Business Analyst II na Trellis Company

Who we are:

Trellis Company is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation focused on helping people leverage the power of post-secondary education and learning to improve their quality of life and the communities where they live. 

For more than 40 years Trellis has served as a student loan guarantor, helping to provide trusted guidance and services that help student borrowers successfully repay their federal loans. In addition to pioneering several technologies and services along the way, we have invested in improving student success programs through numerous grants to colleges, universities, and research groups.

Today we have expanded our services beyond higher education to include working with employers and community organizations who are focused on aligning the dreams, goals, and skills needs of employees and employers. Connecting these resources and learning pathways together with our expertise in improving student outcomes helps us all to create better and more predictable futures for those we serve.

Our stability and vision create a unique intersection: a startup environment at a company that also has a stable foundation, resulting in an opportunity for the right candidate to help shape our company's future. This is an exciting time to join the Trellis team!

Who you are: 

You are a strategic thinker and proactive problem solver with a passion for improving business processes through technology. With a strong foundation in system analysis and a deep understanding of student loan programs, you thrive in collaborative environments where cross-functional communication is key. You bring a blend of technical proficiency, regulatory awareness, and business insight to every project, ensuring that system enhancements align with operational goals and compliance standards.

You are comfortable managing multiple priorities, mentoring peers, and leading projects from concept to implementation. Your ability to interpret complex data, develop actionable reports, and translate business needs into technical requirements makes you an invaluable partner to both IT and operations teams. You are resourceful, tech-savvy, and committed to continuous learning, always seeking innovative ways to enhance efficiency and support Trellis’s mission.

JOB SUMMARY

The Business Analyst II Supports Trellis Operations and Information Technology (IT) in functions associated with analyzing, maintaining, and formulating recommendations for application and software enhancements as they relate to system design, screen formats, data entry functions, and account management for the various applications utilized at Trellis. Develop various reports and information sources to allow improvements and efficiencies in day-to-day workflows. Serve as liaison between Trellis Operations, IT, external business partners, and clients to facilitate research, testing, and implementation of new or modified processes and products. Facilitate communication and training for all affected business areas, as needed. Create and maintain process documentation and procedures for business applications and tools. Maintain reporting and data processing capabilities in compliance with standards established by the Department of Education, third-party federal regulations, customer contract requirements and Trellis policies. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

The position incumbent is expected to perform the following essential duties and responsibilities of the position with reasonable accommodation.

• Provide system enhancement support by performing functional analysis to define requirements in coordination with business partners.
• Perform essential system administration tasks such as defining, initiating, and terminating user access based on job role and access requirements.
• Monitor security violation reports to minimize risk of disruption to business operations.
• Oversees the testing and migration of updates to templates, elements, criteria, and SQL from the development/testing environments to the production environment.
• Develop test scripts, perform system testing, review, and approve migration packets for code movement to the production environment.
• Research and enhance system inefficiencies and process improvements; communicate recommendations to the business operations and IT.
• Analyze the impact of changes to system functions, workflow, reports, communication, customers, and change requests.  Communicate findings and recommendations to management.
• Analyze and interpret regulatory changes and initiate appropriate actions to ensure compliance.
• Research reports of system or data issues, query for trends to determine scope, and deliver information or options to resolve.
• Define, establish, and maintain a series of controls/parameters in the various applications of the account management system, including case processing and loan distribution.
• Perform in depth analysis on immediate and future impact of any changes to controls/parameters.
• Define, establish, and maintain correspondence document templates in the account management system to drive the creation of system and user generated customer correspondence.
• Maintain appropriate documentation associated with control parameter table maintenance, as well as current and obsolete template versions.
• Coordinate resolutions for business issues, performs analysis, manages deliverables and scope to ensure completion of work within specific timeframes. 
• Administer and/or support various web-based products and services utilized by internal staff and customers. 
• Oversee multiple projects and programs concurrently.
• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports to provide data for performance, audit, and/or statistical reporting to management.
• Mentor and develop other analysts. Coaching and mentoring associates with a goal of developing and retaining talent at Trellis.
• Organize work with the ability to delegate tasks efficiently to focus on higher priority items.
• Communicate new product changes, procedures, and features with appropriate trainer and maintain user documentation.
• Develop and deliver training on technology solutions for internal and external business partners.
• Monitor performance of internal system functions and third-party products or applications to identify performance issues, maintain quality control, assess risks, and provide options for resolution when needed.
• Develop new procedures and processes regarding applications and software products.
• Create and analyze ad-hoc reports for business needs, performance measures, regulatory compliance, statistics, process improvements, troubleshooting, and quality assurance.
• Perform system audits and/or provide information as requested by Auditors/Legal.
• Complete Service Desk Changes, Requests and Project prioritization.
• Participate in training and other learning opportunities to ensure compliance and expand knowledge of company, position, and process. 
• Identify inefficiencies and implement process enhancements using technology. 
• Create user guides, maintain documentation, and deliver training on technology solutions. 

