Functional System Specialist

About Western

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth.  We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us

The University Advancement division plays a leading role in strengthening awareness of and support for the University’s mission and goals by leading alumni relations and fundraising efforts across campus and beyond. All departments within the Division build enduring alumni and public trust through understanding and support for Western University in a coordinated campus-wide effort that results in the engagement and funding needed to make an impact. There are 3 departments within the Division – Departments of Development, Alumni Relations and Advancement Operations.

The Advancement Operations department is a partner in the areas of constituent database and technology services, prospect management, research and pipeline, data analytics and storytelling, gift and pledge management, records and document management, and financial reconciliation and reporting.  In addition, we provide support to the annual planning process as well as budget management, human resources and facilities support for University Advancement.

An integral part of Advancement Operations, the Technology Services team is responsible for the management of systems and information that support our priority fundraising and alumni engagement activities. This unit ensures the integrity of our information resources, the dependability of our systems and provides comprehensive technology services to University Advancement.   
 

Responsibilities

The Functional System Specialist will be a key member of the Technology Services team within Advancement Operations and will be a data-focused problem solver for the alumni relations, development and stewardship business strategies within the Western Advancement division.  The Functional System Specialist will provide data and analysis to guide decision making related to complex business problems by creating ad hoc or standardized data queries and extracts that meet business needs using a variety of technical tools, including Blackbaud Customer Relationship Management (BBCRM) software, Luminate Online (LO) and Business Intelligence tools.  The role will use the appropriate tools to transform operational data into user reports, provided in excel or standardized SSRS reports or through interactive and easy-to-understand output, such as dashboards.  

The Functional System Specialist will provide consultation on reporting capabilities, recommending and executing solutions that address business needs and performance requirements.  The position will work closely with Western Advancement stakeholders, creating data sets and manipulating complex data in a high-volume and quick turnaround environment.  The Functional System Specialist will support and manage the systems and data used by University Advancement, providing technical, security and database/system administrator support, ensuring databases and systems are available, secure and meet the business needs of the organization.  The Functional System Specialist will support systems upgrades and service pack installations where needed to maintain and enhance system functionality, stability and security. 
 

Qualifications

Education:

• Undergraduate Degree in Computer Science, Data Science or related field 
• SQL, SSRS, Power BI, Software Development Kit (SDK) courses 
• SQL, SSRS, Power BI, Software Development Kit (SDK) Certification is preferred 
• Business Analysis Certification preferred 

Experience:

• 3 years experience in CRM data extraction using ad hoc and smart query tools
• Experience in BI development 
• Experience with BI development platforms and MS SQL Server Data
• Experience with Blackbaud CRM or other cloud-based systems is preferred 
• SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) experience an asset

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proven expertise with reporting tools, software, and other applications, including SQL, Reporting Services (SSRS), other query tools
• Practical knowledge in importing data for use in report software, spreadsheets, graphs, and dashboards
• In-depth knowledge in the use of relational databases such as Blackbaud CRM, SQL Server or Microsoft Access
• Knowledge in BI, including dashboard design and database management (Power BI & SQL)
• Advanced computer skills including spreadsheet design, word processing and database management (Microsoft Excel & SQL)
• Ability to deal with data anomalies such as missing values, outliers, unbalanced data and data normalization
• In-depth understanding of CRM Query and data extraction tools
• Software Development Kit (SDK) knowledge and ability 
• Attention to detail with an ability to retrieve, analyze and synthesize sizable amounts of data while ensuring that information is accurate and comprehensive
• Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with technical and non-technical users
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects with strict deadlines
• Critical thinking and discernment to assess and scope areas for process improvement and an ability to offer innovative solutions
• Ability to identify business needs and find solutions to business needs and opportunities to drive organizational improvements and ensure efficiency and effectiveness
• Exceptional organizational skills, including managing multiple competing priorities and an ability to adapt quickly to emerging priorities
• Ability to understand team member needs and expectations and collaborate to satisfy expectations and data requirements
• Ability to perform duties in a professional and courteous manner and produce high quality work while meeting deadlines
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team to achieve goals
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with all roles within University Advancement
• Proven abilities to take initiative and apply innovation
   

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.  If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.



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