Application Solutions Analyst

Job Summary

The Application Solutions Analyst supports, maintains, and enhances enterprise software applications and related software for the Registrar's Office, Student Services, Academic Programs, and Financial and Administrative Services across campus. Working under the supervision of the Director of Enterprise Application and Data Services, the Analyst manages application implementation, upgrades, troubleshooting, integrations, and customization for systems such as Ellucian Colleague, Recruit CRM, and Canvas. The role collaborates with departments to analyze business processes, automate workflows, and deliver technology solutions that improve efficiency.

Essential Job Functions

• ERP Responsibilities:
  • Performs administration of the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and other applications. Required duties include system configuration, installation of software upgrades, data refresh clones of supported environments, debugging/testing all implementations/upgrades, provisioning/maintaining end-user accounts, and security roles.
  • Supports user account management process, which includes working with Active Directory.
  • Develop expertise in business processes and ERP content areas utilized by campus functional areas and provide users with liaison and technical support for related applications.
  • Partner with departments to understand business workflows and translate them into system configurations and requirements.
  • Analyze, document, and optimize functional and technical processes tied to ERP and enterprise applications.
  • Develop, manage and support integrations between ERP systems and third-party applications (e.g., room scheduling, bookstore applications).
  • Supports the Learning Management System (LMS) and the integration with the intelligent Learning Platform (ILP) of the ERP System.
  • Affords assistance with administration of the reporting platform, including user account provisioning/removal, report folder structure, report/data security.
  • Collaborates with departments to integrate internal and external software applications with the College's enterprise system.
  • Documents workflow using organization and data flow charts and other related materials and produces application design specifications and documentation on inputs, outputs, and data structures.
  • Identifies and documents business processes and workflow that contribute to enhanced information flow by interviewing users, generating process documentation, and proposing process/automation solutions.
  • Disseminates best practices, creates technical documentation, and provides training to staff members on current and new applications.
  • Performs required analysis to ensure data extracted from the enterprise data repositories is accurate and meets the business needs.
  • Creates and maintains functional documentation, including process maps, system guides, and training materials.
  • Serves on College committees and/or external committees as directed by supervisor and/or Chief Information Officer.
• Data Services Responsibilities:
  • As needed assists with mandatory external reporting (IPEDS, state agencies, and accrediting bodies).
  • Supports data governance and contributes to reporting initiatives by facilitating accurate and accessible data flow across systems.
  • Responds to requests for information by preparing ad hoc reports, recurring reports, dashboards, and query analyses in various formats.
  • Interprets data to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies that inform strategy, operations, and organizational planning.
  • Designs, implements, and maintains robust data solutions that ensure accuracy, accessibility, and usability across the institution.
  • Works with department leadership and end-users to gather requirements, design and develop reports using enterprise reporting tools.
  • Works extensively with systems such as Colleague ERP, Ellucian Recruit, Ellucian Ethos, integrating data from multiple sources to provide actionable insights through reports and dashboards.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborates with faculty, deans, department leaders, IT, and student success teams.
• Moves operational and strategic initiatives of Cecil College forward, including opportunities that support validation, auditing, and improvements in strategic reporting and data management practices.
• Works with department leadership and end-users to gather requirements, design and develop reports using enterprise reporting tools.
• Interacts effectively with all levels of IT specialists, users, and administrators of the University, as well as outside vendors.
• Provides training and support on dashboards, reports, and data tools.
• Affords assistance with the development and maintenance of technical documentation for reports, projects, and change management.
• Translates complex requirements into practical solutions that align with institutional priorities.
• Serves on workgroups as assigned by supervisor.

Typical Tools & Systems Used

• ERP/SIS: Colleague
• Data Visualization: Ellucian Insights, Excel
• Databases: SQL Server, Snowflake
• Surveys: Qualtrics

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge:
• Variety of application types (web, mobile, desktop, cloud-based)
• Database structure (SQL Server, MySQL)
• Relational database concepts, tools, and techniques, including the use of Structured Query Language (SQL)
• ETL processes such as SQL Server Integration Services
• SQL Server Management Studio and related data tools such as SQL Server Analysis Services, MS Reporting Services, and Excel Services
• Principles and techniques of computer programming, basic online programming and programming documentation
• Variety of computer programming languages, including JAVAscript/JSON
• Knowledge of Azure Active Directory/MS Entra ID
• Operating procedures of computer systems and related equipment
• Principles and practices of database management systems
• Principles and techniques of system analysis and design
• Principles and techniques of business process analysis
• Reporting design and delivering reporting solutions
• End-user reporting tools
• Skills & Abilities To:
• Analyze, design, program, install, and maintain computer systems
• Identify, evaluate, and solve program problems
• Operate a variety of computer software applications and peripheral equipment
• Read, interpret, and apply complex technical publications, manuals, and other documents
• Prepare clear and concise computerized reports
• Report writing skills using a variety of technologies and software programs
• Strong desktop automation skills, including effective use of e-mail, word processors, spreadsheets, and the ability to use tools in conjunction with databases
• Time management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, communicate project status, and provide leadership and direction for assigned initiatives
• The ability to perform in a dynamic and team-oriented environment is essential
• Problem-solving and analytical skills are critical to be successful in this job
• Excellent documentation, organizational, and communication skills. Attention to detail is critical
• The ability to deal with conflicting deadlines regularly
• The ability to troubleshoot, research, and resolve root cause issues
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent Microsoft Office 365 skills (Outlook, Excel, Word) and the ability to become proficient with Teams/Zoom
• The ability to work cross-functionally, lead projects, and facilitate training
• The ability to work with staff of different technical aptitudes and communicate technical information to a non-technical audience
• The ability to become proficient in SQL
• The ability to work independently
• Requires problem-solving and analytical skills
• The ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• The ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• The ability to meet project schedule and timelines
• The ability to plan and organize work schedule
• The ability to learn new skills and adapt to changes in technology
• The ability to continuously update personal knowledge of industry-leading technology
• The ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
• The ability to provide basic procedural and technical guidance to functional areas regarding technology usage and management
• The ability to perform complex data analyses and reporting
• The ability to attend conferences and report back key findings and initiatives seen amongst other vendors and industries
• The ability to demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students

Minimum Requirements to Perform Work

• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree required, however, a combination of relevant education, professional certifications, and directly related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Required Experience: Two years of relevant experience and understanding of data and relational databases with the ability to write simple SQL commands. Ability to communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Proven ability to analyze and troubleshoot complex, cross-team applications and integrations.
• Preferred Experience: Strong understanding of business process analysis and system integration concepts. Experience working with Colleague or related ERP systems in higher education. Familiarity with frameworks and regulations such as ITIL, FERPA, and GLBA. Experience in a higher-ed environment. Experience web development tools such as JavaScript, jQuery, CSS, and HTML. Proven ability to analyze and troubleshoot complex, cross-team applications and integrations.