ServiceNow Lead Developer

uchicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago seeks a ServiceNow Lead Developer to drive innovation on our fast-growing ServiceNow platform. You will lead projects involving AI-powered chatbots and workflow automation while collaborating with campus partners to design processes and improve service delivery.

You will mentor a ServiceNow team, govern best practices, and coordinate with IT, HR, Finance, and Research stakeholders to deliver scalable solutions and secure platform governance.

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• ServiceNow development and administration experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads technical development and platform architecture for ServiceNow, ensuring scalable, sustainable solutions.
• Oversees and mentors ServiceNow team members, guiding best practices in agile delivery, code quality, and platform management.
• Collaborates with stakeholders across campus (IT, HR, Finance, Research) to understand needs and design optimal solutions.
• Spearheads initiatives including chatbot integration, advanced workflow automation, and onboarding of new ServiceNow modules.
• Designs and optimizes business processes leveraging ServiceNow capabilities.
• Manages backlog and prioritizes high-impact projects.
• Champions governance and compliance standards, including security and platform strategy.

Skills

ServiceNow development

ServiceNow administration

Leadership

Agile delivery

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science

Advanced degree in technical field

Tools

ServiceNow

Job description

Department

OPS ITS - Service Automation

About the Department

ITS collaborates with campus partners to support the mission of the University of Chicago through the consistent delivery of high-quality solutions and services. We provide secure, stable, and reliable infrastructure and applications to supportthe mission of the University. We support and enable faculty research and teaching with the effective use of technology. We simplify the technology experience for faculty, students, alumni, and staff, and we ensure technology is mobile-friendly and accessible. We identify, manage, and mitigate the technology risks of the University.

Job Summary

Are you ready to shape the future of digital services at the University? We’re seeking a visionary ServiceNow Lead Developer to drive innovation and excellence within our fast-growing ServiceNow platform. This is a unique opportunity to lead projects involving new technologies like AI-powered chatbots and workflow automation, while collaborating with partners campus-wide to design processes and improve service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Leads technical development and platform architecture for ServiceNow, ensuring scalable, sustainable solutions.
• Oversees and mentors ServiceNow team members, guiding best practices in agile delivery, code quality, and platform management.
• Collaborates closely with stakeholders across campus (IT, HR, Finance, Research, etc.) to understand needs, designoptimalsolutions, and communicate progress.
• Spearheadsexciting initiatives including chatbot integration, advanced workflow automation, and onboarding of new ServiceNow modules and units.
• Designs andoptimizesbusinessprocessesleveraging ServiceNow capabilities.
• Manages backlog and prioritizes high-impact projects.
• Champions governance and compliance standards, serving as a resource on ServiceNow trends, security, and platform strategy.
• Fosters an inclusive, innovative team culture and actively communicates updates, challenges, and successes to campus partners.
• Acts as a technical consultant and resource for faculty research, teaching, and/or administrative projects.
• Leads or coordinates teams or projects for activities relating to software support and/or development.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field.
• Advance degree in a technical field.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in ServiceNow development and administration or in another application.
• Background in higher education or large enterprise environments is beneficial.

Certifications:

• Service-now.com Developer certification.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proven process design and improvement capabilities.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn, especially interested in AI, chatbots, and workflow automation.

Preferred Competencies

• Outstanding communication skills to bridge technical and non-technical audiences with clarity and enthusiasm.
• Strong background in leading complex projects or platforms, especially in fast-paced or evolving environments.
• Work collaboratively, lead change, and adapt to new challenges.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective interpersonal and collaborative skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Self-motivated and take initiative.
• Prioritize multiple projects and independently follow through with detail.

Working Conditions

• Standard office environment.
• Sit for short or extended time periods.
• Extensively use computer.
• On-call responsibilities.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References Contact Information (3)(required)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

Job Family

Information Technology

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$120,000.00 - $145,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.