IT Business & Project Management Analyst

Under general direction, oversee pre-implementation through completion of a variety of technology project portfolios, individual projects and program assignments, including hardware and software customizations, installations, adoptions, optimizations, upgrades and virtualization rollouts; work with a variety of technologies, consultants, contractors and internal staff to develop metrics and protocols to support software development for college and end users; initiate, plan, schedule, control and bring closure to multiple large, high profile and high priority projects and initiatives which contribute to efforts that support the mission, vision and strategic goals of the College through the effective planning and use of technologies.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
The classification specification does not describe all duties performed by all incumbents within the class. This summary provides examples of typical tasks performed in this classification series.

• Develop project plans for information technology projects and manage the execution of project activities from concept and design through implementation and close-out including project objectives, technologies, system specifications, industry standards, schedules, budget, funding and staffing. "E"

• Develop and design process-mapping strategies and tools to identify customer needs, translating them into technology development specifications; research and recommend off-the-shelf and custom build products that meet user needs; participate in and/or lead the design and implementation of test and inspection methods to identify defects and problems in software applications. "E"

• Lead steering committees, work with internal and external stakeholders to develop project goals, identify objectives, expectations, resources and timelines for completion to assure that projects are completed on time and within budget; lead or participate in the development and documentation of work breakdown structures (WBSs); coordinate workflow, tasks, schedules and resource plans; recommend processes; define project scope, requirements, budget, risk, milestones and deliverables and prepare and present a variety of executive summaries and recommendations, as appropriate. "E"

• Conduct feasibility and cost/benefit analyses of project proposals with respect to deadlines, technology and business needs and integration with current and future systems. "E"

• Develop and use modeling tools to document the current state of business processes as well as the desired future state; transfer knowledge of business implications to application/database developers and project managers for software development preparation. "E"

• Develop GAP analyses and conceptual designs necessary to meet business objectives; create detailed business requirement documents, diagram business processes, complete business cases, and translate into functional specifications. "E"

• Ensure that business and functional requirements meet expectations and achieve agreed upon business outcomes; obtain input from appropriate business, technical and academic stakeholders and staff. "E"

• Collaborate with developers and subject matter experts to establish the technical vision and analyze tradeoffs between usability and performance needs; serve as liaison between business units, technology teams and support teams; support colleagues in learning and sharing information and experiences regarding business software planning and development issues, problems and concerns. "E"

• Evaluate information gathered from multiple sources, reconcile differences, deconstruct broad information into details, abstract up from low-level information to a general understanding, and distinguish user requests from underlying actual needs. "E"

• Write testing plans, create quality assurance standards, identify ways to improve project outcomes, conduct internal review and audit of assigned projects' activities and verify projects follow established standards; prioritize and resolve issues, coordinate project changes, and/or escalate as appropriate. "E"

• Coordinate with, assign tasks and lead internal and cross-departmental project teams comprised of staff, vendors and/or contractors, to execute project implementation plans and monitor work performance, payments and other related activities; facilitate and/or lead project team meetings and discussions to reach consensus and document decisions. "E"

• Oversee project operations, through contractor and/or client communications and consultations, risk mitigation, issues' resolution and progress and status reporting; prepare project status reports by collecting, analyzing and summarizing information and trends. "E"

• Track action items and deliverables and evaluate project progress to ensure that projects stay within the prescribed scope, time frame and budget, and that results meet the intended goals, objectives, deadlines, quality standards and stakeholder expectations; communicate with project stakeholders' regarding projects' status, schedules, issues and concerns. "E"

• Develop and maintain detailed, clear, complete and accessible project files and documentation in accordance with legal and College requirements and industry best practices. "E"

• Work with College purchasing and contracting staff, stakeholders and suppliers to develop Requests for Proposals (RFPs), conduct bid analyses, review vendor and contractor submittals; advise leadership on awarding contracts and monitor vendor and contractor work performance, payments and similar activities. "E"

