College/Department Overview

Under general direction of the Manager of the Project Management Office, the Business Analyst serves a liaison between the business community and the IT organization in order to provide technical solutions to meet user needs enterprise-level technology service delivery. Helps with solutions to problems that may arise in an expeditious, efficient, and timely manner. Effectively collaborates across technology teams and business units through excellent communication skills, diplomacy and a positive attitude. Responsible for performing job duties in accordance with the mission, vision and values of the University of Central Oklahoma.

Position Overview

Business Analyst provides a bridge between the business and IT, working with both sides to propose changes to processes and systems to meet the needs of the business. Acts as a liaison between functional areas such as HR, finance, marketing and technical area and development to create a solution to a particular business problem. Identify and propose ways to enhance efficiency, productivity or profitability. Develop solutions or alternative practices. Recommends new systems, procedures, or organizational changes. Makes recommendations to management through presentations or written reports. Confer with managers to ensure that the changes are working. Works with project managers and are involved with software development or process management.

Department Specific Essential Job Functions

Serves as a liaison between the business community and the IT organization in order to provide technical solutions to meet user needs. Possesses expertise in the business units(s) they support, as well as, an understanding of the IT Organization's systems and capabilities.

Analyzes Business partner's operations to understand their strengths and weaknesses to determine opportunities to automate processes and functions. Assists in the business process redesign and documentation as needed for new technology. Translates high level business requirements into functional specifications for the IT organization and manages changes to such specifications. Educates the IT organization on the direction of the business. Negotiates agreements and commitments by facilitating communication between business units(s) and IT from initial requirements to final implementation. Possesses an understanding of technological trends and uses this knowledge to bring solutions to business units supported to enhance the enterprise's competitive edge. May make recommendations for buy versus build decision.

• Monitors, analyzes and reports on the progress of service delivery; takes a customer-centric approach to problem solving; solicits customer feedback to improve service; and responds to customer needs.
• Collaborates with Technology Resource Center technology trainers to deliver scheduled and just-in-time training opportunities and knowledge transfer for support specialists and end users.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Experience Required

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or other related field, or equivalent work experience. Typically has 3 to 5 years of relevant technical or business work experience.

Qualifications/Experience Preferred

Working knowledge and experience with Agile/Scrum preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Intermediate professional level role. Works with business partners within one business function to align technology solutions with business strategies. Demonstrates an informed knowledge of a business area to resolve problems on an ongoing business. Supports several moderately complex business processes. Works on multiple projects as a project team member, occasionally as a project leader. May coach more junior staff. Must possess strong customer service and interpersonal skills. Strong analytical, organizational, and collaboration skills. The successful candidate will possess excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to facilitate team interaction and client meetings effectively. Ability to work independently or with specialized group and maintain courteous attitude in dealing with students, faculty, and staff. Ability to effectively communicate including reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English to a wide range of needs and audiences. Knowledge of project management principles is highly beneficial. Continually updates skills and knowledge relative to the position and the technology industry. Adheres to and complies with UCOs shared values and the Office of Information Technologys Code of Ethics. This position is on-call 24x7x365 and requires the successful candidate to have high-speed internet access to their residence, and maintain a smart phone on which to receive telephone calls, email, SMS messages from servers and authorized OIT personnel.

Will this employee supervise others? Yes, this employee will supervise other employees.

Physical Demands

Physical Demands (if different than below) - Repetitive movement of hands and fingers typing and/or writing. Frequent standing, and/or sitting. Occasional walking, stooping, kneeling or crouching. Reach with hands and arms. Visually identify, observe and assess. Ability to communicate with supervisor/students/colleagues. Regular physical attendance required. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.