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:

– Senior Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field. Works independently on moderately complex work assignments under limited oversight, reviews progress, and evaluates results. Monitors work and projects ensuring timeliness, quality, and efficiency. Identifies and mobilizes resources to achieve outcomes. Trains others and reviews progress with management. Presents ideas, concepts, and instructions in a clear and persuasive manner. Develops new techniques, concepts, and approaches and applies them to moderately complex and strategic and/or operational issues.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor 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
– Monitors and tracks budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters moderately complex problems
– Applies specialized knowledge and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations, and impact of potential solutions

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on moderately complex work assignments, reviews progress, and evaluates results
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor
– May review the work of others to verify accuracy and conformance to required procedures and special instructions

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
– Coaches others in using appropriate strategies for resolving conflict; negotiating reasonable compromises; and proposing and evaluating possible solutions
– Give candid and constructive feedback to others to influence and persuade managers and employees to accept and implement findings and recommendations

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