Business analyst

Company: Ascend Learning
Location: Gilbert
Posted on: November 15, 2021

Job Description:

Ascend Learning is a national leader in data driven, online educational solutions for learners, educators and employers in high-growth, licensure-driven professions spanning healthcare, fitness and wellness, skilled trades, insurance and financial services. We are passionate about accelerating learning while impacting job readiness, employment success and employee retention with the belief that our work changes lives. Our culture is intentionally results-driven and selfless with a relentless focus on our customers. We believe in trust, transparency, freedom and responsibility with a commitment to meritocracy, inclusion and diversity of thought. Continual investment in our over 1400 employees is also a core principle realized through ongoing professional development and providing opportunities to grow, develop and lead. Ascend Learning is headquartered in Burlington, MA with additional office locations and remote workers in cities across the U.S. and in the U.K. Job Overview Ascend Learning is seeking a Platform Analyst to join our Enterprise Applications team within our Tech & Ops division. The primary role of the Platform Analyst is to analyze business requirements and craft functional and design specifications for all aspects of a software solution. This position must strive for high quality and operational efficiency within agile/scrum teams at both an individual and team level. The Platform Analyst will work with Product Owners and Engineering on the design, testing, and implementation of new software as well as defect corrections/enhancements to existing software. Responsibilities & Duties * Create functional specifications documents and other design artifacts as necessary to ensure a systematic approach to the development of a new product or service. * Translate business requirements or high-level user stories into detailed user stories / technical issues that can be interpreted by the agile development team. * Conduct analysis that identifies the current state of business processes and/or system inadequacies. * Deliver recommendations for process and system improvements that assist the business in achieving its goals and objectives, leveraging best practices and professional experience. * Work with team members to proactively identify, communicate and resolve issues and risks that impede the execution and/or success of the project. * Able to multi-task by working on multiple assignments and/or projects. * Collaborate with business stakeholders, agile team members and project managers to ensure timely delivery of project deliverables. * Serve as liaison between business stakeholders and agile team members, representing and advocating for the perspective of the other party. * Actively support design and prototype work. Solicit user and other stakeholder feedback on concepts and prototypes. * Manage, prioritize, and assess the impact of all work items, such as new features, defects, non-functional requirements, product backlog, etc., including providing the decision to create, fix or defer at the release level. * Attend scrum meetings including standups, retrospectives, and demos, working as part of the agile team. * Assist with functional testing for assigned projects, including reviewing and accepting or declining output of development to ensure specified acceptance criteria have been completed. * Develop change management and internal communication plans and supporting materials. * Drive ongoing improvements and efficiencies in product health, operational practices, tools and processes. Skills and Abilities * Adaptable, flexible and able to lead/manage the organization through change. * Proven ability to build partnerships and work collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. * Ability to look at a business problem from all angles to identify comprehensive requirements and acceptance criteria. * Strong empathy for users, business partners, and stakeholders. * Ability to function effectively during ambiguous tasks. * Ability to own tasks outside of immediate scope of responsibility. * Ability to make good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward. * Technical aptitude to partner with development teams. * Analytical thinker and problem solver. * Detail oriented with a strong focus on quality. * Excellent verbal and written communication skills with all levels of users including product owners, developers, offshore groups, and management. * Passionate about quality and takes pride in work deliverables/outcomes. Education and Experience * Bachelor's degree or equivalent industry experience. * Required 3+ years of relevant experience. * Experience using Jira or a similar tool, preferred * Experience with the Agile methodologies; SCRUM and Kanban, preferred * Experience working with a web or integrations development team, preferred * Experience in eCommerce, marketing, or B2B sales process, preferred Ascend Learning, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer (M/F/Vets/Disabled). No agency or search firm submissions will be accepted. Applications for U.S. based positions with Ascend Learning, LLC must be legally authorized to work in the United States and verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. #LI-NS1

Keywords: Ascend Learning, Gilbert , Business analyst, Professions , Gilbert, Arizona