Banner Student Information System Administrator

Job Description

Job Title: Banner Student Information System Administrator

Job Location: Dubai/Abu Dhabi

Job Role

A Banner Student Information System (SIS) Administrator is responsible for managing, configuring, and maintaining the Banner Student Information System, which is used by educational institutions for managing student data, academic records, registration, grading, and other academic processes. This role requires a combination of technical skills, functional knowledge of Banner SIS, and an understanding of the educational environment.

Minimum 5 years of hands on experience as Banner SIS Administrator.

Technical Skills

Banner System Knowledge:

• In-depth knowledge of Banner SIS modules, such as Student Records, Registration, Admissions, Financial Aid, Grades, and Reporting.
• Understanding of Banner database architecture (Oracle database) and its components.
• Ability to configure, customize, and troubleshoot issues in the Banner SIS environment.
  
  

Database Management

• Oracle Database Management: Proficient in Oracle Database for managing the Banner system backend, including database configuration, performance tuning, backups, and troubleshooting.
• SQL & PL/SQL: Strong skills in SQL for querying, data extraction, and generating reports. Proficiency in PL/SQL for creating custom scripts, stored procedures, and functions.
• Data Migration: Knowledge of data migration techniques to transfer data between Banner and other systems (e.g., moving data between Banner and a third-party system).
  
  

System Administration

• Server Management: Experience in managing the servers where Banner SIS is hosted, including Linux or Windows server environments.
• System Installation & Configuration: Installation, setup, and configuration of Banner SIS and its related components (e.g., Banner Web, Banner 9, Xtender, Self-Service).
• Performance Monitoring: Monitoring the system for performance issues (e.g., slow query performance, downtime) and optimizing it for better performance.
  
  

Data Security & Privacy

• Understanding of data security best practices to ensure student data is protected in compliance with FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) or other relevant data protection regulations.
• Knowledge of encryption, access control, and data masking to safeguard sensitive student information.
  
  

Integration With Other Systems

• Experience in system integration using APIs or middleware (such as Ellucian Ethos, SSO (Single Sign-On), or LDAP) to connect Banner SIS with other institutional systems (e.g., Learning Management Systems (LMS), financial systems).
• Understanding of file transfer protocols (e.g., SFTP) for data exchange between Banner and third- party systems.
  
  

Functional Knowledge

• Student Information Systems (SIS):
• Deep understanding of the functional processes within Banner SIS, such as course registration, grade submission, student records management, and academic advising.
• Ability to support academic and administrative departments in utilizing the Banner system for day- to-day functions.
  
  

User Access & Role Management

• Experience managing user access control for various roles (faculty, staff, students) in the Banner system using security roles and permissions.
• Knowledge of user authentication and user role management, ensuring appropriate access levels based on user functions.
  
  

Workflow & Business Rules Configuration

• Configuring and managing Banner workflows, business rules, and processes to ensure that the system meets the institution’s specific needs.
• Customizing processes within the system (e.g., registration rules, prerequisites) to meet institutional policies and academic requirements.
  
  

Technical Support

Support & Troubleshooting Skills

• Providing support to users (faculty, students, administrative staff) by troubleshooting system issues related to Banner SIS.
• Resolving technical issues related to Banner, such as application errors, system downtime, and data inconsistencies.
  
  

Incident Management

• Managing incident tickets and service requests using IT service management tools (e.g.,ServiceNow, Jira).
• Prioritizing and resolving incidents within defined SLAs, ensuring minimal disruption to users.
  
  

Problem-Solving

• Diagnosing and troubleshooting issues related to the system, including performance problems, errors in data entry, and discrepancies in student records.
• Collaborating with internal teams (e.g., IT support, developers) and vendor support (Ellucian) to resolve complex problems.
  
  

Project Management & Collaboration

Project Management

• Leading or participating in Banner SIS upgrade projects, new module implementations, or integration projects.
• Managing project timelines, resources, and deliverables, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Familiarity with Agile or Waterfall project management methodologies.
  
  

Collaboration Skills

• Collaborating with functional departments (e.g., Admissions, Registrar, Financial Aid) to gather requirements, implement configurations, and provide support.
• Working with cross-functional teams (e.g., IT, business units) to ensure that Banner is meeting the institution’s needs.
  
  

Training & Documentation

• End-user training: Creating user guides and conducting training sessions for Banner users, including faculty, staff, and students.
• Documentation: Creating and maintaining documentation for system configurations, troubleshooting guides, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Banner.
  
  

System Upgrades & Maintenance

System Patching & Upgrades

• Managing system updates, patches, and version upgrades for Banner SIS to ensure that the system remains current with the latest features and security patches.
• Testing new versions of Banner before implementation to ensure compatibility and minimal disruption to the institution.
  
  

Backup And Recovery

• Ensuring regular backups of the Banner database and system configurations, developing disaster recovery plans in case of system failure.
• Performing system restoration or troubleshooting in case of system failures or data loss.
  
  

Change Management

Change Control

• Managing changes to the system (e.g., modifications, enhancements) following a formal change management process.
• Ensuring that any changes made to the Banner system are properly tested and documented, and that users are notified of changes in functionality.
  
  

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Communication:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with users, administrators, and other departments effectively.
• Translating technical issues or solutions to non-technical stakeholders in a clear and understandable manner.
  
  

Vendor Management

• Engaging with Ellucian (the company behind Banner) for vendor support, troubleshooting, and product enhancements.
• Managing relationships with third-party vendors involved in Banner SIS integrations or supporting systems.
  
  

Analytical Skills

Data Analysis & Reporting:

• Ability to analyze Banner data to generate meaningful insights, such as enrollment reports, retention data, and academic performance metrics.
• Proficiency in reporting tools such as Argos, Oracle Reports, or SQL-based reports to generate and interpret data from the Banner system.
  
  

Testing And Quality Assurance

• Ensuring that system modifications, upgrades, and patches are thoroughly tested to ensure the Banner system functions as expected.
• Identifying bugs or issues during testing and working to resolve them before changes are implemented in the live environment.