Reports To: Technology, Data and Services (TDS) Director
Role Overview
The Application Specialist is responsible for the lifecycle management of the school's software portfolio. This role serves as the primary bridge between technical systems and educational/administrative users, ensuring that applications (SaaS, desktop, and mobile) are properly provisioned, integrated, secure, and effectively utilized.
Core Areas of Responsibility
Application Management & Provisioning
- User Lifecycle Management: Manage automated and manual provisioning/deprovisioning of accounts across core platforms (e.g., Google Workspace, SIS, LMS).
- App Deployment: Manage the distribution of applications via MDM (Mobile Device Management) and software imaging tools.
- App Evaluation & Testing: Monitor and test software to ensure compatibility. Assist on the technical vetting process for new and change software requests
Integration & Interoperability
- Data Syncing: Maintain and troubleshoot data integrations between the Student Information System (SIS) and other third-party applications.
- SSO Management: Oversee Single Sign-On (SSO) configurations to ensure seamless and secure access for students and staff.
Data Reporting and Security
- Audit & Reporting: Regularly audit application permissions to identify security risks or underutilized resources. Assist in preparing required data outputs for compliance, audits, and accreditation.
- Inventory Management: Maintain an accurate database of all approved applications, contract dates, and data privacy agreements.
Support & Training
- Tier 2/3 Support: Act as the escalation point for application-related help desk tickets.
- Documentation: Create user guides, FAQs, internal technical documentation for application workflows, and training for staff on lead training sessions as required.
- Vendor Liaison: Serve as the primary technical point of contact for software vendors during troubleshooting or implementation.
Required Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Minimum: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field or 2-5 years of equivalent professional experience in systems/application administration.
- Preferred: Experience working within a K-12 IT environment.
Technical Competencies
- SaaS Administration: Proficiency in managing Google Workspace for Education, SIS, LMS.
- Hardware and Software Basic Troubleshooting: Foundational and practical understanding of essential hardware and software troubleshooting techniques
- Automation, Scripting, and AI Exploration: Capability to automate routine tasks, such as bulk user updates, using basic scripting (e.g., Python, Apps Script). Open to exploring and adapting suitable AI tools for task optimization. (Desirable)
Soft Skills
- Problem Solving: A logical approach to troubleshooting Why won't this student log in or Why didn't this data sync
- Communication: Ability to explain technical constraints to non-technical educators and administrators.
- Project Management: Capability to manage multiple software implementations simultaneously.
- Innovation: Ability to explore and develop creative solutions (think outside the box) while ensuring solutions are appropriate in scale and scope (right-sized).
Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Application and Account Readiness: Ensure all students and staff are provided with the necessary application access on the first day of school. The application must be fully configured and ready for the current school year, aligning with all curriculum and learning requirements.
- Ticket Resolution: Average time to resolve application-access issues.
- ROI: Achieve cost savings by annually identifying and retiring redundant or unused software licenses.