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Must be available to work flexible hours.
• Supports other functions and responsibilities of the departments.
• Interacts with all levels of management as necessary.
• Contributes to the development of strategic initiatives.
• Assist with special projects as assigned.
• All other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

COMPETENCIES 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to gather requirements, perform functional analysis, and translate business processes into technical solutions. 
• Experience managing user access, monitoring security, and administering business applications. 
• Skilled in developing test scripts, conducting system testing, and managing code migrations. 
• Proficient in SQL (e.g., WinSQL), Excel, and ad hoc reporting tools for data analysis, troubleshooting, and performance measurement. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects, coordinating deliverables, and adapting to shifting priorities. 
• Ability to interpret relevant regulations (e.g., FFELP, federal/state laws) and ensuring system/process compliance. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to liaise with IT, business partners, and external clients. 
• Resourceful, action-oriented, and able to make sound decisions using data, experience, and judgment. 
• Readily takes actions on challenges, without unnecessary planning.
• Is effective in a variety of communication settings: one-on-one, small and large groups, or among diverse styles and position levels.
• Builds constructive relationships with people both similar and different to self.
• Business knowledge of automated systems, data flow structures, and interfaces.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Visio.
• Knowledge of FFELP federal regulations, contract requirements and Trellis policies and procedures.
• Strong persuasive writing and proofreading skills.
• Knowledge of appropriate federal and state collection laws.
• Translate business processes and procedures into logical requirements.
• Collaborate across functions to overcome challenges.
• Effectively coordinate concurrent functions and priorities.
• Does not show frustration when confronted with difficult issues.
• Builds and delivers solutions that meet customer expectations.
• Contributes to work climate where differences are valued and supported.
• Orchestrates multiple activities simultaneously to accomplish a goal.
• Incorporates data to support strategic decision making.
• Adding value in a self-directed environment.
• Relies on a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgement when making decisions.
• Engages in systematic self-directed training and development activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Six (6) years’ experience in the Student Loan Industry will substitute for the degree.

Preferred:  

• Bachelor’s degree specifically in business, technology or accounting preferred.

Experience

Required: 

• Four (4) years’ experience in administration of the student loan program, of which at least one year experience is in analysis, development, and implementation of technology related projects.
• Three (3) years of experience as a Business Specialist/Analyst, which should include serving in a project lead role.
• Six (6) months experience with WinSQL or similar ad hoc reporting tool.

Preferred:

• Three (3) years of experience with FFEL Collections, Claims, or Default Prevention.
• One (1) year of project management experience.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

• Occasionally must move about inside the office.
• Repetitive motion. Regularly operates a computer, phone, and general office equipment.
• Regularly required to handle, feel, grasp objects, and reach across a work area.
• Regularly communicates with other employees and on the phone, virtually, or in person with clients. Regularly converses with internal and external contacts.
• Visual acuity. Regularly must have close visual acuity to view and enter information into computer and software systems, analyze data, develop presentations and reports, and other materials.
• Mental focus. Requires worker to maintain focus and exchange detailed and accurate information through oral and written communication.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work may be conducted remotely or in an office with a small cubicle environment.
• Office work environment is climate controlled with no substantial exposure to adverse environmental conditions.