Senior Applications Manager

The Sr. Applications Manager is a crucial leader within the Office of Technology Services (OTS) at Tennessee State University. This role is responsible for managing all aspects of the University's Applications Development and operations. Reporting directly to the CIO, the Sr. Applications Manager will oversee a team of applications professionals, ensuring that all software applications and systems effectively support TSU's operational and academic goals. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in application management, a comprehensive understanding of Ellucian ERP systems, and the ability to foster a collaborative team environment. This is a full-time, on-site position with a work schedule aligned with the University's standard operating hours. The candidate must be available to work evenings or weekends as necessary to address emergency or maintenance requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Applications Development team, providing direction, mentorship, and support to enhance team members' professional development and performance in enterprise application management.
• Collaborate with the CIO to define the strategic direction for the Applications Development function, aligning initiatives with the university's mission and broader operational goals.
• Oversee the design, development, and maintenance of integrated software applications, ensuring they meet user needs and adhere to best practices across the enterprise application landscape.
• Manage the full software development lifecycle, including planning, coding, testing, deployment, and maintenance of applications, with a focus on complex integrations and ERP solutions.
• Implement and uphold standards for application development and deployment, ensuring security, compliance, and quality of software solutions within the enterprise framework.
• Oversee the management of databases, ensuring regular updates, proactive patch management, and optimal performance of all database systems to support enterprise applications.
• Serve as a technical expert, providing guidance and troubleshooting support for applications and systems that disrupt critical business processes.
• Evaluate and recommend enhancements to existing applications and systems to improve functionality, performance, and user experience.
• Analyze user project proposals, identifying requirements and conducting feasibility analyses while advising on optimal approaches for solution development.
• Establish project plans, including scoping, scheduling, and resource allocation, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration across departments to ensure software solutions integrate seamlessly with university operations.
• Monitor application performance and conduct regular reviews, addressing issues related to enterprise applications and complex system integrations.
• Prepare and present reports on application status, team performance, and project progress to the CIO and other stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience as a Sr. Applications Manager or executive leadership role in a professional IT setting.
• Relevant industry certifications (e.g., Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer, AWS Certified Developer).
• Experience with Ellucian ERP systems and ecosystem (e.g., Banner), but other major ERP platforms (Workday, Oracle, SAP, PeopleAdmin, Slate, Blackbaud, and other 3rd-party integrated systems) are also highly valued.
• Prior experience in an academic institution or higher education environment.