Application Specialist (Slate CRM)

Dalhousie University; Halifax; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in education is seeking an Application Specialist to manage and support the Slate CRM system. This role involves overseeing the full application lifecycle, enhancing administrative systems, and leading technical projects to improve university operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in project management and enterprise applications, coupled with excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Join a vibrant community that values diversity and inclusion while contributing to the academic excellence of a leading research university. This position offers the flexibility of hybrid work arrangements, allowing for a balance between on-campus and remote work.

Benefits

Defined benefit pension plan

Health and dental plans

Health spending account

Employee and family assistance program

Tuition assistance program

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in implementing and supporting enterprise applications.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills required.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full application lifecycle for Slate and other student applications.
• Provide strategic insight on best practices and emerging technology.

Skills

Project Management

Process Improvement

Client Service

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Undergraduate degree in Computer Science

Undergraduate degree in Information Systems

Undergraduate degree in Business

Tools

Slate CRM

ERP Systems

Job description

This is a provisional classification. Formal regular review classification procedures may be initiated at any time by the incumbent or supervisor after the incumbent has worked a minimum of six months in the role.

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

Job Summary

The Enterprise Application Services (EAS) department in Information Technology Services (ITS) provides services to support and improve university administration. This includes maintaining existing and implementing new administrative systems, as well as upgrading and supporting a variety of information technology platforms. Reporting to the Associate Director, Application Management and Support, the Application Specialist (Slate CRM) is responsible for managing and supporting the Slate student admissions system, and other business critical software applications within the purview of EAS and IT projects related to these applications, including implementation, process improvements or introduction of new functionality.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full application lifecycle for Slate and other student applications (planning, creating, testing and deploying information technology). This includes project and change management during new systems implementation and system enhancements.
• Manage the business and vendor relationship, and lead technical projects including planning and implementation of new functionality and major upgrades related to the enterprise applications or technology as it affects administrative and faculty units.
• Provide strategic insight on best practices, emerging technology, and applications related to administrative system; functional expertise related to various ERP and other enterprise-wide systems; and knowledge and advice related to these programs regarding business processes and practices.
• As a subject matter expert, work with frontline systems staff and others involved in operations on escalated issues. Provide guidance to staff in EAS and business units and work with internal and external partners to arrive at a solution to the problem at hand.
• Serve as applications/IT specialist on committees, providing expertise on how the enterprise systems function combines with operational and reporting needs for applications, and how changes will affect individual units and their data and reporting.
• Work with business unit partners to manage access, security and compliance for enterprise applications, as determined by EAS and the business unit. Ensure security policies, procedures, and controls are integrated throughout the development and maintenance of applications.

Note: The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business or related field plus at least five (5) to seven (7) years’ experience in implementing and supporting enterprise applications and other business critical systems (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Experience in project management, process improvement, training, IT service delivery, and end user support with demonstrated commitment to ongoing formal and self-study to remain current with best practices.
• Highly motivated with proven organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Strong client service, interpersonal, and communication (verbal and written) skills.

Assets

• ITIL and PMP certifications.

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership competencies (https://www.dal.ca/dept/leaders.html), in particular:

• Respect & Inclusion
• Knowledge & Thinking Skills
• Relationship Building
• Resource & Process Management
• Change & Innovation

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Applications from current university employees and external candidates are assessed concurrently. Current university employees will be given special consideration.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents:

• Résumé / Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Optional Documents:

• Cover Letter