity and standards within applications. Makes customized changes to applications to support business processes.
• System Acquisition and Deployment: Provides project management for in-house and third party system implementations and enhancement projects including documenting business processes, defining scope, writing project specifications, developing detailed technical and user documents, liaisons with appropriate individuals and groups, and coordinating the work of others assigned to a project. Participates in the creation of the system design and functional specifications for all new development projects. Collaborates with Administration and Finance staff, campus IT and vendor staff on technology projects and implementations.
• Maintaining working knowledge of information systems and other services in Administration and Finance and related areas. Actively participates and engages in staff meetings, project/planning topics, departmental functions and on work teams. Maintains a positive attitude and serves as positive role model; models inclusiveness, respect and responsibility. Understands, communicates and follows University and A&F policies, procedures and guidelines.

Other Functions

Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, Executive Area/Division, and University goals and objectives.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's degree preferably in an information technology related field with minimum 4 years' experience with systems and database administration, application design, analysis and/or computer applications support; or in lieu of the degree, an additional 6 years work experience with systems and database administration, application design, analysis and/or computer applications support.
• Working technical knowledge in relevant programming language. Moderate knowledge of SQL; knowledge and experience with relational databases and web applications.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with desktop applications and networking. Demonstrated experience in coding, testing, and debugging reports using end-user reporting tools.
• Must possess strong customer service, communication, critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills to include the ability to apply knowledge acquired in other circumstances. Ability to work well with people from many different disciplines with varying degrees of technical expertise.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a multiple priority environment. Proven ability to be flexible and work hard, both independently and in a team environment, in an environment with changing priorities.
• Requires some off hour and weekend response to meet deadlines, for system upgrades, to resolve critical problems, and for high profile business operations.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Understanding of Microsoft Active Directory Group Policies.
• Knowledge of Hospitality IT Applications (e.g., Point-of-Sales, Property Management Systems).
• Knowledge of Healthcare IT Applications (e.g., Electronic Health Record, Laboratory Information Management Systems).
• Knowledge of Facilities Management IT Applications (e.g., Work Order Management Systems, Building Control Systems).
• Experience with other operating systems such as MAC OS, iOS or Linux.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday 8:30m - 5pm.
• This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Level 27

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage, please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color,.