Systems Analyst Senior

Department: Student Finance
Salary/Grade: ITS/81

Job Summary:

Provide managerial and technical support to the Director of Student Finance; direct and manage the operations and technical functions of the Student Finance Systems unit at all Northwestern locations. Oversee all data management, research and analysis and the staff who perform those functions; provide technical project management as well as direction and thought leadership to develop strategic goals and objectives; define associated metrics to measure results; create and obtain resources to ensure success.

Collaborate with campus partners such as registrars, Financial Aid, IT, Provost, etc. as well as external partners on process improvement projects in support of our ongoing mission to provide transformative customer service and ongoing process improvement.

Specific Responsibilities:

Administration

• Oversees & ensures that day-to-day operations of SF Systems team are appropriately managed, efficient and effective.
• Participate in developing IT strategy to meet the mission & needs of the unit.
• Collaborates with the Director to design and monitor strategic metrics that identify customer demand trends, service delivery, and process efficiency
• Work collaboratively with SF staff, IT support staff, and internal partners across the university to evaluate and reengineer business processes and use of technology using LEAN or similar process improvement methodology.
• Provides project management for all technical improvement initiatives led by the department.
• Supports and encourages a culture of collaboration, learning and experimentation.
• Serve as technical liaison to vendors, campus and University units on Student Finance processes
• Provide authoritative, detailed professional and technical knowledge regarding SF systems and interfaces.

IT Services

• Serve as primary advisor to Director regarding overall system management and operations of the Systems unit that includes major program development
• Develop and maintain products and services and assist in providing technical and administrative support to internal and external customers utilizing these products and services.
• Develop, evaluate and administer strategies that allow Student Finance to capitalize on the capabilities of delivered software.
• Exercise knowledge and methodology of technical business systems through development of financial reports for business users.
• Tracking relevant legislation, rules, regulations, tools, procedures, technical specifications, and upgrade developments in the field.
• Provide guidance and leadership as required to University committees and business units, professional organizations, and state and federal entities.
• Manages implementation of software upgrades and maintenance in PeopleSoft CampusSolutions software and other Northwestern administrative systems as well as specific Student Finance applications. This includes but not limited to: development of requirements, documentation of current business processes, writing test scripts and performing detailed testing for complex use cases, development of implementation plan, and coordination of testing and implementation with SF and Northwestern community staff.

Supervision

• Supervises SF Systems Staff
• Trains SF Systems Staff
• Hires SF Systems Staff
• Evaluates SF Systems Staff performance
• Provides work direction to other employees

Office Standards and Expectations

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Serves on the Student Finance Office's management team to support and guide office operations.
• Engages in professional development activities and stays current on regulations and best practices.
• Attends and presents at seminars and conferences to develop professional expertise and networks and to positively represent Northwestern University.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 4 years functional/business/system analysis or other relevant experience.
• Experience with Visio, Smartsheet, SharePoint, Microsoft Office, and other administrative project management and collaborative tools.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Communication-Oral and Written: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to understand and translate complex requirements, facilitate meetings and make effective presentations, and the ability to produce clear, concise documents and communications.
• Extensive experience working directly with end users, including staff and faculty.
• Problem Solving: Formulates realistic plans and contingencies and establishes appropriate measurements of anticipated results.
• Synthesis skills: Ability to synthesize complex information and draw conclusions and insights.
• Critical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Ability to coordinate projects
• Strong analytic skills
• Ability to thrive under deadlines

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or advanced degree.
• Experience in higher education administration, especially in student information systems or student services roles.
• Experience with PeopleSoft ERP systems

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Coachability: Being receptive to feedback; willing to learn; embracing continuous improvement.
• Efficiency: Planning ahead; managing time well; being on time; being cost conscious; thinking of better ways to do things
• Familiarity with LEAN or other process improvement methodology helpful.
• Ability to acquire technical and functional proficiency with new software applications

Target hiring range for this position will be between $120,000-$124,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.