Academic Technology Systems Administrator

OUR UNIVERSITY

Ottawa University (established in 1865), one of the oldest private liberal arts universities in the United States, is a multi-campus system serving approximately 4000 students through its campuses in Kansas (Ottawa, Kansas- Residential Campus and Overland Park, Kansas- Adult Programs); Arizona (Surprise Residential Campus and OUAZ Adult Programs); Wisconsin (Brookfield Adult Programs); and our OU ONLINE PROGRAM based out of Overland Park, Kansas.

Ottawa University is a regionally accredited, church-related, private university that strives to integrate faith, learning, and life in the academic experiences of students.

JOB SUMMARY

As a member of the Instructional Design and Academic Technology team, the person in this position has primary responsibility for the management of the online learning infrastructure (i.e., Blackboard and multiple add-ons and integrations) at Ottawa University.  This includes testing, upgrading, and ensuring that integrations with other systems are functioning.  Additionally, this person assists students and instructors in being successful users of online learning technologies and interfaces regularly with User Services, Technical Operations, and Software Solutions teams and with academic technology vendors.  Position requires frequent and effective written and oral communications with others, flexibility in adapting to the needs of changing instructional technology landscape (including cross-training with team members), and the ability to work successfully as part of a geographically dispersed team.  Position may reside at one of the following campus locations: Overland Park, KS; Surprise, AZ; or Ottawa, KS (preferred). Hybrid work will be considered.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB (provide list of items which are essential to effective outcomes in this role):

• Blackboard Learn System Administrator:
• Ensure the smooth functioning of the system;
• Report and manage issues with Blackboard, Inc. support
• Test, install, and maintain multiple 3rd-party integrations with the Blackboard Learn System                  
• Manage user access and enforce policy around system access.                                                                     
• Collaborate with the Software Solutions team to manage the SIS/Blackboard integration.                       
• Represent Ottawa University at weekly “Office Hours” and semi-regular roadmap sessions offered by Blackboard/Anthology.
• Research, test, and pilot promising new teaching/learning technologies in support of the University’s mission.
• Provide Tier 2 support to end-users who submit help requests.
• Maintain the intranet site on SharePoint for the Instructional Design and Academic Technology team
• Collaborate with various support units of the university with whom this team interfaces to advance the needs of Ottawa University students, staff, and instructors.
• Create and maintain end-user documentation (text and video) as needed
• Other duties as assigned

STANDARD UNIVERSITY EXPECTATIONS:

• Model and encourage collaboration among University departments assuring effective communication and operations.
• Understand the University’s policies and, procedures, and exercise good judgment accordingly. Assure that University and student information is managed in a confidential and ethical manner in accordance with the University’s Code of Conduct and Ethics.
• Provide leadership through conduct, attitude, and professionalism. Represent the University to students, external groups, faculty, and staff in a way that reflects positively on the University.
• Be mindful and supportive of the overall Mission of Ottawa University.
• Exercise Inclusivity in your daily actions accruing alignment within expectations of the University’s Diversity Statement.

REQUIRED EDUCATION: (education based on essential job duties and requirements consistent with business necessity): Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Management of Information Systems, or Instructional Technology.  Two years of related experience may be substituted if the bachelor’s degree is in an unrelated discipline.  This is an entry-level position.  We will train the right person!

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: (experience based on requirements in role and are consistent with business necessity)   Customer service/tech support (higher education setting preferred);

• Demonstrated initiative, timeliness, accuracy, and completeness in job performance.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• Must have an excellent eye for detail.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully work independently, complete assigned tasks and responsibilities with minimal supervision and work collaboratively with others.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: List required and/or preferred certification, industry specific requirements, required or preferred use of equipment, and all necessary job skills, abilities, and knowledge competencies) Provide a list of items below:

Preferred by not required:

• Two years of related experience in a similar role in a higher education setting (e.g., Help Desk).
• Experience as an administrator of (or a course developer in) a current online learning system such as Blackboard, BrightSpace, or Canvas is a plus
• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse and geographically dispersed team
• Experience with Blackboard Community; Blackboard Learn Ultra and Original Experience creating end-user documentation materials in video and text formats;
• Prefer (but on-the-job training is also an option) experience with faculty and advising staff in a higher education setting;
• Ability to build reports with a business intelligence tool (e.g., Cognos) is a plus but not required.
• We will train the right person! If you are curious, dependable, good-natured, and eager to learn, please apply!

WORKING CONDITIONS (Physical attributes required to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation - examples: sitting, lifting #, bending, driving, environmental factors or elements, noise level, stairs in a building, or other factors that will affect working conditions). Provide a list of items below:

• Prolonged periods of sitting must be able to lift 5-15 pounds at times. 
• May require evening and/or weekend work. 
• Position sits and works in front of a computer screen and/or assists others.