Senior Systems Architect

The Senior Systems Architect provides advanced technical leadership, solution architecture, application development, database administration, systems integration, and operational support for ECC’’s enterprise applications and data services in both cloud and on-premises environments. Working closely with IT leadership, management, technical teams, vendors, and end users, this role serves as the lead architect and SQL DBA for critical systems, including Ellucian Colleague, CRM Advise, Self-Service, Ethos integrations, custom .NET applications, data warehouse services, and automated Microsoft and Google account provisioning solutions. The position also supports the institution’’s technology ecosystem by ensuring secure, reliable, and integrated enterprise systems, participating in RFP evaluations, and providing ongoing support for application services and data integrations both within and external to the college., Experience supporting Microsoft and Google account provisioning and identity management environments.

Essential Duties:

Lead the analysis, troubleshooting, resolution, and ongoing support of complex enterprise systems and software releases across the institution. Analyze system issues to determine severity, business impact, root cause, and resolution strategies; collaborate with vendors, technical teams, and users to resolve problems; and perform application and database modifications when necessary to restore critical services and maintain data integrity. Oversee the planning, testing, implementation, and support of software releases, enhancements, upgrades, and patches across production and non-production environments. Establish and enforce development and release standards, communicate technical and operational impacts to stakeholders, and ensure system stability, operational continuity, and reliable performance.

Architect, develop, implement, document, and support enterprise application solutions, including custom .NET applications, Ellucian Colleague and Self-Service enhancements, CRM Advise support, Ethos integrations, APIs, automated account provisioning processes, and third-party system integrations. Collaborate with analysts, IT leadership, vendors, and business users to gather requirements, evaluate solutions, and deliver secure, reliable, cost-effective, and maintainable technology solutions that support institutional objectives.

Develop, maintain, and regularly update comprehensive technical documentation for enterprise applications, integrations, databases, and related systems. Document tools, architectures, processes, procedures, standards, configurations, and support practices necessary for ongoing development, administration, and operational support. Ensure documentation remains current by incorporating information related to system issues and resolutions, upgrades, enhancements, new standards, and custom business or technical processes to support knowledge sharing, continuity, and efficient system maintenance.

Design, develop, maintain, and support the enterprise data warehouse and related reporting data structures to ensure the availability of accurate and reliable institutional data. Create and manage extract-transform-load (ETL) processes, reporting views, data validation routines, and data documentation; implement data quality and governance practices; and support enterprise reporting, analytics, and decision-making through trusted, well-structured data resources.

Provide database administration and data services support as a primary or backup resource for Colleague and related enterprise systems. Monitor database health and performance; support SQL Server and UniData environments; coordinate backup, recovery, and test environment refresh activities; troubleshoot data-related issues; develop data cleanup and conversion processes; and implement solutions that promote database reliability, performance, security, and data integrity.

Support Colleague operations as a primary or backup resource by monitoring system performance, troubleshooting production issues, coordinating software releases and patches, supporting peak operational periods, and collaborating with Network Operations, vendors, and service providers to maintain the availability and reliability of critical administrative systems. Develop, implement, and maintain tools and processes to monitor system performance, stability, and overall system health, ensuring timely issue identification, operational continuity, and effective resolution of service disruptions.

Analyze and resolve complex application, integration, data, security, and performance issues affecting enterprise systems. Conduct root cause analysis, evaluate resolution options, assess risks and business impacts, coordinate escalations, and communicate findings to stakeholders. Collaborate with IT staff, vendors, and functional users to implement corrective actions, prevent recurring issues, and ensure system reliability, performance, security, and operational continuity.

Provide technical assistance, training, and documentation to IT staff, analysts, and end users; maintain ticketing and change management systems to track work progress, resolutions, and system modifications; and coordinate project- and task-related meetings, communications, and follow-up activities to ensure timely issue resolution, project completion, and effective collaboration among stakeholders.

Maintain current knowledge of emerging technologies, industry trends, and enterprise system capabilities through professional development activities, including participation in training, conferences, seminars, vendor forums, professional networks, and peer collaborations. Engage with vendor user communities to share best practices, identify solutions, and support continuous improvement efforts while completing all required organizational training and compliance requirements.

Maintain a comprehensive understanding of departmental IT functions to provide cross-functional support during periods of increased workload or staffing shortages. Serve as a primary or backup administrator for enterprise systems and vendor-supported applications as needed, provide technical and application development support, and ensure the continuous operation of ECC’’s business-critical applications. Perform production support, troubleshooting, and issue resolution activities, including off-hours support when necessary, and carry out other related duties as assigned.

Other Duties:

Perform other duties and responsibilities consistent with the scope, level, and intent of the position as assigned.

