Configuration Specialist [Information Technology]

Organization Overview:

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development entity of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the Region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.

Position Summary:

ARC seeks a highly organized and collaborative team player to join our Information Technology Division as a Configuration Specialist to support development and implementation of solutions within the ARC Grants Management System (GMS) and other areas of responsibility.  Responsible for translating business requirements to system requirements. Manages system design, configuration, and oversight of vendor configuration.  Design and align processes to the configuration of GMS and related systems.  Responsible for technical execution, testing and validating vendor configuration.  Supports GMS system administration and operations.  Project management of analytics initiatives.  Create queries, dashboards, and reports to meet the needs of staff and partners.  Support colleagues in their day-to-day use of grants management and finance technologies. This position reports to the Division Director.
Required Qualifications:

Solid knowledge and understanding of the interrelationships of the IT components involved in computer systems, networks, web services, and databases. 

Experience collecting, organizing, and analyzing data, including generating reports and dashboards.  

Advanced expertise of data formats (HTML, XML, JSON & PDF) and proficient in Microsoft tools, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Visio. 

Experience with database-driven Web applications. 

Familiarity with modern development methodologies and tools. 

Strong knowledge of the principles, methods, and tools of quality assurance and quality control used to ensure a product fulfills functional requirements and standards. 

Extensive experience with complex database systems, such as GMS, financial systems, and customer relationship management systems required.   

Demonstrated experience creating and conducting regression / user acceptance testing required. 

Strong expertise with relational database systems and organizational data management, including knowledge of SQL, stored procedures and database management. 

Solid knowledge of the software project development lifecycle and standard software project management methodologies, including requirements definition, testing, design development, implementation, documentation, training and ongoing support. 

Strong networking skills with superior thinking, reasoning and cognitive abilities. 

Core competencies: accountability, adaptability, collaboration, communication, critical analysis. 

Ability to thrive in a collaborative environment and to bring an energetic and innovative approach to work. 

Bachelor’s degree in Business or Computer Science required. 

Degree in Management Information Systems or other subjects requiring technical analysis is highly desired. 

Successful completion (prior to hire) and maintenance of background security review. 
Ability to travel (up to 10%) and possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Why ARC?

Great Benefits:  ARC offers a collaborative work environment and a competitive benefits package which includes health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, commuting subsidy, professional development, etc. This is not a federal position; however, if a federal employee is selected for this position and transfers without a break in service of more than three calendar days, he or she may be able to continue his or her retirement and life/health insurance benefits. ARC generally follows the General Schedule Salary Table of the Federal government.  ARC’s grades denoted by “NF” are equivalent to the federal grade(s) on the GS chart.  This position is a NF 13 (DC locality) and located in Washington, DC and requires five “in-person” days in the office.

Strong Mission: Curious about the work we do at ARC? Read more about our strategic plan, Appalachia Envisioned, to check out our goals. Our team is dedicated to innovation, partnerships, and investments in the Appalachian Region to help achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.