Job Information
University of Michigan Member Solutions Engineer & Insights Analyst in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Member Solutions Engineer & Insights Analyst
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How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position. (Your salary will be determined by your qualifications, experience, and education.)
Job Summary
Come join a team of passionate individuals at a non-profit serving Michigan's public Universities and Colleges, K-12 EDU, Libraries, Governmental, Healthcare, Tribal and other Michigan Non-profit organizations for over 56 years! You will be an integral part of the Merit team, a dynamic and innovative team member, ready to contribute to and execute the mission of Merit.
This position reports to the Director of Member Engagement and is responsible for working independently and as an interdisciplinary resource within Merit to respond to customer inquiries, create or identify solutions to meet differentiated solution designs, and identify evolving solution design trends and service delivery options. Merit's Services Lines consist of Network Services, Hosted Infrastructure, Hosted Applications and Community Development and Support.
You will have an important role working in an interdisciplinary fashion to execute initiatives across the organization with Member Engagement, Network Operations/Engineering, Outside Plant, and Product Development on key existing and potential Member organization's needs; supporting strategy and business development, service solutions, and service development.
To learn more about Merit Network, please visit our website: https://www.merit.edu/
Please Note: This is a hybrid position that will require you to work on-site two days per week at Merit's office located in Ann Arbor, MI, and it will require regular travel within the various regions across Michigan.
What You'll Do
Responsible for collaborating with Merit staff to generate and qualify opportunities, present production and pilot services, conduct needs analysis, and communicate solutions externally as well as internally.
As the Merit Technical Pre-Sales Engineer, your key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Essential functions for this position are followed by an (E).
Sales Engineer & Solution Design (50%):
Collaborate with Member Engagement and Engineering teams to identify and analyze members' technical requirements and propose appropriate network and security solutions (E)
Attend team and member meetings (E)
Conduct technical feasibility assessments and providing technical expertise to design customized solutions that integrate Merit's network and security services ensuring they meet client needs and align with Merit's capabilities (E)
Serve as the technical point of contact during the sales process, providing expert guidance and support to both internal teams and members to answer questions and address and resolve any problems (E)
Effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and other employees of the organization (E)
Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions of customer requirements
Interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions and deal with several abstract and concrete variables
Assist in development, qualification, and close of service sales and provide Engagement Managers with all required paperwork, quotes, proposals, agreements, documentation, etc.
Prepare and present technical services-related presentations
Facilitate meetings to analyze members' needs, and coordinate any engineering required for providing the service solution
Member Success and Support (20%):
Work closely with members to understand their needs and ensure their success with the solutions provided
Provide ongoing support and training for members to maximize the value of solutions
Gather feedback from members to inform product and service improvements
Partner with Engagement Managers to convert prospects into members
Become an expert on the Merit Services portfolio and act as the primary technical resource for the Member Engagement team in pre-sales engagement
Lead prospect-facing product demos, technical calls, proof-of-concepts, responses to RFPs, etc.
Collaboration and Communication (20%):
Develop skills as a Broad Subject Matter Expert for Merit Network and Security Services Lines (E)
Coordinate with cross-functional teams including sales, marketing, and product development to ensure alignment
Present solutions and insights to stakeholders within the organization
Participate in regular team meetings across Member Engagement, Network Operations/Engineering, Outside Plant, and Product Development teams
Work closely with Network Operations and Outside Plant Engineering teams to gain a thorough understanding of Merit's infrastructure and capabilities
Provide product training and troubleshooting for prospects both remotely and onsite
Oversee the implementation of designed solutions as needed
Participate in professional development and training activities
Market Analysis and Services Strategy (10%):
Conduct market research to identify trends, opportunities, and the competitive landscape with a focus on differentiation for Merit Services
Analyze data to support strategic decision-making and solution development
Assist in the development of go-to-market strategies for new solutions
Represent Merit both within Michigan and nationally
Engage in outbound outreach throughout Michigan to promote and represent Merit Services and to provide service solution presentations
Travel out of state as needed to attend and present at state or national conferences
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of you for this job. Responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position does not have any formal supervisory responsibilities.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by you (with or without accommodations) to perform the essential functions of the job.
