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Applications Systems Manager

Northwestern University, IL
Job Level
Mid-level position
Post Date
09/26/2018
Job Category
Manager / Supervisor
Sector
  • Information Technology
Job Status
Areas of Responsibility
  • Network / Systems
Link to Job Posting
This position is responsible for 1) partnering with the Technical Application Manager and Director to manage the University's enterprise applications ensuring sustainability, interoperability and reliability of these systems in the context of overall administrative systems and institutional initiatives; 2) working in partnership with business leaders in central offices and schools to understand their needs and translate them into effective technology solutions; 3) leading a diverse team of functional system analysts to complete an agreed upon portfolio of projects and provide support for institutional initiatives; 4) collaborating with other University technology teams to plan and deliver effective IT services; and 5) performing management functions, including budgeting, procurement, vendor management, contract negotiation, and personnel evaluations and actions. 
This role collaborates with the departmental leadership team to define project management approaches, standards and tools to take projects from creative concept through implementation. Approves appropriate project scope and objectives. Ensures consistency to quality standards and reviews project deliverables. Leads the integration of consulting resources and controls to monitor their effectiveness. Responsible for direct supervision of team members, ensuring appropriate work assignments, scheduling and training. The manager plays a role in a wide range of activities including needs analysis, vendor communication, meeting facilitation, project scoping, project coordination, and deployment. This position is also responsible for collaborating with other Application Systems managers to oversee project work and cross-functional resource requirements

Specific Responsibilities:

  • Leadership and Management

    • Directly supervise a team of system analysts.

    • Develop and motivate a results oriented team of systems analysts with the ability to deliver high quality analysis, requirements gathering, functional design and testing.

    • Ensure appropriate functional resource allocation to meet project and institutional objectives.

    • Oversee annual performance excellence process for functional resources, ensuring accurate review and appropriate identification of training and professional development opportunities.

    • Partner with Technical Applications Manager and Director to support annual salary planning process.

  • Portfolio Management

    • Partner with IT governance structures, peers and business partners to establish and manage department project portfolio in alignment with strategic direction and business initiatives.

    • Support implementation of Northwestern IT strategic initiatives.

    • Provide oversight for project prioritization, scheduling, staffing and adherence to deadlines.

    • Manage functional application support activities ensuring timely resolution of open issues, accurate documentation and service delivery focus.

  • Project Management

    • Collaborate with departmental leadership team to define project management approaches, standards and tools using a continuous improvement approach.

    • Approve appropriate project scope and objectives.

    • Manages the integration of consulting resources and controls to monitor their effectiveness.

    • Resolve barriers to project success.

    • Ensure quality standards and accurate documentation of work products.

  • Collaboration

    • Establish and maintain strong working relationships with primary business partners. Identify and implement achievable technology solutions to meet business objectives.

    • Consult with school and department representatives to understand goals and initiatives and identify appropriate opportunities to support them.

    • Collaborate with other technology groups to ensure coordination of services and shared activities.

    • Drive collaboration with peers to enable effective information sharing, cross team collaboration and propagation of shared standards

Performs other duties as assigned. 
Minimum Qualifications:

  • A Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field, or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired.

  • A minimum of nine years experience in a professional information technology environment supporting application software.

  • A minimum of five years experience in leadership roles.

  • Experienced in managing the implementation of application software, possess a combination of both functional and technical skills and have superb communication and collaboration skills.

  • Able to help others from disparate user groups make decisions and work together.

  • Ability to work independently and be able to work with departmental, technical, and other staff involved in the development, deployment, maintenance, and support of an enterprise system.

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

  • Aptitude for learning new technologies

  • Communication-Oral, written and listening

  • Managing People

  • Leadership

  • Collaboration and Relationship Building

  • Planning

  • Organization

  • Managing Issues (Escalation)

  • Project Management

  • Service Management

  • Change Agent

  • Service Excellence

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

  • A minimum of 3 years experience supporting and managing large enterprise applications.

  • Deep knowledge of business functions in one or more of the following areas: Alumni, Student, Human Resources, Financials, Reporting and Analytics, Research, PMO or Enabling Technologies.

  • Experience in a higher education or large distributed multi-national corporate environment.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

  • Coaching / Mentoring

  • Innovation / Creativity

  • Interpersonal skills (listening, emotional intelligence)

  • Public Speaking/Presentations

  • Strategic Thinking

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. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.