IT Sr Business Systems Analyst

JOB DESCRIPTION
Purpose of Role
 
Reporting to the VP, IT Strategy, business systems analyst is responsible for the delivery, management, and implementation of applications and solutions that support GIA core business functions, employees, and business partners. This position will provide vision and solutions to leadership supporting applications such as: Salesforce, Microsoft, Jenzabar, Oracle, Auditboard, Marketo, Boomi, Blackboard . He/she is an advocate for business application solutions, development and configuration requirements and is responsible for the development, configuration and delivery of a comprehensive software development strategy, architecture and solutions.
 
GIA seeks an experienced, energetic, engaging and visionary analyst who wants to become part of an exciting, vibrant community supporting the creation and configuration of software solutions to help the organization drive positive business outcomes.  The complexity of this position requires an approach that is engaging, imaginative, and collaborative, with a sophisticated ability to develop scalable, supportable, maintainable, robust, and high-performing solutions that meet our customers’ requirements.
 
Accountabilities & Responsibilities
Strategy and Leadership:
Strategy and Executive Leadership

• Serve as a key strategic advisor, collaborating with C-suite executives, senior leaders, customers, and external stakeholders to shape and drive application strategies at an enterprise level.
• Spearhead the execution of a forward-looking digital transformation roadmap, ensuring alignment with overarching business objectives and industry trends.
• Architect and champion, a visionary business application ecosystem strategy that enhances customer experiences, optimizes employee workflows, and future-proofs enterprise operations.
• Provide oversight for the full product lifecycle of technology solutions, from inception to deployment, ensuring market differentiation and long-term business value.
• Drive organizational transformation through modernization, enterprise-wide integration, and cutting-edge technologies.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to shape investment strategies, define application technology priorities, and align initiatives with evolving business demands.
• Establish governance frameworks to ensure strategic alignment, foster innovation, and promote agility in the adoption of emerging digital solutions.
• Stay ahead of industry shifts, competitive landscapes, and regulatory changes, ensuring proactive adaptation and compliance.

 
Operational Management

• Direct enterprise-wide application strategy, overseeing cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of technology initiatives.
• Partner with senior stakeholders to define and prioritize high-impact digital initiatives, allocating resources effectively to meet strategic goals.
• Ensure operational excellence through rigorous oversight of service delivery, performance metrics, and continuous optimization of technology solutions.
• Oversee portfolio management and governance for enterprise application investments, ensuring alignment with business objectives and long-term scalability.
• Cultivate a culture of stakeholder satisfaction through delivery excellence, structured change management processes, and seamless technology adoption.
• Provide executive leadership in defining best practices, ensuring rigorous adherence to technical standards, compliance requirements, and strategic objectives.
• Lead enterprise-wide financial planning for technology initiatives, developing comprehensive investment roadmaps and business case justifications.

 
Technical Delivery

• Set technical vision for enterprise applications, ensuring scalability, security, and innovation in system architecture and development.
• Architect and optimize complex SQL data models, ensuring data integrity and high-performance analytics for strategic decision-making.
• Oversee development and enhancement of critical business applications, ensuring cutting-edge user experiences and operational efficiency.
• Serve as a key liaison between functional leaders and technology teams, translating business challenges into high-impact technical solutions.
• Guide proactive system performance analysis, identifying strategic improvements to ensure long-term stability and innovation.
• Provide executive direction for technical documentation, regulatory compliance, and knowledge management frameworks.
• Oversee enterprise-wide integrations, including migrations, automation, and interoperability across business application platforms.
• Lead technology enablement initiatives, driving digital literacy and adoption strategies across the organization.

Technical

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Master’s degree preferred.
• 4-5+ years of progressive experience in IT leadership roles, with a focus on high-tech environments preferred. Prefers 5-7+
• Proficiency in SQL, HTML, CSS, and basic web development principles.
• Experience supporting or working with Student Information Systems or similar ERP systems.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and documentation skills.
• Experience with student information systems like Jenzabar, Blackboard or Salesforce preferred
• Familiarity with JavaScript, APIs, or server-side scripting languages (e.g., PHP, ASP.NET).
• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working with and managing the execution of managed service providers (MSPs)
• Proven experience with creating and managing outsourced relationships, both domestic and global.
• Experience in the design, implementation, and support of high impact, high company investment, and mission-critical projects in unstructured environments.
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships with others, a demonstrated customer focus, teamwork skills, and a willingness to share technical and business knowledge with team members.
• Works with senior management to establish strategic direction, operating policies, and to aid in major project planning.
• A demonstrated ability to implement processes and standards, and effectively communicate those across a technology organization.

 
Relational
 

• Reports to the VP – IT Strategy
• Works collaboratively and builds strong working relationships across a diverse, and global workforce. Will work with the functional leadership and user community, and various cross-functional IT and InfoSec teams.
• Proven success in motivating and leading cross-functional project teams to complete objectives
• Under adverse circumstances continues to uphold GIA principles and strives to build strong relations with all IT teams
• Models GIA values

 
 
Industry and Business Acumen
 

• Communication Skills

• Excellent command of the English language (spoken and written)
• Impeccable communication skills, written, verbal, and formal presentations
• Strong leadership presence. Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills, including the ability to articulate and rally teams around a vision 

• Results Orientation

• Takes accountability for high-quality deliverables and works relentlessly until the targets are beaten.
• Constantly evaluating new technology solutions, engaging with vendors and partners to find leading-edge solutions to be implemented

 
Location Requirements

• Some travel outside of Carlsbad, CA may be necessary to support global teams

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan.