Job Details

Senior Systems Analyst, Workday Data Modeling & Configuration

Position Number: 6766501
Location: Boston, MA
Position Type: Computing - Other

Senior Systems Analyst, Workday Data Modeling & Configuration

About the Opportunity

Job Summary

The Workday System Analyst, Data Modeling & Configuration is responsible to maintain and optimize Workday foundational data structures (supervisory orgs, job catalog, positions, cost centers, academic/administrative hierarchies).

Conduct regular data audits, resolve inconsistencies, and ensure alignment across HR, Finance, and other institutional systems.

Configure and maintain Workday business processes, calculated fields, condition rules and support data mappings and crosswalks.

Follow established IT change control procedures, maintain documentation, ensure consistent data definitions and support testing cycles.

24/7 business continuity:

This role requires availability outside of traditional working hours on a rotating basis to ensure continuous operation of critical AI systems and platforms. Responsibilities include monitoring system health, responding to alerts, troubleshooting performance issues, and implementing emergency fixes as needed. The ideal candidate must be able to quickly diagnose and resolve AI system and platform incidents, prioritize issues based on business impact, and coordinate with technical teams to restore service. A strong commitment to system reliability and service continuity is essential for success in this position.

Other duties as required:

This role requires flexibility in performing duties outside of the primary responsibilities to support the evolving AI ecosystem at the university. The ideal candidate must be adaptable and willing to take on additional tasks or projects as required, ensuring consistent and reliable AI and platform operations. This may include assisting with knowledge management, documentation updates, user training, data preparation, or special projects related to AI system improvements. A problem-solving mindset and willingness to tackle emerging challenges are essential for thriving in this dynamic environment.

Hybrid work schedule:

This role is hybrid and in the office a minimum of three days a week in Boston to facilitate collaboration with both technical teams and operations staff. In-office presence enables effective coordination with support teams, direct access to infrastructure, and hands-on troubleshooting of AI systems and platforms. Physical presence is particularly important for incident response, change management activities, and cross-functional problem-solving sessions that benefit from in-person collaboration and real-time communication.

*Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University is unable to work sponsor for this role, now or in the future.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Business Administration, Computer Science, or related field required.

Experience:

3-5 years of Workday configuration experience
Demonstrated expertise with Workday HCM, Finance, and Payroll modules
Background in higher education ERP systems strongly preferred
Experience with Workday Student a plus

Technical Competencies:

Expert knowledge of Workday business process configuration and optimization
Proficiency with Workday tools: Business Process Framework, EIBs, Calculated Fields, Custom Reports, BIRT, Workday Studio
Understanding of Workday data model and reporting frameworks
Experience with data conversion, migration, and validation processes
Ability to troubleshoot system issues and coordinate with technical teams

Required Skills:

Strong understanding of higher education business processes (academic, HR, finance)
Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
Ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions
Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively in team environments
Excellent documentation and communication skills
Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities
Experience with change management and ITIL processes

Preferred Qualifications

Workday Certification (HCM, Financials, or Student)
Workday Pro or Partner certification
Additional Workday module certifications (Absence, Benefits, Recruiting, Learning, Compensation)
Experience with Workday Adaptive Planning or PRISM Analytics
Knowledge of Workday Extend platform development
Familiarity with Agile methodologies and iterative development approaches
Experience with other higher education ERPs (Banner, PeopleSoft, Oracle)
Familiarity with data analytics and visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI)

Key Responsibilities

Workday Configuration and Administration

Configure and maintain business processes, notifications, and approval workflows across all Workday modules
Manage organizational structures, supervisory organizations, and cost center hierarchies
Administer custom fields, custom objects, and custom validations
Configure and test functionality for Workday releases (bi-annual updates) and weekly service packs
Maintain configuration workbooks and process documentation
Implement and optimize business process definitions and routing
Collaborate with functional teams (HR, Finance, Payroll, Student Services) on system requirements
Lead configuration sessions for new implementations and modules
Support business cycle configuration and system setup activities (payroll cycles, academic periods, financial periods)
Manage system configuration requests through ServiceNow or ticketing system
Facilitate training for functional users and super users

Business Analysis and Process Optimization

Conduct requirements gathering sessions with stakeholders
Analyze current business processes and identify optimization opportunities
Develop functional specifications and design documents
Perform gap analysis between business requirements and system capabilities
Create process flow diagrams and system documentation
Design and implement custom reports and dashboards
Conduct user acceptance testing (UAT) coordination and support
Develop test scripts and testing scenarios
Monitor system performance and user adoption metrics
Create business intelligence dashboards for leadership visibility
Support data governance initiatives and data quality improvements
Maintain standard operating procedures and user guides

Technical Support and Data Management

Create and maintain EIB (Enterprise Interface Builder) templates for data imports/exports
Monitor and troubleshoot EIB processes and data loads
Provide technical support for system issues and coordinate resolution with appropriate teams
Troubleshoot system errors and coordinate with Workday support as needed
Support data validation and reconciliation activities
Maintain data quality and integrity across Workday modules
Document technical processes and data specifications
Assist with data conversion and migration activities during implementations

Stakeholder Engagement and Management

Participate in Workday implementation and enhancement initiatives
Collaborate with project management team on deliverables and timelines
Serve as subject matter expert in cross-functional teams
Facilitate requirements gathering sessions and workshops with stakeholders
Support user story development and acceptance criteria definition
Provide input for sprint planning and backlog prioritization
Conduct user training and knowledge transfer sessions
Partner with change management team on user adoption strategies
Maintain strong relationships with business stakeholders across departments

Position Type

Information Technology

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:
112S

Expected Hiring Range:
$97,550.00 - $141,443.75

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.

To apply, visit https://northeastern.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/careers/job/Boston-MA-Main-Campus/Senior-Systems-Analyst--Workday-Data-Modeling---Configuration_R137267