Microsoft Solutions Specialist

About the role

The Microsoft Solutions Specialist assists the Senior Intranet Architect with the design, development, planning, implementation, configuration, monitoring, maintenance, governance, and adoption of Grinnell College's Microsoft 365 environment and related collaboration, communication, productivity, and automation technologies. This role supports Microsoft 365 applications including SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, Forms, Lists, Planner, Power Platform, Copilot, and related technologies, applying knowledge of their functionality, configuration, governance, and effective use in a higher education environment.

Working closely with faculty, staff, and ITS colleagues, the Microsoft Solutions Specialist evaluates business needs, develops practical technology solutions, provides technical consultation, promotes user adoption through training and support, and assists with third-party applications and integrations that extend the Microsoft ecosystem. The successful candidate exercises sound technical judgment, manages multiple priorities, and contributes to the continuous improvement of enterprise collaboration technologies.

Responsibilities

• Microsoft 365 Platform Administration and Support
  • Collaborate with the Senior Intranet Architect to administer, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Microsoft 365 collaboration and productivity services, including SharePoint Online, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, Forms, Lists, Planner, Power Platform, Copilot, and related applications.
  • Support platform configuration, security, user access, application deployment, licensing, operational maintenance, and governance standards for Microsoft 365 services.
  • Develop and maintain SharePoint sites, document libraries, permissions, collaboration workspaces, and related governance standards.
  • Monitor platform health, usage, and performance; proactively identify and address issues affecting reliability, security, compliance, or user experience.
  • Work closely with Information Security and other ITS teams to support Microsoft 365 governance, compliance, security best practices, and institutional policies.
• Solution Development and Departmental Engagement
  • Partner with faculty, staff, and campus departments to understand business needs, operational challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Gather, analyze, and document business requirements, and translate them into practical Microsoft 365 solutions that align with institutional objectives.
  • Recommend and implement solutions using Microsoft 365 technologies to support collaboration, communication, workflow automation, information sharing, and business process improvement.
  • Assist departments in evaluating how existing Microsoft capabilities may address business needs before pursuing additional software acquisitions.
  • Assist with implementation, testing, upgrades, integrations, and continuous improvement initiatives for Microsoft and third-party enterprise applications.
• User Adoption, Training, and Communications
  • Develop and execute communication, training, and adoption plans.
  • Create and maintain user guides, knowledge base articles, workshops, training materials, and technical resources.
  • Deliver individual and group training to promote effective use and adoption of technologies.
  • Provide consultation and support to faculty and staff regarding effective use of applications and emerging capabilities.
  • Serve as a trusted technology consultant by providing excellent customer service and communicating effectively with technical and non-technical users.
• Platform Analytics and Continuous Improvement
  • Develop, monitor, and communicate analytics related to Microsoft 365 platform usage, adoption, effectiveness, and institutional value.
  • Use platform data, user feedback, usage trends, and industry best practices to recommend improvements that increase adoption, streamline business processes, and maximize return on licensing and services.
  • Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and recommend improvements to enhance reliability, security, and user experience.
  • Maintain technical documentation, configuration standards, and operational procedures.
• Professional Development and Emerging Technologies
  • Maintain current knowledge of Microsoft technologies, industry trends, higher education technology practices, and emerging capabilities, including AI-enabled productivity tools such as Microsoft Copilot.
  • Pursue relevant certifications, training, and professional development opportunities.
  • Evaluate new Microsoft features and recommend opportunities for institutional adoption where appropriate.

About Grinnell College

Grinnell College is a top-ranking private liberal arts institution that values diversity, equity, inclusion, intellectual freedom, and social responsibility. We seek candidates that align with these values and have the ability and desire to advance our values and belonging within our community and the communities we engage. Ideal candidates will be prepared to collaborate and contribute to the mission and values of the college across all constituencies.