Data & Systems Support Specialist

The Data & Systems Support Specialist works closely with the members of the Technology Department to implement the technology master plan, and to support the educational and operational needs of the School as they relate to technology. The overarching goal of the Data & Systems Support Specialist is to oversee the School’s student information system (SIS), databases, and school-wide systems, such as the telephone system. This position also provides end-user training and serves as the liaison between vendors and end-users. All members of the Support Specialist team support department initiatives, are customer service-oriented, communicative, reliable, and take initiative to set up all members of the community for success. In all ways, the goal is to ensure that the community experience, as well as the culture, support, services, and infrastructure we provide work in concert to fulfill the mission and values of the School. The ideal candidate has a strong love of learning, a desire to work in a boarding school environment, is a team player, and has the curiosity to dive in and solve any problem.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the main point of contact for faculty, staff, and current and prospective students and families for SIS and database-related questions

• Work closely with the Director of Technology and Network Technology Support Specialist to integrate databases with other data systems and perform maintenance

• Work with the Academic, Admission & Marketing, Advancement & Communications, and Business Offices to ensure efficient data flow, integrity, and intra-office collaboration

• With the Director of Technology and Network Technology Support Specialist, develop and implement disaster recovery procedures

• Assure the reliability, security, and validity of school information by monitoring of systems; be the school’s champion of best practices in data culture and data hygiene

• In collaboration with the Director of Technology, manage vendor relations, procurement, installation and implementation of information systems, databases, and related systems

• Create and maintain network users, user environment, directories, and security/antivirus

• Install, maintain, and service IP and switched telephone system for the school’s campus; troubleshoot and repair/replace phones when needed.

• Work closely with and provide support for Network Technology Support Specialist

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Technology

Shared Support Specialist Responsibilities:

• Provide end-user technical support throughout the community

• Manage and utilize helpdesk systems and workflows to document and track customerservice, including staffing the help desk

• Assist in the deployment and maintenance of school-owned devices

• Attend and participate in technology department and community meetings

• Lead and participate in the planning and delivery of technology-driven learning sessions for employees, parents, and students

• Collaborate, brainstorm, and share best-practices within the department and community

• Engage in regular professional development that supports school, department, and personal goals; take initiative to make things better

• Maintain up-to-date hardware inventory and licensing for all software and subscriptions

• Provide tier one network, technical, and AV support to community members

• Provide backup support to departmental staff as required

No job description can anticipate all responsibilities as such; there may be other assigned duties.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in systems or data management, information science, or related field

• Experience managing an SIS or database, Blackbaud preferred.

• At least 2 - 4 years of related experience, preferably in an educational environment

• In-depth knowledge of data management standards, best practices, and procedures

• In-depth knowledge in cyber security

• Broad knowledge of application software, operating systems, and server technologies used in educational environments

• Exemplary attention to detail and organizational skills along with the ability to successfully manage multiple projects and work under deadlines

• Knowledge of trends in data management, technology in education, and customer service

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to build relationships with multiple constituencies and to convey clear messages orally and in writing with the ability to explain complex problems to average users.

• Ability to work well in a collaborative team environment, as well as independently, and make decisions in accordance with established policies and regulations.

• Professionalism. High degree of discretion and confidentiality must be held.

Other Qualifications:

All prospective employees must be able to clear a background and fingerprint check and TB screening.

Physical Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position an incumbent is required to regularly remain sedentary for long periods of time in meetings and while processing information and paper work both manually and on a computer.

The employee is required to stand; walk; use hands and arms to reach and hands to type and manipulate a computer keyboard and mouse. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus. Additionally, the incumbent must be able to converse in clear English both written and orally, over a telephone and in person. The employee is regularly required to listen, physically direct, and speak.

Occasionally, incumbent may be required to lift up to 25 pounds, traverse uneven terrain and climb stairs while moving about campus, bend and stoop. Work hours may vary and include days, nights, and weekends. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet; however, variations in noise level may occur when the employee attends school functions such as assemblies, and other events.