Information Technology Specialist

Reports to: Information Technology Manager

Classification Full-Time, Exempt

Position Summary

The Information Technology Specialist will support Phoenix Seminary students, administrators, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders by maintaining existing IT and AV hardware, software, applications, and networks and helping implement new software. In addition, the Information Technology Specialist will develop, deliver, and maintain online courses for graduate degree programs, acting as the SME for students, staff, and faculty in Phoenix Seminary's LMS.

Principal Responsibilities

• Production, Project Management, and Communication

• Produce new online courses according to the set production schedule and maintain, update, and improve all online courses.

• Communicate with subject matter experts to coordinate the design and construction of new online courses and make improvements to existing courses.

• Assist and consult with faculty, staff, and other subject matter experts regarding best practices for web-based user interface patterns and user experience.

• Produce or procure visual assets, including icons, photos, graphics charts, videos, animated gifs, and printed media such as syllabi.

• Research and evaluate new and emerging technologies, approaches, and policies for potential application to online courses and know related policies for their use.

• Identify tasks, advise best practices, establish timelines and deadlines, and keep multiple projects in motion to completion.

• Engineering and implementation

• Construct web pages using Moodle's webpage editor and edit the pages in HTML, CSS, and Javascript as needed.

• Create and maintain applications that automate administrative tasks.

• Work closely with the Information Technology Manager to implement and maintain software, hardware, and networks.

• Reduce siloing by creating and maintaining software integrations.

• Platform and Product Maintenance

• Write and maintain Excel macros to streamline data entry and database synchronization processes between Phoenix Seminary's LMS, SIS, CRM, and financial systems.

• Update course web pages with current information every semester.

• Quality Assurance

• Test the online course web application for both functionality and content to create an industry-leading online educational experience.

• Identify, reproduce, and fix bugs in the seminary's software applications or report them to the proper stakeholders (e.g., platform service providers like Open LMS, Information Technology Manager, faculty, or other staff.

• Work closely with the Information Technology Manager to create and maintain data entry policies and databases that enable for accurate and easily accessible data for administration.

• Work closely with the Information Technology Manager to administrate software and domain access.

• Customer service, training, and support

• Design and produce tutorials for students, faculty, and staff, including videos, instructional animations, and technical writing-update as necessary.

• Answer emails, phone calls, and provide customer support for software applications students and faculty use.

• Provide training for faculty in the use of Moodle features (e.g., quiz/exam creation, gradebook, discussion questions, etc.), as well as web-based applications such as VoiceThread and

Hypothes.is.

• Plan, develop, and conduct workshops/activities for faculty and staff on the effective use of information technology such as web-based software programs and computers.

• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in computer information systems, information technology, education, business, or related field. Graduate theological education is a plus.

• Minimum of two (2) year's experience in information technology, online course development, and systems management. Experience in graduate higher education preferred.

• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat Pro, including advanced proficiency in Excel.

• Proven track record of excellent customer service.

• Basic knowledge of programming and scripting languages, including HTML5, SQL, VBA, and Python.

• AV experience is a plus.

• Knowledge of:

• web-based user interface and user experience best practices

• learning management systems such as Moodle

• relational database models and queries

• Skill in:

• designing web-based and mobile UI and UX

• reasoning logically and methodically through complex and abstract software relationships

• visual design and making effective use of digital communication media and channels

• web-based software design and engineering

Needed Attributes

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, efficient and pleasant telephone and personal contact abilities.

• Excellent organizational and project management abilities. Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and be a self-starter.

• Problem-solving skills and creative, solution-oriented thinking.

• A strong work ethic.

• Ability to work with diverse personality types.

Physical Requirements

• Occasional light lifting - 20 lbs. or less.

• Constant sitting, typing, and viewing a computer screen.

Work Schedule

Ability to work regularly Monday through Friday, assigned schedule, with hours outside regular work schedule as needed.

Evaluation

The position described above, like other staff, will be evaluated at the end of an Introductory Period (90-day review) and then annually.