POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Applications Developer/Programmer Analyst - Institutional Research
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 5155
GRADE 35
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Director, Institutional Research
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Applications Developer/Programmer Analyst - Institutional Research identifies, recommends, implements, and supports both commercial and custom software packages. Working as part of a team, participates in the systems design processes by analyzing user needs, recommending a solution(s), and then developing software applications while applying “best practice” principles and techniques. This position updates software or enhances existing software capabilities while accepting assigned responsibility for projects which includes using programing languages and work-flow charts to map projects prior to building or maintenance. The Applications Developer/ Programmer Analyst - IR consistently monitors the performance of IR’s software and computer systems and functions as a subject matter expert (SME) on project analysis and implementation to ensure that IT and business processes are properly executed. In –this position continuously looks for opportunities to become more efficient and effective and consults with the Director, Institutional Research regarding project status, proposals, or technical issues, such as software system design or maintenance.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A bachelor’s degree or higher in a computer-related field is required. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.
Experience: At least one year of experience with business applications is required; three years of business applications experience is preferred. Experience with network protocols, as well as computer hardware, and software is required. Programming with fluency in multiple statistical computing software applications is required as well as experience in using a development environment is required.
Skills: Attention to detail, effective critical thinking, and good verbal and written communication skills are required. Ability to determine how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes is required. The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions, for example finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events is required. Documented programming experience with multiple statistical computing software applications is required. The ability to modify software programs to improve performance or develop new applications is required. Proficiency in using and maintaining relational databases (i.e., Oracle, Banner, etc.) with the ability to think strategically and logically is required. The ability to use computers and computer systems to program, write software/applications, set up functions, enter data, or process information is required. Identifying principles, reasons, or facts of information, by breaking down information or data into separate parts is required. Honest and ethical behavior in all IR business is required and always expected. The ability to maintain confidentiality regarding information processed, stored, or accessed by the systems is required. Proficiency and consistency in creating, testing, and maintaining IR products and systems are required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Promotes the uniformity of programming efforts by contributing to and adhering to the Office of Institutional Research standards and guidelines incorporating a broad knowledge of MSU’s vision and direction, and following federal, state, internal, and all other external reporting requirements.2. Complies with all requests in conjunction with the Director of the Office of Institutional Research and develops a high-level understanding of all federal and state laws, as well as all other requirements and guidelines expected by the Office of Institutional Research.
3. Codes, categorizes, calculates, tabulates, audits, and carefully verifies information or data. Analyzes metrics for continuous improvement and constantly assesses and keeps up to date with Key Performance Indicator (KPI) goals and reporting.
4. Provides for the maintainability of computer programs by creating program documentation in accordance with established standards. Assists with and works independently in the creation of documentation, diagrams and other detailed instructions to help other employees make the best use of technologies.
5. Determines the best methods for implementing requested changes to existing computing systems by researching and analyzing the requested functions in terms of their effects on current projects and programs under the direction of the Director.
6. Ensures that security standards are strictly followed when developing, programming, and implementing new or purchased computer information software and applications.
7. Identifies the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
8. Provides custom reports using database and report-writing tools.
9. Develops and maintains applications and databases by evaluating needs, analyzing requirements, and developing software systems. Consults with others to quickly identify and resolve all information technology issues by applying knowledge of computer capabilities and subject matter expertise.
10. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required by the Office of Institutional Research.
11. Contributes to the overall success of the Office of Institutional Research by performing all other duties as assigned by the Director of Institutional Research.
SUPERVISION
The Applications Developer has no direct reports and no supervisory duties.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED JANUARY 2025
