Reporting to the Director of University Systems, the Senior Programmer Analyst plays a key role in maintaining, analyzing, developing, and supporting the University’s centrally managed systems and integrations, with a focus on Ellucian Colleague. This position requires a strong analytical mindset and the ability to translate complex business requirements into effective technical solutions.
Working closely with end-users and a collaborative team of IT professionals, the Senior Programmer Analyst contributes to a service-oriented environment that supports all facets of University operations. This role offers the flexibility of remote work and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact across the University.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential Duties:
- Analyze and resolve complex technical issues across university systems and applications.
- Design, develop, implement, and maintain system integrations and customizations.
- Assist with installation, administration, and upgrades of centrally managed systems.
- Lead a comprehensive Colleague security audit and redesign initiative.
- Create and maintain technical documentation and best-practice guidelines.
- Collaborate with departments and vendors to troubleshoot production issues.
- Serve as technical lead or team member on multiple concurrent projects.
- Support full reporting lifecycle and data management activities.
- Provide programming and technical assistance to business analysts.
Secondary Responsibilities
- Stay current with emerging technologies through self-study and professional development.
- Attend relevant conferences or courses to enhance skills and support university needs.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree plus 4 years of experience in high-level programming (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
- Proficiency in integration technologies (e.g., RESTful APIs, web services, workflows).
- Strong knowledge of SQL and relational databases.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Experience in creating and maintaining user documentation.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, including with remote teams.
- Highly organized, flexible, and capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
Preferred:
- 5 years of experience with Ellucian Colleague programming and support.
- Experience implementing and maintaining vendor-developed administrative systems in higher education.
- Prior work experience in or with academic institutions.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- Remote work is available.
- May require occasional evening, weekend, or irregular hours based on project needs or University programs.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
EOE M/F/V/D