• Conduct database, web, and applications testing including designing and manipulating test data; develop, document and maintain functional test cases and other test artifacts like the test data, data validation, harness scripts and automated scripts. "E"

• Maintain and develop professional skills through ongoing training and career development, including self-study, classroom training, and industry seminars and workshops; attend and participate in meetings, conferences, and seminars relevant to systems business applications development, project management and quality assurance metrics. "E"

• Participate in and/or lead continual assessment and development of internal project management standards and processes; ensure that new standards, processes and templates are documented for future projects. "E"

• Participate in strategic planning and program management for multiple, competing projects through the prioritization of tasks, alignment of skills and delegation of resources, including technology, consultants, contractors, staff and funding. "E"

• May provide training, work direction and guidance to full- and part-time employees and student workers; may provide input into the recruitment, interviewing and selection processes.

• Perform related duties as assigned.

Note: At the end of some of the duty statements there is an italicized E which identifies essential duties required of the classification. This is strictly for use in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS:
The IT Business & Project Management Analyst administers and provides hands-on leadership, support and oversight to the full scope of project management and business systems analysis activities over large-scale, complex, Information Technology portfolios, projects and processes. Employees work with end users, consultants, contractors, vendors, College staff and others to analyze and map-out business needs, resource allocations, budgets, workflow systems and quality assurance testing strategies to define and manage projects from pre-implementation to completion, ensuring completed projects meet defined scope of work and end-users' needs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education, Training & Experience:

• Is typically obtained through a combination of education, training and experience equivalent to completion of a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Project Management, Engineering, Business Administration or closely related field and a minimum of three (3) years of experience in IT project management and/or assessing business requirements for implementation of information technology solutions and working on IT software or infrastructure projects is required.

• Professional designation as a Project Management Professional (PMP) is preferred. Experience serving in a lead role, and experience in higher education or a large, multi-unit public sector organization is highly desirable.

• Any other combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities may be considered.

Special Requirements:
Some positions in this classification series may require a valid driver's license, use of personal transportation and proof of liability insurance.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
Knowledge of:

• Enterprise-wide requirements definition and management systems and methodologies.

• Databases, schemas, SQL scripts, and database queries.

• Basic computer programming languages, operating systems, hardware and software applications utilized by the College.

• Software and product development life cycle methodologies and best practices including procurement, requirements analysis, design, development testing, documentation and training.

• IT concepts, basic operating principles of data communications and information systems hardware and software.

• Analytical and project management skills, including a thorough understanding of how to interpret customer business needs and translate them into application and operational requirements.

• Project management and record keeping preparation techniques.

• Oral and written communication skills.

• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.

• Effective customer service skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

• Software testing processes and methodologies.

• Project Management software.

• Strategic planning and project management methodologies.

• Operations, capabilities and limitations of College technologies, hardware and software.

• Systems and procedure analysis, design and documentation.

• Microsoft Office Suite software applications.

• Project management applications, software and technologies.

• Process, workflow, contract and resource management techniques.

• Cost Management techniques, including creating accurate budget forecasts and estimates, expenditure schedules, budget monitoring and adjustments.

• Principles of feasibility assessment, quality assurance, change management and process improvement.

• Effective oral and written communication techniques.

• Elements of effective leadership, teambuilding, collaboration and consensus building.

Ability to:

• Identify test requirements from specifications, map test case requirements and design test coverage plan.

• Elicit requirements using interviews, document analysis, workshops, surveys, site visits, business process descriptions, use cases, scenarios, and business, task and workflow analyses.

• Proactively communicate and collaborate with external and internal customers to analyze information needs and functional requirements.

• Perform feasibility analyses, scope projects, and work with project management teams to prioritize deliverables, and negotiate on product functionalities.

• Understand, interpret, and deconstruct technical concepts, rules, procedures, and policies into operational applications.

• Communicate technical concepts and procedures to a variety of technical and non-technical audiences.