You must frequently work at a computer station, answer telephone calls, emails, and other forms of customer/client communication. You may on occasion move items of varying sizes and weights throughout the office or building.
Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience
Minimum of three (3) years of experience in consultative, pre-sales support of technology products and/or services
Previous experience in a sales engineering role or related pre-sales technical position
Relevant certifications (i.e. CSE, CPSE, CTSP, CSSP, CCNA, CCNP, etc.) or equivalent experience
Demonstrated experience strengthening existing client relationships, cultivating new customers in multiple sectors of the market, and engaging in business development activities
Demonstrated experience in a technical outreach role including writing, preparing, and responding to proposals, and coordinating meetings with various IT and technical departments to manage and finalize projects
Ability to interact professionally and proficiently with individuals at all levels of an organization on technical and strategic discussion topics, involving Merit Executive Management as needed
Excellent skills in needs-analysis and competitive positioning
Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences
Demonstrated excellence in presentation skills
Self-motivated and work well independently as well as part of a team
Ability to work in a collaborative process to respond, track, and manage multiple member projects, requests and communications in a fast-paced environment
Fluency with MS Office applications, email, shared calendaring, CRM, and other collaborative applications (experience with Visio is a plus)
Strong willingness to understand and to continuously strive to improve knowledge of Merit's services portfolio and technologies in order to be able to communicate confidently about them to the Merit Community
Experience in designing and implementing network and security solutions for educational, governmental, or non-profit sectors
Strong understanding of network and security principles, technologies, and protocols (i.e. TCP/IP, VPN, firewall, routing, switching, etc.)
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically and creatively
Valid driver's license and willingness to travel throughout Michigan (less than 50% of the role)
Desired Qualifications*
Understanding of network and security technologies and services
Experience being a trusted representative to external individuals and groups
Experience working with higher education, K-12 educational institutions, libraries, government, healthcare, tribal, research institutions, and other public sector non-profit organizations, and experience developing public private partnerships within these market verticals
Experience in marketing and/or sales of technology products and/or services to public sector, non-profit or educational markets
Experience in the USAC Federal Programs that fund K-12, libraries, and healthcare telecommunications services
In-depth knowledge on federal programs for broadband infrastructure investement such as those outlined in the Federal Infrastructure Bill and the American Rescue Plan Act
Familiarity with Merit's network and serivces is a plus
Modes of Work
This is a full-time, hybrid position. Though the typical work schedule is 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday for most staff, your work schedule will be determined with your supervisor and may change if necessary.
During your 6-month probationary period, you will be required to be on-site for at least 3 days per week at Merit's office location:
880 Technology Dr., Suite B
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Following, working on-site will be required for a minimum of 2 days per week determined in partnership with your supervisor. In addition, ad-hoc on-site meetings and events may be needed with adequate notice provided.
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .
Travel
Regular travel within various regions across Michigan may be required.
Underfill Statement
This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.
Additional Information
We are committed to offering a high-quality benefits package to support our staff and their families. This includes, but is not limited to, options for 2:1 retirement matching, healthcare plans with nationwide coverage including prescription drug coverage, dental options, vision, flexible spending account options, well-being program offerings, long-term disability coverage, automatic life insurance, general legal services, multiple early childhood centers, time away from work, and work-life balance programs. For more information, visit http://careers.umich.edu/benefits/
Background Screening
The University of Michigan/Merit Network conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for at least seven (7) calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Contact Information
If you have any questions regarding this job, please visit our website: https://www.merit.edu/about/careers/
Assistance is available if you need help completing this application; please call (734) 615-2000, option 1
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
258004
Working Title
Member Solutions Engineer & Insights Analyst
Job Title
Business Systems Analyst Sr
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
Affiliated It Orgs
Department
Merit Network
Posting Begin/End Date
12/16/2024 - 12/31/2024
Salary
$80,000.00 - $85,000.00
Career Interest
Communications & Marketing
Engineering & Architecture
Information Technology
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