RIS Principal Business Analyst

Job Description

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Who We Are

The Research Information Systems department, also known as MAESTRO, supports the mission of Sponsored Research Services (SRS) through development, implementation, and maintenance of the Maestro enterprise information system. This system supports researchers across The Texas A&M University System. By maintaining and improving Maestro, our employees serve a critical role in advancing the university's research goals.

What We Want

The RIS Principal Business Analyst, with limited supervision, serves as lead for business analysis projects or services for Maestro / Research Information Systems (RIS). Provides oversight for Maestro and ensures compliance with standards. Manges and coordinates the activities of a business analysis team. Completes reports and summaries for management and users including project plans, project status reports, problem reports, and progress summaries. Provides quality assurance, training and user support functions to all RIS stakeholders. Manages and prioritizes the Maestro backlog.

What You Need To Know

Compensation will be commensurate to the selected hire’s experience.

A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Five years of related experience in business analysis or research administration.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications.

• Knowledge of project management, mentoring, negotiation skills, basic vendor relations, advanced client relations skills, proposal writing, business acumen, persuasive communication, team leadership skills, and quality assurance methodologies.

• Excellent written communication, analytical, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

• Knowledge of Research Administration policies processes and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA)

• Project Management Certification (ACP/PMP or similar)

Responsibilities

• Business Analysis/ Product Owner- Collect, analyze, review, document, and define the RIS system scope based on business needs and requirements. Coordinate the assessment of client needs through direct interaction, mapping of current and future business processes, and seek opportunities to develop and improve the business through effective use of technology. Coordinate the creation of detailed functional and technical system specifications. Design data reporting and business intelligence systems to meet client needs. Document business requirements and create detailed functional specifications. Document current business processes and prepare business and technical requirements for new or existing individual applications or module functions. Serve as a subject matter expert for the rules and regulations governing research administration and how it applies to the TAMU System. Serve as a product owner, gathering, documenting and analyzing business requirements, defining system scope, and ensuring alignment with institutional goals. Develop and maintain a comprehensive and prioritized backlog, leveraging Agile principles and best practices.

• Training- Coordinate and manage complex training and communications for end-users.

• User Support- Liaise with client department and IT staff, serving as a point of contact for the most complex questions or requests. Represent a functional area at all member institution meetings and oversee liaison relations with the client’s department and IT staff.

• Project Management & Leadership- Develop and maintain project plans, product road maps and risk management. Lead all aspects of concurrent RIS projects, including scope, schedule, vendor coordination and delivery. Coordinate work requests across multiple functional areas. Establish and monitor procedures and protocols for system data corrections. Participate in the establishment of RIS systems security procedures.

• Quality Assurance- Oversee the planning and testing of RIS system configuration and maintenance. Implement complex patch and upgrade testing and complex testing of reports and scripts. Establish testing standards and procedures. Coordinate plans for system configuration testing and maintenance across multiple functional areas. Review and coordinate the development of patch and upgrade plans across multiple functional areas. Coordinate the testing of reports and scripts across multiple functional areas.

• Mentor- Mentor and support the development of junior team members, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing. Perform other duties as assigned.

Other Requirements and Factors

• This position is security sensitive

• This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TAMU policies, regulations, rules and procedures

• All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and University safety requirements

Why Texas A&M University?

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month

• Automatically enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more

• Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee