Penn State Job Catalog

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:

– Senior Supervisor

Base Description:

– Supervises direct reports, but primarily completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge to perform own work; spends majority of time on tasks related to own job responsibilities. May demonstrate subject matter expertise. Demonstrates intermediate to advanced planning, organizing, directing, and facilitating skills. Demonstrates the ability to coach assigned employees. Assigns and reviews completed work to verify accuracy, quality, and adherence to professional standards. Trains, coaches, mentors, and motivates staff. Anticipates potential problems, issues, and opportunities; researches and recommends solutions within defined policies. May develop creative recommendations for solving problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Typically oversees at least 2 full–time direct reports or equivalent team of part–time and/or student workers (for Professional track, performs work at the Senior Professional level or higher)

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– Monitors and tracks budgets for specific area and/or grant(s)
– May assist in planning and forecasting budgets

Problem Solving:

– Encounters moderately complex problems
– Applies general precedents and practices and specialized knowledge and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations and impact of potential solutions
– Anticipates potential problems and recommends possible solutions within general guidelines

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on moderately complex work assignments, reviews progress, and evaluates results
– Organizes work of direct reports and sets team priorities
– Reviews the work of others to verify accuracy, quality, and adherence to professional standards

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and the University
– Communicates with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Collaborates closely with team members; may interact with other staff outside of area
– Utilizes a communication style that is appropriate for a given situation
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 11
• Minimum – $68,200.00
• MidPoint – $85,200.00
• Maximum – $102,300.00