What are the responsibilities and job description for the Advancement Technical Systems Developer position at Syracuse University?
Job Description
This role functions as a developer for business applications and platforms, working in a team environment to support the University’s existing and future fundraising systems, with a specific focus on Blackbaud CRM and Anthology Encompass. The developer is responsible for the successful delivery of CRM enhancements, code updates/fixes, integrations, and general technical support in collaboration with the Advancement Systems team and third-party vendors/partners.
This position oversees solutions design, quality assurance, and development stages of integrations, enhancements, and platform updates. The position works closely with Functional Business Analysts (FBAs) and division stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical solutions that support the advancement operations managing over 500,000 constituent records. This role supports the division’s emerging AI analytics initiatives and data governance frameworks. This position reports to the Advancement Technical Systems Architect.
The Division of Advancement & External Affairs expresses a shared mission that is collaborative, trusted, respectful, future-focused and is aligned with the overall University. All current and new employees embrace and demonstrate dedication to promoting shared values in an inclusive work culture to propel the future of advancement operations in their everyday work.
Education and Experience
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About The Syracuse Area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
This role functions as a developer for business applications and platforms, working in a team environment to support the University’s existing and future fundraising systems, with a specific focus on Blackbaud CRM and Anthology Encompass. The developer is responsible for the successful delivery of CRM enhancements, code updates/fixes, integrations, and general technical support in collaboration with the Advancement Systems team and third-party vendors/partners.
This position oversees solutions design, quality assurance, and development stages of integrations, enhancements, and platform updates. The position works closely with Functional Business Analysts (FBAs) and division stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical solutions that support the advancement operations managing over 500,000 constituent records. This role supports the division’s emerging AI analytics initiatives and data governance frameworks. This position reports to the Advancement Technical Systems Architect.
The Division of Advancement & External Affairs expresses a shared mission that is collaborative, trusted, respectful, future-focused and is aligned with the overall University. All current and new employees embrace and demonstrate dedication to promoting shared values in an inclusive work culture to propel the future of advancement operations in their everyday work.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, or related technical field, and a minimum of 3-5 years of related programming and application development experience OR demonstrated equivalent combination of education and experience required.
- Proficiency in SQL database structures, reading and writing SQL statements and stored procedures, use of SQL utilities, database normalization, and query performance tuning (Microsoft SQL Server).
- Demonstrated programming experience in object-oriented languages including C#, .NET, and/or VB.NET.
- Experience with Microsoft Business Intelligence tools (SSRS, SSIS, SSAS).
- Proficiency in web development technologies including HTML, XML, JavaScript, and REST APIs.
- Understanding of data integration patterns, ETL methodologies, and middleware technologies.
- Experience with version control systems (Git, TFS) and development best practices.
- Extensive knowledge of database design, coding, data processing, hardware platforms, and enterprise software applications.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze complex data sets and system architectures.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
- Knowledge of development and implementation of standards, procedures, and guidelines to support operational processes and compliance requirements.
- Ability to translate business needs into technical solutions and specifications.
- Strong documentation skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Proven project management skills with ability to work collaboratively across functional teams including business analysts, system administrators, and end users.
- Commitment to continuous learning in evolving technology environments and advancement industry best practices
- Experience with Blackbaud CRM (Enterprise/Infinity platform) including SDK and data warehouse knowledge.
- Familiarity with Anthology Encompass or similar advancement platforms.
- Knowledge of higher education advancement operations and fundraising business processes.
- Experience with Tableau, PowerBI, or similar business intelligence and analytics platforms.
- Understanding of data governance frameworks and compliance requirements (GDPR, FERPA, export controls).
- Experience with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS) and modern development frameworks.
- Familiarity with AI/ML platforms and semantic modeling concepts.
- Develop, test, and implement programming code based on functional and technical specifications provided by Functional Business Analysts (FBAs), stakeholders, and other designated users to facilitate the creation of applications, interfaces, integrations, analytics solutions, and system functions for Blackbaud CRM, Anthology Encompass, and related/future advancement platforms.
- Ensure code quality, documentation, and adherence to development best practices.
- Design and maintain multiple data integrations between advancement systems and university enterprise platforms (PeopleSoft, Salesforce, etc.) using ETL processes, APIs, and middleware solutions.
- Create custom reporting solutions and data extracts using SQL, SSRS, and business intelligence tools to support operational and strategic decision-making.
- Interact directly with members of the division to assess required data, reports, and system functionality.
- Identify system enhancements, new applications, and/or programming changes necessary to deliver required functionality and support fundraising goals.
- Assemble and translate functional specifications into comprehensive technical specifications for development implementation.
- Work in conjunction with FBAs and other designated members of the AEA staff to conduct thorough system and unit testing on custom solutions, enhancements, and bug fixes prior to general release.
- Ensure quality assurance processes are followed and documented.
- Participate in change management and system upgrade processes.
- Communicate with external Blackbaud Technical Lead, Anthology support staff, third-party vendors/consultants, and senior project managers regarding deliverable progress, technical challenges, and solution quality.
- Collaborate on vendor management and escalation processes as needed.
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About The Syracuse Area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.