HFA IT Lead

Title: HFA IT Lead

Executive Area: Information Technologies

College/School/MBU: Information Technology

Department: IT Operations

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Information Technology Lead recommends, coordinates and supports technology needs for IT project implementations and high-level enterprise desktop technology as directed by the College of Humanities and Fine Arts (HFA) leadership. IT Lead collaborates with HFA Dean's Office and departments to provide guidance with regard to infrastructure, research support, security and equipment. Collaborate and coordinate with the HFA leadership and Central IT staff on strategic partnerships and projects that support the college's mission.

Essential Functions

Ensure high quality and effective support for servers, desktops, and mobile devices, including faculty and staff in multiple departments with functions that comprise of recording, classification, troubleshooting and resolution of client incidents and service requests.

Coordinate the communication, review, testing, planning, implementation and training of latest services introduced by Central IT to HFA faculty and staff. Provide technical consultations as required for HFA stakeholders.

Perform ongoing evaluation of HFA, research IT needs with Central IT partners to implement necessary technology that supports faculty. Work with stakeholders to advocate and advise to ensure project advancement and success.

In conjunction with Central IT and partners, manage the operation and maintenance of video conferencing, classrooms, computer labs, and distance learning systems located in the College location(s) and provide training and support to faculty and staff with regard to such technology and equipment.

Provide direction and technical support to faculty and staff experiencing technological challenges with patience and clarity during in-person, phone or online interactions. Crosstrain to provide and receive back-up IT support.

Serve as the College's liaison for campus information technology groups, vendors, and others for technology purchase and maintenance, data security protocols, policies and procedures. Monitor and assess technology infrastructure services (wireless and wired internet access) and work to improve service and solve problems.

Ensure that the College complies with applicable state and federal laws and regulations, and University policies and procedures. Keep current and make recommendations to the Dean and IT for needed resources to maintain compliance. Provide initial response to information security breaches, implement preventative procedures to mitigate risks.

Regularly conduct needs assessments regarding available information technology, University infrastructure to support technology (wireless and wired access), data security, hardware and software, inventory of technology, hardware and software, and make recommendations to the Dean regarding maintenance, purchase and relocation / disposal of equipment.

Other Functions

Maintain an electronic inventory of information technology owned by the College; maintain departmental records regarding, location, configuration, repair and replacement of equipment. Develop and maintain licensing agreement listing and perform check in / check out of shared licenses for the College.

Pursue professional development opportunities and / or monitor established and emerging trends, standards, protocols and developments in information technology, particularly in higher education and online learning environments. Participates in campus IT meetings.

Educate student employees, staff, and faculty about effective security procedures and train them on security tools, procedures and policies.

Maintain and update documentation related to technical procedures and policies.

Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, Executive Area/Division, and University goals and objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in IT or related field with 2 years of experience providing complex network and technology configuration, maintenance, support and incident response;

Or

Associates degree in IT or related field with 4 years of experience providing complex network and technology configuration, maintenance, support and incident response.

Ability to perform long and short term IT project development, planning, implementation, and management.

Excellent analytical skills and ability to plan, recommend, implement and monitor effective and efficient processes and to identify problems and implement solutions.

Knowledge and ability to use technologies and tools, preferably including MacOS, Windows, file server, web server, basic business and education / research software, electronic health records, and interactive web-based tools such as blogs, wikis.

Excellent organizational skills and flexibility to effectively manage multiple, emerging and changing priorities. Ability to meet the demands of a complex environment where timeliness and availability of information is considered critical.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to supervise a cohort of student employees as required. Work positively with College faculty, staff, and student employees with diverse skills, priorities and from diverse backgrounds as well as with vendors and outside service providers.

Ability to provide training as required to EDS staff supporting HFA projects.

Ability to work independently, exercise good judgment and to make sound decisions.

Ability to design and develop clear instructional materials, and to communicate with patience and clarity, technical concepts to a non-technical audience, including individuals and cross-functional teams with diverse backgrounds and experience.

Understand responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and behave in ways consistent both with law and with university policy.

Ability to create and maintain harmonious professional relationships. Contribute toward creating a positive and respectful workplace through professional competence, integrity, and collaboration.

Ability to support departmental and institutional goals by creating a non-discriminatory, respectful, and inclusive environment that is supportive of diversity.

Ability to maintain confidentiality; use access to sensitive and/or not yet public university related information only in the performance of the responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in higher education or research preferred.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an indoor university environment and involves lifting and transporting materials or equipment and general physical activity, including prolonged standing, walking, or assuming low postures.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm. Required to work some nights and weekends.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 27

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.