Business and Data Processing Specialist

Notre Dame of Maryland University is seeking a Business and Data Processing Specialist to join our IT department. The Business and Data Processing Specialist will be responsible for providing Ellucian Colleague ERP data processing expertise to the Office of Financial Aid and other University offices as needed. This position is responsible for the integrity and maintenance of the Colleague Financial Aid database, related system and rules tables, billing modules, and the proper functionality of key workflow processes including auto-packaging, awarding, reporting, error processing and communication management. It is the responsibility of this position to ensure the accurate and efficient communication of data, reports, and other information to internal and external stakeholders.

Essential Functions will include, but not limited to:

1. Serves as Ellucian Colleague power user in support of the Office of Financial Aid. Serves to translate financial aid business needs into actionable results utilizing the system tools. Serves as the department’s point of contact regarding all technical matters related to data processing. Provides end-user support and training as needed. Develops and maintains NDMU training manuals and technical Job Guide for departmental benefit.
2. Responsible for the successful setup and operation of key automated processes. Ensures the proper annual setup and functionality of financial awarding, auto-packaging, award letters (including Financial Aid Shopping Sheet) and communication management. In collaboration with IT DBA, Specialist will write data processing rules in Colleague.
3. Facilitates the daily management of the Colleague aid workflows. Ensures the overall maintenance of the Colleague financial aid module and effectively manages the daily electronic processing needs for the Office. Stays abreast of cyclical requirements: plans, patches, tests, audits and manages key electronic data processing functions and academic year rollovers.
4. Serves as financial aid help desk as it relates to error code processing. Ensures automated batch runs and nightly job processing operate efficiently and effectively. Understands and documents error code remediation procedures essential within the Office; updates Job Guide daily/weekly as needed.
5. Automates Colleague business processes. Proactively learns appropriate campus automation standards and applies where/when possible to reduce reliance on manual systems. Becomes functional expert in the configuration of aide tables, and in using Colleague Communication Management, Ellucian Self Service, Softdocs eTrieve, Microsoft SQL/ODS and the SAP reporting platform. Studies associated system tables and makes recommendations to eliminate redundancy, inefficiencies and work-around processes.
6. CROA Reporting and Analytics development. Utilize NDMU Colleague Reporting and Operating Analytics (CROA) platform using the SAP Business Objects toolset in order to create reports, data extracts and analytical content required to support data-informed decision making.
7. Develops custom forms and creates needed workflow processes. Utilize Softdocs eTrieve document management platform to create custom forms and develop workflow processes required to capture and process institutional data. Supports the movement of data through NDMU’s data enterprise to ensure accuracy and consistency among a growing number of data sources.
8. Provides support regarding use of Ellucian Self Service platform. Utilizes NDMU’s ERP presentation portal, Self-Service, in order to facilitate effective interactions with current and prospective students regarding financial aid award options and other student-related points of decision or interest.
9. Collaborates with appropriate University staff members to ensure effective time and workload management. Interacts with the Offices of Financial Aid, IT, Institutional Research, Business, and Registrar as needed in order to effectively plan and coordinate appropriate business operations activities. Ensures deadlines are understood in advance and are tested for accuracy prior to updating production records. Seeks to introduce automation options using campus standard tools where appropriate.
10. Leverages available training materials, videos, and Ellucian, IT, and other external support to proactively and continually develop knowledge base in order to document and implement automated business solutions.
11. Assure policies, procedures, and practices are in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations governing financial aid, and the University’s operational policies and procedures.

Job Qualifications

Education : Associates degree in information technology/systems, data science or related field from an accredited college or university required. Bachelors degree preferred. Additional years of related experience may substitute for required education.

Experience : Minimum of three (3) years of related experience in database management and processing. Experience in higher education setting utilizing Ellucian Colleague or other similar higher education ERP database preferred. Experience with federal Title IV financial aid regulations and business operations is preferred.

Skills/Aptitude :

• Demonstrated understanding of database management, reporting/analytics, and data exchange techniques, preferably in higher education financial aid or finance.
• Demonstrated experience managing data ETL, workflows and communications with a working knowledge of system integration and interoperability.
• Demonstrated experience developing reports, producing analytics extracts, and using pivot tables in Microsoft Excel.
• Familiarity with Microsoft SQL basics and the SAP Business Objects reporting and analytics platforms.
• Adept and enthusiastic about learning new technologies and skills in order to continually adapt in an evolving field.
• Keen troubleshooting ability, attention to detail and audit/error code processing skills.
• Must value the importance of establishing durable data processing standards and in developing and maintaining technical documentation.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with others of varying levels of technical experience, including the ability to mentor departmental staff.
• Excellent time and project management, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Ability to self-motivate and manage multiple competing projects and deadlines.

Working Conditions : Normal office environment (walking, sitting, climbing stairs, reaching, etc.). Light physical demands such as bending, carrying, kneeling, lifting, and pushing may be required. Some overtime may be occasionally required.

Additional Information:

Notre Dame of Maryland University does not discriminate in offering equal access to its educational programs and activities or with respect to employment terms and conditions on the basis of age, ancestry, color, creed, disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or protected veteran's status. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policy: Greg FitzGerald, Chief of Staff, Notre Dame of Maryland University, 4701 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21210, 410-532-5109.

For all other employment inquiries, please contact Human Resources at 410-532-5898 or human_resources@ndm.edu. Notre Dame of Maryland University is an EEO/AA employer.

All applicants must submit:

1. Cover letter
2. Salary requirements
3. Resume
4. Contact information for three professional references