Academic Technology Analyst

Job Description

Our Commitment
Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment for all visitors, students, faculty, and staff by promoting a culture that embraces inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability. Diverse perspectives, talents and identities are vital to accomplishing our mission and living our core values.

Who we are
The Office for Academic Innovation is a new initiative within the Office of the Provost, created to centrally support Texas A&M University's strategic growth in online and hybrid delivery. TAMU currently offers 46 online degrees and 24 online certificates, and we are working in collaborative partnership with the 17 Schools and Colleges, Branch Campuses, and McAllen Higher Education Center to continue to expand the reach of the university. The Office for Academic Innovation is committed to inspiring innovation in line with Texas A&M University's strategic focus on transformational teaching and learning. We seek to impact student learning by creating: pathways for improved student retention in an era of digitally-native students; pathways for delivery supported by the diverse education technology landscape; and pathways for enrollment that are designed to be accessible to students across the state of Texas, nation and world. Our iterative philosophy allows us to learn our way forward while remaining grounded in Texas A&M University's traditions of excellence.

What we want
The Office for Academic Innovation is seeking an Academic Technology Analyst to lead the testing and integration of learning technologies for Texas A&M University's learning management system (LMS). Time management, resourcefulness, organizational skills and attention to detail are crucial skills for success in this position. The ideal candidate will have specialized skills in managing projects and tasks related to learning management systems such as Blackboard and Canvas. We are looking for a creative and innovative professional who enjoys leading initiatives and has a positive attitude. Our selected candidate will subscribe to and support our commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) as stated above. If this description appeals to you, we encourage you to apply to be considered for this great opportunity.

What you need to know
COVID-19 information: Texas A&M University monitors and updates our recruiting, hiring and onboarding processes to align with local, state and federally mandated health guidelines to keep employees, prospective employees, and visitors as safe as possible. Each department has established both remote and in-person procedures for conducting these processes, which include sanitizing common spaces, a mask policy, and maintaining safe physical distancing to the extent possible. Departments will provide the procedures to be followed at each step of the recruiting process.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Five years of experience in academic technology and/or business analysis

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of advanced troubleshooting, client relations, formulating and contributing ideas

• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others

• Ability to communicate effectively

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master's degree

• More than five years of experience in academic technology at an institution of higher education

• Experience overseeing project implementation, including implementation of a learning management system

• Knowledge of the instructional design process and application of third-party tools to support teaching and learning

• IT quality assurance experience and/or associated certification is also desired

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• This position requires a high level of attention to detail and accuracy, as well as excellent written and oral communication skills

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and in a timely manner across teams in verbal and written formats

• Knowledge of Blackboard and Canvas learning management systems and a wide range of third-party tools

• Experience managing information or software systems

• Experience working with and reporting on data

• Basic knowledge of survey design and administration

• Experience working in an educational environment

• Experience providing technical support to faculty

• Understanding of faculty training strategies and techniques

• Experience working with learning technologies that comprise a contemporary digital learning environment

• Strong interest in innovating the digital learning environment

• Ability to seek out opportunities to leapfrog current applications of learning technologies

Responsibilities:

• LMS Testing - Defines and implements a rigorous learning technology testing strategy, which includes defining and applying various testing protocol (regression, integration, user tests, validation, performance, automation). Monitors test execution, documents completed objectives, and reports status. Collaborates with learning management system administrative team, training team, and support desk team to develop work plans and time schedules for test campaigns including outlining phases, identifying personnel, equipment requirements, and implementation calendar. Establishes and leads testing working groups to develop test planning documentation required. Reviews and coordinates work requests that align with committee and other governance processes. Monitors and coordinates corrections to system data. Oversees the troubleshooting, analysis, and escalation of problems and processes. Coordinates the implementation of security and accessibility in testing procedures. Develops and implements change management plans. Is responsible for providing technical oversight for all third-party tools that integrate into the LMS, and their compliance with university and industry standards. Serves as a key link between the Office for Academic Innovation's training team and Service Desk team, ensuring that these teams can both train faculty to use the learning technologies while also troubleshooting faculty support.

• Documentation - Collects, analyzes, reviews, documents, and defines the testing scope based on business needs and requirements. Coordinates the assessment of end-user needs through direct interaction, mapping of current and future business processes, and looking for opportunities to develop and improve the teaching and learning at Texas A&M University through effective use of learning technologies. Coordinates the creation of detailed functional and technical system specifications.

• Reporting & Communications - Contributes to training and communication for end-users, including faculty, staff, and students, and internally within the LMS implementation teams. Designs data reporting methods and identifies communication outlets. Prepares regular status reports for University administration to inform policy and budgetary decision-making. Reviews and creates frequent and easily digestible reports and summaries for management and leadership will include project status reports, problem reports, and usage analytics for all learning technologies supported by the Office for Academic Innovation.

• Representative - Represents the Office for Academic Innovation at internal project meetings and externally at university-level committee meetings. Champions student success in an online learning environment. Represents academic technology administration and advocates for the end-user on University-wide platforms and committees. Works with key internal and external stakeholders across the higher education community to optimize the digital learning environment at Texas A&M.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University and TAMHSC, must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to pre-populate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.