Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Vendor IT Solutions

The Vendor IT Solutions Specialist is responsible for working with technology vendors, suppliers, and internal partners on ensuring that information systems (including hardware and software) are effectively installed, integrated, configured, customized, and managed to meet the specific needs of the University; advise users on the technical aspects of information technology systems; write system and programming specifications; prepare and maintain technical documentation to guide system users and to assist with the ongoing operation, maintenance, and development of systems.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand their needs and requirements; evaluate information technology solutions such as those provided from an external vendor or supplier to determine if they are a good fit for the University’s goals and objectives
• Lead the technical aspects of implementing solutions; install and configure software, set up hardware, and ensure that the solution is integrated with existing systems and infrastructure; address technical challenges and issues that arise during implementation
• Customize solutions to align with the University’s specific requirements; adapt user interfaces, workflows, and functionality to meet business needs
• Ensure solutions seamlessly integrate with other systems and applications, including application programming interface (APIs), middleware, or other integration tools
• Conduct testing to verify solutions operate as expected and meet performance criteria; identify and rectify issues or bugs
• Create technical documentation, manuals, and user guides to assist end-users and IT staff; provide training
• Offer technical support for solutions, respond to inquiries, troubleshoot problems, and manage updates, patches, and maintenance
• Continuously monitor the performance of solutions, identify areas for improvement, and optimize solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
• Ensure that solutions comply with security and regulatory requirements; implement security measures and controls as needed
• Serve as a liaison between the organization and vendors; address any technical issues, coordinate updates, and ensure that service-level agreements (SLAs) are met
• May evaluate, analyze, maintain, and manage facilities and security systems; serve as a liaison between technical staff and user groups
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for enhancing the University’s use of information technology solutions
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 10
• Minimum – $61,800.00
• MidPoint – $75,700.00
• Maximum – $89,600.00