Applications Director

Job DetailsJob Location: Jersey City, NJ 07306Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $140,000.00 - $155,000.00 Salary/yearAbout Saint Peter’s University Saint Peter’s is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. Established in 1872, the University blends a unique learning experience shaped by rigorous academics, internships that provide real-world experience, community service, and a genuine, caring community that supports alumni long after graduation. Saint Peter’s offers more than 50 undergraduate majors as well as master’s level and doctorate program. Summary Description: Saint Peter’s University seeks a dynamic and experienced Applications Director to lead the strategy, implementation, and support of the University’s enterprise applications portfolio. Reporting to the Chief Information Officer, this role is responsible for ensuring that core systems, including the University’s ERP platform (Ellucian Colleague), are optimized, integrated, and aligned with institutional priorities. The Applications Director partners closely with leaders across Finance, Human Resources, Enrollment Management, Advancement, and Academic Affairs to deliver technology solutions that enhance operations, improve the student experience, and support data-informed decision-making. This role oversees application development, systems integration, and enterprise reporting, while driving continuous improvement and innovation across the University’s technology landscape. The successful candidate will bring a strong blend of technical expertise and business acumen, with a proven ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and translate organizational needs into effective, scalable technology solutions. Description of Duties and Responsibilities: Infrastructure & Systems Architecture Lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of enterprise IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, storage, and cloud environments Develop and maintain an enterprise architecture roadmap aligned with institutional growth Oversee capacity planning, system performance tuning, and infrastructure scalability Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend solutions to enhance operational efficiency Enterprise Applications Strategy & Management Lead the administration, optimization, and continuous improvement of ERP (Ellucian Colleague) and related enterprise systems Develop a roadmap for application modernization and lifecycle management Ensure systems meet the evolving needs of academic and administrative departments Systems Integration & Data Management Oversee integration of ERP with third-party systems (CRM, LMS, finance, HR, etc.) Ensure seamless data exchange and system interoperability Partner with stakeholders to define data standards and improve data quality Support institutional reporting, analytics, and compliance requirements Project & Portfolio Management Establish governance for prioritizing application development and enhancement requests Lead cross-functional projects involving system implementations and upgrades Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget Manage resource allocation across competing priorities Application Development & Support Oversee software development lifecycle (SDLC), including design, testing, deployment, and documentation Ensure applications are secure, reliable, and scalable Implement best practices for change management and release management Stakeholder Engagement & Customer Service Serve as the primary liaison between IT and functional business units  Translate business needs into technical requirements and solutions  Provide training, documentation, and support to end users  Continuously improve user experience and satisfaction Vendor Management & Optimization Manage relationships with software vendors and service providers  Negotiate contracts and ensure service level agreements are met  Evaluate new technologies and solutions to enhance institutional capabilities Team Leadership & Development Supervise application developers, analysts, and support staff  Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment  Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities Pay Range: $140,000 - $155,000 annually. This role is based in-person at the Saint Peter's University campus. Benefits:  Along with a competitive salary, we provide a robust benefits package to support your health and future goals. Key Benefits Include: Paid Time Off: Paid holidays, personal days, vacation, and sick leave Health Coverage: Health insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance Life Insurance: Employer-provided life insurance Life & Disability Insurance: Voluntary life and voluntary disability coverage Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with Roth and Traditional options Tuition Remission: An attractive tuition remission policy for employees and their dependents Additional Perks: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Voluntary Legal plan, FSA and more The well-being of our employees is a priority for our University, and we are committed to promoting your success and well-being. QualificationsQualification Standards: Required Bachelor’s degree in IT, Cybersecurity, or related field 8–10+ years of experience managing enterprise applications Strong experience with ERP systems (Ellucian Colleague preferred) Knowledge of systems integrations, databases, and reporting tools Preferred Master’s degree Experience in higher education Familiarity with BI tools and reporting platforms