Systems Analyst

Position Job Title: Systems Analyst

Location: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Reports To: Manager, Student Systems and Business Intelligence

Primary Purpose

We are seeking a qualified Systems Analyst to join our dynamic team at the University of Niagara Falls (UNF). This position will report directly to the Manager of Student Systems and Business Intelligence within the Registrar Office. The Systems Analyst is responsible for gathering requirements, maintenance, operations, and ongoing enhancement of various student information systems, including but not limited to the Ellucian Colleague SaaS platform, Ellucian Insights, Microsoft Power BI, and other applications at the University. This includes devising innovative solutions and integrating new technical processes to enhance the workflow, production, security, efficiency, and overall effectiveness of the business.

Specific Responsibilities

The Systems Analyst will be responsible for the following, as well as other related duties as assigned, to support the business objectives and purpose of the Office of the Registrar and the University:

• Developing and updating architectural framework for highly complex and confidential university-wide databases.
• Ensuring the seamless integration of new software applications and updates, conducting thorough testing, and providing support for implementation to maintain the stability and efficiency of the system.
• Coordinate all phases of testing including, but not limited to, system, integration, acceptance, regression, and performance.
• Work independently to identify and/or verify user needs; create user stories and test scenarios, interpreting requirements, fit or gap analysis, and acceptance testing of system solutions developed.
• Prepares training material and documentation for use by appropriate stakeholders.
• Perform advanced levels of analysis, problem solving and research skills to formulate solutions to complex business needs.
• Gather requirements through interviews, document analysis, workshops, surveys, business process descriptions, use cases, scenarios, business analysis, and task and workflow analysis.
• Liaison with the technical team to maintain the information technology issues database and track the status of open issues.
• Ensure that projects meet specified functionality requirements.
• Develops and maintains technical and business procedures and documentation, including process maps, integration requirement and specification documents, detailed design documents, data and metadata documentation while ensuring adherence and necessary adjustments due to policy changes (e.g., Internal, external (e.g., Ministry))
• Develop, implement, and document best practices to align with departmental and University strategies and processes.
• Troubleshoots system issues or challenges, removes system and record-related barriers, and identifies the best solution to meet stakeholder needs.
• Serves as a key resource and SIS-related subject matter expert on student records management, scheduling, course inventory, registration, and graduation processes.
• Collaborates with the IT department to support new system integrations by specifying requirements and ensuring adequate testing of new features and interfaces.
• Analyze diverse information sources, resolve conflicts, break down high-level details, abstract from specifics to a broader understanding, and differentiate user requests from underlying true needs.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with stakeholders within the Registrar Office and across campus, often acting as a liaison between functional and technical requirements.
• Monitors relevant business processes and stakeholder use of systems to identify opportunities for business process improvements.

Position Requirements

To be successful in the Systems Analyst role, an individual must possess, and be committed to developing, maintaining, and demonstrating the following:

Competencies:

• Excellent writing abilities and proven abilities to communicate effectively with all members of the university community, including senior administrators.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, synthesize and translate complex information and data sets for varied uses and diverse audiences and produce publications for multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, prioritize tasks, proactively plan, and anticipate and problem-solve issues as they arise.
• Excellent time management, prioritization, multi-tasking skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of academic and administrative staff and applicants/students.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work well as a team member in a fast-paced, professional environment.
• Ability to adapt to evolving technologies and changing business requirements.

Education and Experience:

• Post-Secondary Credential in Computer Science, Business, a related field of study or an acceptable combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of related work experience with enterprise systems and supporting technologies, preferably in a Student Information System (e.g., Peoplesoft, Ellucian Colleague/Banner, etc.) areas within a post-secondary institution or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in seamlessly integrating diverse systems and applications, with proficiency in testing to ensure both data accuracy and functionality.
• Hands-on experience providing direct support to cross-functional teams and stakeholders in system enhancements, maintenance, and operations of business information systems.
• Proven track record in successfully implementing system integrations, demonstrating expertise in connecting and harmonizing diverse software solutions.
• Proficient in SQL/PostgreSQL and working knowledge of relational databases with a preference for demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio.
• Proven record of successfully managing projects, working independently, analyzing systems and meeting deadlines.
• Experience in production application maintenance and support, and end-to-end project lifecycle activities.
• Possess an exceptional level of proficiency in the Microsoft Suite, demonstrating comprehensive skills in applications such as Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and collaborative tools like MS Teams and OneNote.

Use of AI Disclosure

University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF), UNF is committed to a fair and transparent recruitment process. While AI tools assist us in identifying and communicating with candidates, applications are reviewed by our dedicated Talent Acquisition team to ensure a thorough evaluation of all candidates.

We value diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment where all individuals have an equal opportunity to succeed. We comply with all relevant laws and regulations in Ontario and adhere to the highest standards of ethical hiring. We are committed to protecting your personal information and ensuring that all data collected during the recruitment process is handled with the highest level of confidentiality.

Diversity and Inclusivity Statement

University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF) is strongly committed to equity, diversity, and inclusivity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of color, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

University of Niagara Falls Canada recognizes that applicants may have had obligations outside of work that have negatively impacted their record of achievements (e.g., parental, elder care, and/or medical). You are not required to disclose these obligations in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, UNF will ensure that these obligations do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact jobs@unfc.ca.