System Architecture, Information Technology & Information Systems, Vision Plan, Dental Insurance, Disability Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Retirement Plan, Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Assistance Plan, Ecosystems, * A bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience, preferably in Computer Science or a closely related discipline within Information Technology (i.e. computer science, information technology, software engineering, data systems).

• A minimum of six years of progressively responsible technical experience in enterprise application development, database administration, systems integration, system administration, or application solution architecture. Experience in Ellucian administrative/applications such as Colleague, CRM Advise and Ethos preferred.
• A minimum of four years of advanced experience supporting enterprise resource planning systems, preferably Ellucian Colleague, including Colleague operations, administrative system software, security, account creation processes, integrations, and production troubleshooting.
• Experience serving as a database administrator or primary / backup database administrator for mission-critical database environments; preferred examples include SQL Server, Oracle, UniData, relational database design, data conversions, performance tuning, data cleanup, backup and recovery coordination, and database refreshes for test or development environments.
• Working knowledge of data warehouse design, extract-transform-load processes, reporting data models, data quality practices, data governance, and enterprise reporting tools that both serve as organizational support as well as provide decision makers with trusted KPI sources.
• Advanced hands-on experience designing, developing, testing, deploying, troubleshooting, performance tuning, and supporting enterprise applications using Microsoft .NET, .NET Core, C#, and SQL Server.

o Including technical expertise within SQL Server Management Studio, REST APIs, JSON, XML, .NET/C#, .NET Core, PowerShell, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Git or equivalent source control platform, secure file transfer tools, and reporting tools such as Tableau / Informer or an equivalent.

o Preferred to have experience developing complex Transact-SQL queries, stored procedures, functions, views, data-conversion routines and/or ETLs, designing normalized relational data models, analyzing execution plans, and tuning database performance to ensure scalability/reliability.

• Ability to translate business and technical requirements into maintainable solution designs, establish development standards and reusable patterns, conduct code and design reviews, document architectural decisions/solutions, and provide technical recommendations/updates throughout.
• Demonstrated knowledge of payment systems and gateways, including transaction processing, system integrations, security controls, data flows, troubleshooting, and vendor coordination, as well as a strong understanding of the supporting IT infrastructure, server and network environments, connectivity requirements, and related enterprise technologies is preferred.
• Experience designing, writing, maintaining, and troubleshooting account creation scripts and automated provisioning processes that interact with the ERP (i.e. Ellucian Colleague), specific accounts (i.e. Microsoft and Google account services) / identity management, and related security processes.
• Strong understanding of application security, authentication, authorization, data privacy, cybersecurity best practices, change management, production support, root cause analysis, and enterprise integration standards.
• Outstanding diagnostic, analytical, problem-solving and organizational abilities, with meticulous attention to detail guaranteeing accuracy and thoroughness in documentation and reporting. while adhering to established deadlines.
• Remain vigilant in adhering to the institution’’s Cyber Security best practices, and ensure these policies are enforced during the development, integration, or evaluation of enterprise systems.
• Proficient in using ticketing systems to track work, support project management collaboration, and follow formal change management processes; Jira experience preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to collaborate well with others including the ability to explain technical concepts effectively to a variety of stakeholders and non-technical audiences.
• Possesses exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills, capable of clearly conveying complex technical concepts, project updates, reports, and proposals to all levels of the organization, including executives, administrators, faculty, and staff.
• Self-starter with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, effectively managing multiple tasks and priorities.
• Over time, the progression of project assignments demonstrates greater complexity, increasing role responsibilities and accountability, and decreasing management oversight on the projects.
• Must be available to embrace a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends when required by the departmental needs or deliverables.

Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Experience with Ellucian Colleague, CRM Advise, and Ethos.

Experience with advanced Transact-SQL development, ETL design, database performance optimization, and large-scale data integrations.

Knowledge of payment gateways, transaction processing, system integrations, and related infrastructure technologies.

This is a Full-Time Support Staff position at grade 216, with an annual salary range of $86,004 to $114,673. The salary offer will be based on education and experience, in alignment with the College’s compensation philosophy and the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), if applicable.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA, DCA, Commuter)
• Retirement Plans (Pension, 457b, 403b)
• Time Off with Pay
• Professional Development/Expense
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Sick Banks

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Grant Funded:

No

Elgin Community College serves over 9,000 students at every stage of their educational journeys, including university transfer programs, career and technical education, continuing education classes, and adult basic education. As a community, we pride ourselves on nurturing a welcoming campus where every person-students, staff members, faculty members, and campus visitors-feels valued. The work of each ECC employee is central to the college’s mission, and as an employer, the college fosters a positive environment through professional challenges, excellent benefits, and opportunities for recognition and camaraderie.