System Programmer Analyst

Roles

The System Programmer Analyst, as part of the Systems and Programming Team, is responsible for analyzing business requirements; designing, developing, maintaining, and supporting software applications, integrations, databases, reports, and technical solutions that support University operations. This position works closely with functional departments to identify business needs and develop solutions within Northwood University's Student Information System and related enterprise applications.

The System Programmer Analyst serves as a technical resource for software development, systems integration, reporting, database administration, and business process improvement efforts. The position requires independent analysis, problem-solving, and development of solutions that support operational effectiveness and institutional goals.

Responsibilities

• Maintains, enhances, and supports existing application programs, integrations, and reports.
• Develops new programs, interfaces, APIs, and reporting solutions of varying complexity by utilizing established standards, procedures, and best practices.
• Analyzes business requirements and translates them into technical solutions.
• Analyzes data sources, data structures, and business processes to support operational and reporting needs.
• Designs, develops, tests, and maintains PostgreSQL databases, queries, stored procedures, and related database objects.
• Develops and maintains API integrations between Ellucian systems, institutional applications, and third-party vendors.
• Creates and supports web-based applications and interfaces utilizing HTML, XHTML, JavaScript, CSS, and related technologies.
• Participates in user consultation, systems analysis, system design, and implementation activities.
• Assists with the development, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Ellucian Insights reports, dashboards, and data models.
• Assists with the configuration and development of Ellucian Experience cards and related user engagement solutions.
• Utilizes AI-assisted development and productivity tools, when appropriate, to improve development efficiency, documentation, testing, troubleshooting, and business analysis.
• Documents application functionality, business processes, database structures, and system integrations.
• Identifies opportunities to improve business processes through automation, integration, and technology solutions.
• Recognizes areas where existing policies, procedures, or system functionality require modification or enhancement.
• Learn and maintain an understanding of university operations necessary to effectively support institutional systems.
• Collaborates with departments across campus to identify and implement technology solutions.
• Fulfills departmental requirements related to administrative notification during periods of illness, vacation, or professional development.
• Performs at or above Information Technology performance standards.
• Supports systems and processes that span multiple functional areas across the University.
• Demonstrates excellent customer service, communication, and teamwork skills.

Qualifications

• Possess a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems (MIS), Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Have five or more years of experience in software development, database programming, reporting, systems integration, or related technical work.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of application development, system analysis, database concepts, and software engineering principles.
• Have experience working in Unix/Linux and relational database environments.
• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in SQL and relational database development. PostgreSQL experience is strongly preferred.
• Have experience designing, developing, testing, and supporting APIs, web services, and system integrations.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of HTML, XHTML, JavaScript, CSS, and modern web development concepts.
• Possess the ability to perform programming, debugging, system analysis, data analysis, troubleshooting, and problem resolution.
• Demonstrate experience translating business requirements into effective technical solutions.
• Have knowledge of software development lifecycle principles, development standards, and best practices.
• Have experience developing and supporting operational, analytical, and business intelligence reporting solutions.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently on complex technical assignments while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Experience with Ellucian Colleague, Ellucian Insights, Ellucian Experience, or other higher education ERP platforms is preferred.
• Experience utilizing AI-assisted development and productivity tools, including Microsoft Copilot or similar technologies, is preferred.
• Demonstrate the ability to leverage AI technologies to improve software development, reporting, analysis, documentation, testing, troubleshooting, and operational efficiency while adhering to university security, privacy, and data governance requirements.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal, customer service, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Exhibit the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrate initiative, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Preferred Technical Competencies

Candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas are highly desirable:

• PostgreSQL database administration and development
• RESTful API development and integration
• HTML, XHTML, JavaScript, and CSS development
• Business intelligence and reporting platforms
• Ellucian Insights reporting and dashboard development
• Ellucian Experience card development
• Data integration and automation technologies
• AI-assisted development and productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot or similar solutions)
• Higher education ERP systems and business processes
• Cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) environments
• Systems integration architecture and middleware technologies
• Data governance, data quality, and reporting best practices

Expectations

• Develop, test, debug, and maintain program code.
• Design and support API-based integrations among institutional systems.
• Develop and optimize PostgreSQL database solutions and reporting processes.
• Build and maintain web applications utilizing modern web technologies.
• Develop, maintain, and support operational and analytical reporting solutions.
• Assist with the development and support of Ellucian Insights reports and dashboards.
• Assist with the creation and maintenance of Ellucian Experience cards and user-facing services.
• Leverage AI-assisted development tools to improve coding efficiency, documentation, testing, troubleshooting, and workflow automation while complying with university data governance and security standards.
• Document applications, integrations, processes, and code.
• Troubleshoot and resolve software, reporting, and data-related issues.
• Assist team members with problem resolution and debugging efforts.
• Provide excellent customer service and professional support to end users.
• Demonstrate strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Continuously expand technical and functional knowledge of enterprise systems and emerging technologies.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational effectiveness through automation, integration, reporting, and process improvement initiatives.

Northwood University stands apart in higher education with a philosophy grounded in The Northwood Idea — emphasizing freedom, free enterprise, personal responsibility, and limited government. We seek individuals who are both accomplished in their professions and inspired by the power of enterprise to improve lives. The ideal candidate will feel a strong alignment with Northwood’s mission and values, embracing a culture of academic excellence, accountability, and earned success.

Applicants are encouraged to learn more about The Northwood Idea philosophy and outcomes at https://www.northwood.edu/about/