Lead User Research Analyst
Chicago, IL

Job Description

Please make sure to read the job posting in its entirety as it reflects both the University roles and responsibilities, followed by the specific description.

Department60673 Alumni & Constituent Relations

About the UnitThe University of Chicago Campaign: Inquiry and Impact (http://campaign.uchicago.edu), the most ambitious and comprehensive campaign in the University's history, is raising $5 billion to support faculty and researchers, practitioners and patients, and students and programs across the University. The campaign supports priorities in every division, school, department, and institute. Along with its fundraising goal, the campaign has an equally ambitious goal of engaging 125,000 alumni and friends through intellectual, professional, and social activities on campus, around the world, and online. The Prospect Development and Decision Support (PDDS) team maximizes the value of fundraising data and systems to Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) staff and the University. We offer insight derived from analytics and qualitative research to drive fundraising strategy. We help staff members to work more effectively with data and technology through staff education programs, process and system design services, and change management planning. Working at the individual, team, and organizational level, we help make ARD staff informed, efficient, and successful in their efforts to maximize the University of Chicago's fundraising and engagement potential.

Job FamilyInformation Technology

Responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of new and existing applications, systems architecture, and network infrastructure. Ensures operation and security of all servers and networks. Configures, installs, maintains and upgrades applications and hardware for the organization's infrastructure and for end-user devices.

Career Track and Job LevelBusiness Systems Analysis

Acts as a liaison between the IT group and business units for the development and implementation of new systems and enhancement of existing systems Evaluates new applications and identifies systems requirements. Evaluates new IT developments and evolving business requirements, and recommends appropriate systems alternatives and/or enhancements to current systems.

P3: Requires in-depth knowledge and experience. Uses best practices and knowledge of internal or external University issues to improve products or services. Solves complex problems; takes a new perspective using existing solutions. Works independently, receives minimal guidance. Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience.

Role ImpactIndividual Contributor

ResponsibilitiesThe job uses best practices and knowledge to develop new and existing systems. Solves problems and anticipates evolving business requirements to identify, design, and implement appropriate process improvements, systems alternatives, and/or enhancements to current systems.

1) Has a deep understanding of business process analyses, needs assessments, and preliminary cost/benefit analyses. Solves complex problems relating to computer equipment capacity, limitations, and operation time., 2) Utilizes thorough understanding of business systems and industry requirements to translate business and user needs into system requirement specifications., 3) Recommends process improvements in existing applications and revises existing system logic difficulties as necessary. Designs, develops, and implements new applications, systems architecture, network systems, and applications infrastructures., 4) Communicates and presents on system enhancements and/or alternatives to colleagues in IT management., 5) Performs other related work as needed.

Unit-specific Responsibilities

1) Provide project management to team-based research projects.

2) Enhance understanding and use of user research methods among ARD colleagues through workshops, presentations, classes, and other educational methods.

3) Recommend alterations to staff training and learning to meet user needs using quantitative and qualitative data to inform the evolution of ARD's systems training program and the design and development of ARD tools and technology.

4) Represent the voice of the user in technology and system design efforts.

5) Partner in executing the learning and communication aims of the Information Engagement and broader PDDS team.

6) Develop and implement creative delivery methods for departmental messages and information in partnership with colleagues from across the department.

7) Contribute to content and deliver components of the Information Engagement learning program through classroom, online, and written formats.

8) Seek opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance, including building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions.

Unit-preferred Competencies

1) Communicate Effectively & With Influence

2) Exhibit Resilience & Optimize Resources

3) Display Emotional Intelligence

4) Demonstrate University Stewardship & Serve as a Brand Ambassador

5) Foster Partnership & Collaboration

6) Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the University as well as the technology tools available to the Office of Alumni Relations and Development, including Griffin (the University's Donor Relationship Management System), Microsoft Windows computer environment, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.

7) Ease and facility with technology systems and descriptive data analysis.

8) Creativity and ease with public speaking, teaching, writing, and customer service.

9) Excellent presentation skills with demonstrated ability to create and argue for a business case.

10) Good problem identification and problem solving skills.

11) Ability to identify patterns in qualitative and quantitative information, derive meaning and connect those patterns to business processes and needs.

12) Familiarity with UX/UE, process mapping, and/or design thinking concepts.

13) Willingness and ability to travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for University business.

14) Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends.

Education, Experience, and CertificationsMinimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience

1) Professional experience in research, business systems analysis, or business process redesign.

2) Experience leading projects and using project management tools.

Required Documents

1) Resume

2) Cover Letter (optional)

NOTE: When applying, all required documents MUST be uploaded under the Resume/CV section of the application.

FLSA StatusExempt

Pay FrequencyMonthly

Pay GradeDepends on Qualifications

Scheduled Weekly Hours37.5

Benefits EligibleYes

Drug Test RequiredNo

Health Screen RequiredNo

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry RequiredNo

Posting Date2019-05-22-07:00

Remove from Posting On or Before2019-11-22-08:00

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.