Technical Consultant (DegreeWorks) (SunGard Higher Education) [ARCHIVED]

DegreeWorks is the premier academic advising, audit, and analytics tool for use in colleges and universities. TreQ is a transfer articulation tool that works in concert with DegreeWorks, and ediLink facilitates the electronic transfer of academic records between institutions. We are seeking a dedicated Technical Consultant to work with our team of professionals who take pride in helping campuses meet their academic advisement, student retention, and operational planning needs. The incumbent will be a cross-departmental resource whose expertise, knowledge, and management skills help expedite the smooth implementation, development, and operation of DegreeWorks software. The individual will report to the Software Development Manager responsible for coordinating technical client services. The incumbent will demonstrate mastery of the technical elements inherent in the implementation, configuration, management, and trouble-shooting of DegreeWorks, TreQ, ediLink, and related components. This role will provide internal and external technical advice, training, and consulting services for DegreeWorks, TreQ, and ediLink. The individual will work closely with clients, consultants, client engagement managers, software development, quality control, support, and sales to make best-fit technical recommendations, expedite software installation and development efforts, deliver client services, and trouble-shoot technical issues. The incumbent will guide and execute application software configuration, code validation and table preparation, software installation and updates, software modifications, and respond to product-related technical inquiries. The Technical Consultant must build rapport with customers, creating the foundation for subsequent services, software operation, and a long-term business partnership. This individual will communicate the best practices approach to software implementation, while also listening carefully to customer needs and identifying ways in which services may be adjusted accordingly to assure mutual success and satisfaction. The position requires extensive customer and staff interface, and generates revenue based on signed SunGard contracts, assists with sales and product management efforts, and assures overall client satisfaction with technical issues. The individual will be responsible for tracking important client data and providing it to others as required. This position demands someone who can juggle multiple responsibilities while meeting deadlines. The incumbent in the Technical Consultant role will have a comprehensive understanding of the DegreeWorks, TreQ, and ediLink products, how they are deployed within colleges and universities, and their value to the customer’s business, and can communicate that information to a wide variety of audiences with clarity and enthusiasm. He/she understands that there are nuances within and between audiences and can easily align presentations to fit audience needs, and offers opportunity develop new ideas for ways to further help our clients. Expected Duties will include:

Conduct on-site and remote client and internal trainings and project launches to include system management, DegreeWorks data interface, web localizations, and configuration consulting and/or training for PC products, DegreeWorks, TreQ, and ediLink software. Deliver technical overviews and orientations to staff, sales prospects, end-users and client executives.

Work closely with clients to identify data extract and web localization needs, and document those needs. Complete data extract modifications and/or web localizations for customers as needed, and mentor other developers in the completion of such tasks.

Respond to sales and other internal inquiries regarding technical issues of DegreeWorks, TreQ, and ediLink. As needed, gather additional information from vendors or prospects to help with system optimization.

Develop specifications and recommendations for software programs and/or modifications critical to client implementations, and be able to effectively communicate such needs to others. Assist development and quality control in preparing such deliverables and related documentation.

Develop curriculum and training materials to support client and internal instruction.

Serve as Tier 2 technical support specialist to the ActionLine to help resolve technical questions.

Develop relationships with client stakeholders, including staff from information services, academic services and advising, and faculty and campus executives.

Respond promptly to client issues, questions and requests, assuring timely, accurate communication.

Work with the DegreeWorks team, the Banner team as needed, and clients, to address technical issues and deliver services.

Work closely with engagement managers and professional service consultants in scheduling service engagements that optimize revenue and meet client timelines for deliverables.

Be able to actively engage clients with DegreeWorks value.

A Bachelor’s degree required with at least 2 years of professional experience, plus teaching or training experience, or proven public speaking skills. Candidates must have excellent poise and communication skills that allow one to comfortably address groups of people and work with all ranges of personality types. Education, public relations, sales, or communications background is an asset. Candidates must possess excellent diplomacy, tact and judgment when dealing with client situations, and be able to maintain poise and objectivity in challenging situations. The ability to view situations from perspective of all stakeholders and respond accordingly so as to diffuse tense situations and optimize collaboration and team building is essential. Knowledge of and experience with, enterprise-wide technical issues as they relate to the use and deployment of application software is required. Other requirements include experience with UNIX operating systems, web-server configuration, and Oracle or other relational databases; systems, network, or application software experience, as well as familiarity with PC and web-based applications; and knowledge of XML, XSL, Java script, PERL, and HTML. The ability to perform multiple tasks on stringent timelines is required. Candidates should be self motivated self starters who desire for excellence and possess strong written and verbal communication skills. The ability to work both independently and in a team environment is required, as is proven experience in carrying out long term projects to completion. Candidates must possess the ability to define client needs; be detail oriented; be proficient in Microsoft Powerpoint, Excel, and Word. Demonstrated facility with web-based and application software tools is a must. Kowledge of Linux, AIX, Windows, or Oracle is a plus, as is experience with systems architecting. Experience in college/university environment, preferably in information systems as systems administrator, product support specialist, or as programmer/analyst is desired. Knowledge of enrollment management, student registration, academic advising, transfer articulation, financial aid, or admissions is preferred. Experience with software implementation and/or long-term project management a plus, as is the ability to maintain composure and stay focused on goals in stressful situations, working through challenges to meet targets. ***WE HAVE OPENINGS FOR BOTH TRAVELING AND NON-TRAVELING CONSULTANTS. THE ABILITY AND WILLINGNESS TO TRAVEL UP TO 75% OF THE TIME IS REQUIRED FOR THE TRAVELING ROLES.****

SunGard Higher Education provides software, implementation and integration, strategic consulting, and technology management to colleges and universities. We bring the future of technology to today's colleges and universities to help them cultivate tomorrow's great leaders, thinkers, inventors, and citizens. Our employees find their work engaging, the environment stimulating, and the results of their efforts rewarding. We invite you to learn how you can work for a global, innovative company that believes in career and personal development, recognizes personal accomplishment, supports employees' lifestyles, and offers competitive pay and benefits. SunGard Higher Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SunGard Higher Education offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package which includes; Paid technical training, 401K, 3-weeks vacation 1st year of employment, paid holidays/sick days, Medical/Dental/Vision, Life Insurance/Long Term Coverage, CBT Training, Tuition Reimbursement.

Minority and women applicants are encouraged to apply.