ABOUT USSA: The United States Sports Academy is a higher education institution located in Daphne, AL that specializes in the teaching of sport. Offering bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees in sport coaching, sport performance, and sport management, USSA is a growing university for students to study and continue into the profession of sport.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE POSITION:

As the Director of Student Information Systems, you will be responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, implementation, and management of all aspects related to student information systems within our educational institution. This role requires a combination of technical expertise, project management skills, and a deep understanding of student data management processes. You will lead a team dedicated to maintaining the integrity, security, and functionality of our student information systems while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and meeting the evolving needs of our faculty, staff, and students. This position reports directly to the Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Information Systems.

CLASSIFICATION:  Exempt

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF POSITION:

  1. Manage all needs of USSA’s current student information system, Campus Café and Canvas; stay up to date with system’s best practices and capabilities.
  2. Stay abreast of regulatory requirements, industry standards, and best practices related to student data privacy, security, and compliance (e.g., FERPA, GDPR).
  3. Establish and enforce data governance policies and procedures to maintain the accuracy, confidentiality, and integrity of student records and information.
  4. Ensure that student information systems and processes adhere to legal and regulatory mandates, conducting audits and assessments as needed to mitigate risks and maintain compliance.
  5. Implement robust security measures and access controls to safeguard sensitive data against unauthorized access, breaches, and cyber threats.
  6. Lead and mentor a team of professionals responsible for the overall system administration, database management, software development, and user support.
  7. Collaborate with key stakeholders, including academic departments, administrative units, and IT leadership, to identify system requirements, prioritize initiatives, and drive continuous improvement.
  8. Assist in the development of standard operating procedures corresponding to the use of the student information systems.
  9. Develop data reporting and analytics capabilities to support institutional effectiveness, decision-making, and compliance reporting requirements. Specific reports include but are not limited to:
    • Admissions funnel of prospect, inquiry, and admitted student data.
    • Total student body enrollment numbers, retention rates, and graduation rates.
    • Geographic, demographic, and psychographic data of USSA’s student body, faculty and staff, and alumni base.
  2. Ensure accuracy of all federal and state government mandated reports including but not limited to IPEDS and National Student Clearinghouse.
  3. Confirm accuracy of all reports needed for accreditation through SACSCOC, ACBSP, and other accrediting bodies.
  4. Collaborate with Instructional Design department to ensure seamless integration of SIS and LMS as well as troubleshoot any recurring issues.
  5. Serve as a resource and training advocate for faculty/staff that use the student portal, SIS, or other relational databases. Provide training and support to faculty and staff on the use of student information systems, ensuring effective utilization and adherence to best practices.
  6. Serve as a subject matter expert and escalation point for resolving complex technical issues, troubleshooting system errors, and addressing user concerns in a timely manner.
  7. Manage vendor relationships and contracts, negotiating terms and overseeing service level agreements to ensure optimal system performance and support.
  8. Coordinate with cross-functional teams to facilitate system upgrades, migrations, and enhancements while minimizing disruption to day-to-day operations.
  9. Participate in relevant university committees and projects to support student recruitment, engagement, retention, accreditation, and advising efforts.
  10. Engage in professional development activities, including membership in professional organizations, consumption of field-relevant publications, attendance at conferences and webinars, and other networking opportunities as well as on-going in-service training.
  11. May have additional duties as assigned by the Deans, Vice Presidents, and President to meet the needs of the institution.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Educational Technology, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
  • Individual must have 5 years of relevant experience in higher education with at least three of those overseeing student information systems or related technology functions.
  • Strong technical proficiency with student information system platforms (e.g., Campus Café, Banner, PeopleSoft, Blackboard, Canvas) and related technologies. Campus Café and Canvas experience preferred.
  • Demonstrated expertise in project management, system implementation, and change management methodologies.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Ability to think strategically, solve complex problems, and make data-driven decisions.
  • Knowledge of data governance principles, data analytics tools, and regulatory compliance requirements in higher education.

BENEFITS:

Salary range of $55,000 – $65,000 based on experience and education with a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, vision, dental, and retirement plan.

US Sports Academy
Author: US Sports Academy