Software Licensing Analyst -

at  Western Carolina University

The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus.
The Software Licensing Analyst, reporting to the Director IT Administration, establishes processes for enhancing software licensing and is a key role that supports IT vendor management maturity by providing a clear view and understanding of the licenses and entitlements that are owned by WCU and how they are used.
The role of the Software Licensing Manager is to support, manage, administer, and improve contracts for software and application services and products across the organization. This includes reviewing and processing requests for software applications, conducting research to assist with purchases and contract requirements, managing a repository of applications, maintaining and tracking software license through vendor portals, ensuring compliance with licensing requirements of manufacturer, and managing annual renewals. The Software Licensing Analyst will also define and facilitate communication between WCU and its providers in order to deliver software and applications according to plan, and to ensure licensing compliance. This individual will apply proven communication and problem-solving skills to deliver excellent customer service to our campus clients. The Software Licensing Analyst will work with other IT teams to match entitlement records with discovered software information, reconcile, and report on license compliance status regularly.

Other Responsibilities:

• Engage and collaborate with university legal team, IT Chief Security and Privacy Officer to ensure acceptable risk exposure through use of terms and conditions.
• Assist in defining and developing IT vendor management methods, governance standards, processes, and metrics for monitoring performance against defined contract terms and overall risk management.
• Develop and implement IT vendor management best practices, processes, and other programs. Define standard IT supplier and contract requirements. Perform ongoing maintenance of IT supplier and contract information.
• Proactively identify and work to address issues and emerging risks.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this Position:

• Understanding of the principles and practices of contracts and procurement.
• Demonstrated ability to design and improve processes.
• Demonstrated analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to communicate effectively at multiple levels of an organization (verbal and written).
• Attention to detail.
• Strong decision making and conflict resolution skills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Must be legally eligible to work in the United States without requiring employment sponsorship for immigration purposes.
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- A combination of a bachelor’s degree in business management; CIS; Computer Science; or other related area and 3 years’ experience in IT software, hardware, or closely related functions; or a combination of associate degree and 5 years of experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• An advanced degree or certification in Business Management; CIS; Computer Science; or other related field
• Understanding of software licensing platforms and IT technical specifications.
• Experience with software license management tools.
• Knowledge of state governmental and/or university regulations related to Vendor Management services or procurement.
• Knowledge and experience with IT vendor consortiums.
• Market knowledge of IT products and services and current trends.
• Experience with program and project management, business delivery, or a management consulting role owning end-to-end delivery.
• Desire to embrace and implement change.
• Familiarity with major software solutions and vendors.

• Engage and collaborate with university legal team, IT Chief Security and Privacy Officer to ensure acceptable risk exposure through use of terms and conditions.
• Assist in defining and developing IT vendor management methods, governance standards, processes, and metrics for monitoring performance against defined contract terms and overall risk management.
• Develop and implement IT vendor management best practices, processes, and other programs. Define standard IT supplier and contract requirements. Perform ongoing maintenance of IT supplier and contract information.
• Proactively identify and work to address issues and emerging risks