• Develop requirements' specifications, using language appropriate for non-technical end-users.

• Read and understand technical sketches, drawings and specifications.

• Understand and resolve technology issues, complaints or problems.

• Develop business process models and track budgets; design, implement and maintain documentation for workflow procedures and other project tracking needs.

• Ensure fiscal control and accountability for project budgets.

• Participate in creating Requests for Proposals and in vendor selection and material procurement process.

• Use project tracking/work breakdown system software.

• Work effectively and collaboratively in an ever-changing, multi-tasking, multi-deadline, environment.

• Provide work direction, guidance, assistance and leadership to consultants, contractors and staff for assigned projects.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships; deliver a high-level of customer service to district stakeholders.

• Participate in the development and implementation of short- and long- term strategic plans and project management standards.

• Maintain current knowledge of technological advances in the field.

• Work independently with minimal direction.

• Provide exemplary customer service in a courteous, prompt and efficient manner.

• Work with a variety of college and program specific software programs and hardware in an ever-evolving technology environment.

• Meet schedules and timelines.

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Persons with certain disabilities may be capable of performing the essential duties of this class with or without reasonable accommodation, depending on the nature of the disability.

Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment.
Hazards: Potential interaction with distressed individuals.
Physical Demands: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment and technologies; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; kneeling, bending at the waist, reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally to retrieve and store files and supplies; lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying office equipment, supplies and materials weighing up to 25 pounds; emotional stability to work effectively under pressure and to keep all aspects of the job under control; hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone; seeing to read, prepare and assure the accuracy of documents.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
MHCC only accepts applications through our online application system at http://agency.governmentjobs.com/mhcc/default.cfm. For technical assistance with this, please call 877-204-4442.

Please note:  We do not request or read letters of recommendation.  Also, it is not necessary to upload a large number of documents with your materials.  We are looking for the required documents and perhaps one or two additional documents of your choosing (optional).  Faculty applications require a current resume, cover letter and official transcripts (copies are fine for application purposes) and/or any required certificates or licenses.

Please note:  this is initially a self-screening system.  We recognize that our application process can be lengthy, so before you begin, please read all of the stated requirements to determine if you meet them.  Applicants must meet all of the stated minimum qualifications and additional requirements to be considered for this position.  Based on your responses to the qualifying questions, the system may automatically screen you out from further consideration.

Position subject to budget consideration and approval.  For the candidate who is hired into this position, salary placement will be based on guidelines in the faculty association agreement to assess education and experience.  For this reason, please be sure to include everything in your application that you want the college to consider towards placement.  Any appeals to placement must be submitted in writing to the human resources recruitment specialist no later than one week after an offer is made.

Final candidates will be subject to a criminal background check as part of the employment process. 

MHCC is NOT able to support Visa applications for employment at the college. Applicants must already be eligible to work in the United States to be considered.

MHCC provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment in accordance with ORS 408.225, 408.230, and 408.235; OAR 105-040-0010 and 105-040-0015.

Qualifying veterans and disabled veterans may obtain preference by submitting as verification of eligibility a copy of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214 or 215) or a letter from the US Dept. of Veteran's Affairs indicating receipt of a non-service connected pension to your application. Disabled Veterans must also submit a copy of their Veteran's disability preference letter from the Dept. of Veteran Affairs, unless the information is included in the DD Form 214 or 215. 

If you are seeking this preference, appropriate documentation must be provided at the time of application.  You may submit an electronic copy in the document upload area of the application in the section marked "veterans' preference document," or fax to 503-491-7257 or mail to Human Resources, Mt. Hood Community College, Gresham, OR   97030.  If you do not have your documentation, you may request it through your Veterans' Administration Office. 

Applicants with disabilities may request accommodation to complete the application and interview process. Please notify Human Resources at least three working days prior to the date of need.

Mt. Hood Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively supports workforce diversity.