5155 Applications Developer/Programmer Analyst - Institutional Research

POSITION IDENTIFICATION

TITLE Applications Developer/Programmer Analyst - Institutional Research

CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 5155

GRADE 35

CLASSIFICATION Exempt

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Director, Institutional Research

GENERAL FUNCTION

The Applications Developer/Programmer Analyst - Institutional Research identifies, recommends, implements, and supports both commercial and custom software packages. Working as part of a team, participates in the systems design processes by analyzing user needs, recommending a solution(s), and then developing software applications while applying “best practice” principles and techniques. This position updates software or enhances existing software capabilities while accepting assigned responsibility for projects which includes using programing languages and work-flow charts to map projects prior to building or maintenance. The Applications Developer/ Programmer Analyst - IR consistently monitors the performance of IR’s software and computer systems and functions as a subject matter expert (SME) on project analysis and implementation to ensure that IT and business processes are properly executed. In –this position continuously looks for opportunities to become more efficient and effective and consults with the Director, Institutional Research regarding project status, proposals, or technical issues, such as software system design or maintenance.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A bachelor’s degree or higher in a computer-related field is required. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.

Experience: At least one year of experience with business applications is required; three years of business applications experience is preferred. Experience with network protocols, as well as computer hardware, and software is required. Programming with fluency in multiple statistical computing software applications is required as well as experience in using a development environment is required.

Skills: Attention to detail, effective critical thinking, and good verbal and written communication skills are required. Ability to determine how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes is required. The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions, for example finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events is required. Documented programming experience with multiple statistical computing software applications is required. The ability to modify software programs to improve performance or develop new applications  is required. Proficiency in using and maintaining relational databases (i.e., Oracle, Banner, etc.) with the ability to think strategically and logically is required. The ability to use computers and computer systems to program, write software/applications, set up functions, enter data, or process information is required. Identifying principles, reasons, or facts of information, by breaking down information or data into separate parts is required. Honest and ethical behavior in all IR business is required and always expected. The ability to maintain confidentiality regarding information processed, stored, or accessed by the systems is required. Proficiency and consistency in creating, testing, and maintaining IR products and systems are required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Promotes the uniformity of programming efforts by contributing to and adhering to the Office of Institutional Research standards and guidelines incorporating a broad knowledge of MSU’s vision and direction, and following federal, state, internal, and all other external reporting requirements.

2. Complies with all requests in conjunction with the Director of the Office of Institutional Research and develops a high-level understanding of all federal and state laws, as well as all other requirements and guidelines expected by the Office of Institutional Research.

3. Codes, categorizes, calculates, tabulates, audits, and carefully verifies information or data. Analyzes metrics for continuous improvement and constantly assesses and keeps up to date with Key Performance Indicator (KPI) goals and reporting.

4. Provides for the maintainability of computer programs by creating program documentation in accordance with established standards. Assists with and works independently in the creation of documentation, diagrams and other detailed instructions to help other employees make the best use of technologies.

5. Determines the best methods for implementing requested changes to existing computing systems by researching and analyzing the requested functions in terms of their effects on current projects and programs under the direction of the Director.

6. Ensures that security standards are strictly followed when developing, programming, and implementing new or purchased computer information software and applications.

7. Identifies the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

8. Provides custom reports using database and report-writing tools.

9. Develops and maintains applications and databases by evaluating needs, analyzing requirements, and developing software systems. Consults with others to quickly identify and resolve all information technology issues by applying knowledge of computer capabilities and subject matter expertise.

10. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.

11. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required by the Office of Institutional Research.

12. Contributes to the overall success of the Office of Institutional Research by performing all other duties as assigned by the Director of Institutional Research.

SUPERVISION

The Applications Developer has no direct reports and no supervisory duties.

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES

OCTOBER 2023

JOB FAMILY 3

Factor 1: Educational/Experience Requirements of the Job

Level 7.0 - 1379 Points: A combination of education and experience equivalent to a Level 7 as indicated by the Equivalencies Chart, when permitted by the Minimum Acceptable Qualifications.

Factor 2: Supervisory Responsibility

Level 1.0 - 299 Points: Little or no supervisory responsibility for the work of others.

Factor 3: Skill, Complexity, and Technical Mastery

Level 7.0 - 2200 Points: Professional knowledge of the principles, concepts, and specialized complicated techniques of a profession. Knowledge of a wide range of information technology methods and procedures and specialized knowledge in one or more specific functions. Knowledge permits the incumbent to provide authoritative advice on difficult assignments such as planning advanced systems. Skill in applying knowledge through analyzing, designing, organizing, and developing major programs, systems, and networks.

Factor 4: Budgetary Control

Level 1.0 - 193 Points: Jobs at this level involve no budgetary control except for the normal responsibilities associated with monitoring and reporting everyday expenses.

Factor 5: Work Environment and Physical Demands

Level 1.0 - 25 Points: The work environment has only everyday discomforts associated with an office or commercial vehicle. The work area is adequately lighted, heated or cooled, and ventilated. Work is largely sedentary involving mostly sitting with occasional walking, standing, bending, or carrying of small items. No special physical demands are required of the work.

Factor 6: Work Impact and Effect

Level 5.0 - 3780 Points: Work products or services directly impact the entire university system and the well-being of large numbers of individuals. Typically the work is complex and may involve addressing conventional problems or situations with established methods or resolving critical problems or developing new processes or models to address specific problems. Improperly performed work and/or equipment or software failures produce errors and delays that affect the operations and/or reputations of the entire University. Improperly performed work and/or equipment or software failures may be remedied in the short to medium term, but at very substantial cost of time and resources. The scope of improperly performed work and/or equipment or software failure is system-wide and the nature of the activity requires that emergency repairs be performed.