Job Description

The AI Technical Business Analyst at Ithaca College supports the thoughtful and responsible application of emerging technologies in alignment with the college’s educational mission, institutional values, and commitment to sustainability.

This position contributes to institutional efforts to better understand and improve the student and employee experience over time through responsible data practices. Any use of AI or automation that may affect individuals would be subject to established governance and review processes, with clear human accountability for decisions and outcomes.

As part of the Information Technology and Analytics division, this position identifies, shapes, and supports AI-related solutions that enhance the college's digital ecosystem and student experience. This role bridges business needs and technical implementation—translating requirements into buildable specifications, validating solutions with stakeholders, and working alongside developers and AI tools to deliver results.

This position operates within the framework established by Ithaca College’s Presidential Working Group on Artificial Intelligence and emphasizes transparency, documentation, data stewardship, privacy protection, and appropriate human oversight.

In support of Ithaca College’s sustainability commitments, the role also considers when AI tools are appropriate, when simpler solutions are sufficient, and how to avoid unnecessary or duplicative use of resource-intensive technologies.

Appointment Term:

This is a full-time position with a two-year appointment. Continued employment beyond two years may be possible based on institutional needs and available funding.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with campus stakeholders to understand needs, document requirements, and define use cases for AI-related projects; translate business needs into clear, buildable specifications.
• Analyze processes and identify opportunities for automation, or data tools, while also identifying cases where non-AI solutions are more appropriate.
• Support responsible use of institutional data, including data used to understand patterns and experiences over time, in alignment with governance, privacy, and security standards.
• Work with the analytics and technical teams to explore data, validate requirements, and support testing; use tools like SQL or Pandas to explore data independently.
• Evaluate and, where appropriate, use AI-assisted tools for prototyping, testing, or analysis, applying human review and institutional standards to all outputs. Use AI tools to generate or accelerate solution components where appropriate; evaluate outputs critically and refine as needed.
• Develop and execute test plans for system integrations, data flows, and AI-driven functionality; document defects and work with developers to resolve issues.
• Plan and coordinate user acceptance testing (UAT) with stakeholders; define test scenarios, support end users through testing, and synthesize feedback into actionable outcomes.
• Work directly with institutional systems and data (such as student information systems, CRM platforms, and enterprise databases) to understand constraints, validate feasibility, and ensure solutions align with data governance and security requirements.
• Create user documentation, training materials, and communication drafts for rollouts.
• Support project coordination including tracking decisions, maintaining timelines, and facilitating handoffs between business stakeholders and technical teams.
• Monitor developments in AI and related technologies; provide balanced, practical assessments of their relevance to campus needs.

Qualifications:

• Five or more years of demonstrated experience in a technical business analyst, systems analyst, or related role, with a track record of working across both business and technical teams in a complex enterprise environment. A bachelor's degree in information systems, computer science, data analytics, or a related field is preferred and may substitute for some of the experience requirement.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to diagnose issues, evaluate options, and recommend solutions.
• Proficiency in SQL; able to write queries to extract, analyze, and validate data.
• Proficiency in Python or a similar scripting language; able to read, modify, and test code.
• Experience developing test plans, executing system tests, and coordinating user acceptance testing.
• Clear communication skills; able to translate technical information for non-technical audiences and document requirements precisely.
• Experience with AI tools or concepts such as prompt design, model evaluation, or workflow automation.
• Familiarity with how enterprise systems and data integrations work; able to understand technical constraints and ask the right questions.

Preferred:

• Experience in higher education systems or similar enterprise environments.
• Understanding of data privacy considerations (FERPA or similar).

Work Environment:

Most work is completed in an accessible indoor environment. While some onsite work is required, hybrid work-from-home options are available. The incumbent will use a personal computer and standard office equipment.

This role involves access to confidential institutional information and requires adherence to all applicable data security, privacy, and governance policies.

Ithaca College is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment grounded in mutual respect and open exchange. We welcome applicants who share this commitment and who will contribute to a campus community rich in diverse perspectives and experiences.

This position is 37.5 hours per week, 52 weeks per year.

Application Instructions::

Interested applicants must apply online and attach a resume, cover letter, and list of three professional references. Questions about online applications should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at (607) 274-8000 or humanresources@ithaca.edu.

Ithaca College is committed to building a diverse academic community and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. Experience that contributes to the diversity of the college is appreciated.

Visa sponsorship is not provided for this position.

Hiring Range:

$85,000-$90,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

We pride ourselves on providing our benefit-eligible employees with comprehensive benefits, including:

• Healthcare including vision and dental

• Generous Paid Time Off Policies

• 403B Retirement Savings Plan with Matching Employer Contribution

• EAP

• Flexible Work Plans

• Educational Benefits

• Career-Enhancing Trainings

• For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit https://www.ithaca.edu/human-resources/employee-benefits-wellness

In an effort to promote campus safety and the security of College resources, Ithaca College will, consistent with the requirements of the law and prudent practices, conduct criminal background investigations per College policy. This position is subject to a criminal background check. All offers of employment are contingent upon review of the criminal background check.

At Ithaca College, a comprehensive residential campus community of approximately 5,000 students, we strive to be at the forefront of the higher education landscape. We offer a distinct integrative learning experience that makes students ready for the personal, professional, and global challenges of our age.

We seek candidates who embrace integrative learning and want to be a part of this exciting time in Ithaca College history. We encourage creative collaboration and innovation in our faculty and staff, providing support and resources for them to grow in their fields and lead students to their own innovative ideas and achievements.

We welcome different ways of thinking and look for candidates with unique points of view and life experiences. We are inclusive of individuals with a wide range of cultural, personal, and professional backgrounds, talents, and skills. Our campus is a vibrant and rewarding community where diverse minds can learn, succeed, and excel.

When reviewing candidates, we are looking for indicators of a number of core competencies. Prospective candidates must be adaptable, collaborative, inclusive, respectful, responsive, results driven, and sustainable. They must communicate effectively, demonstrate leadership, exhibit professional integrity and ethics, take initiative, value personal and professional development, and show that they will engage in the college.

Nestled in the heart of New York State’s scenic Finger Lakes region, Ithaca College sits atop South Hill overlooking picturesque Cayuga Lake and is just minutes away from the city center. Combining small town warmth and charm with the vibrancy of a college community, the thriving and culturally diverse city of Ithaca has been rated by Kiplinger’s as one of the top 10 places to live in the United States.

To learn more about Ithaca College, visit us at http://ithaca.edu