Business Systems Analyst

Business Systems Analyst

The Iowa Judicial Branch, located in Des Moines, Iowa, is seeking applicants for the position of Business Systems Analyst. This role is responsible for analyzing business and IT systems for developing long-term solutions that support the operational needs of the Judicial Branch.

This position will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to define and document project requirements, manage and prioritize the project backlog, and provide ongoing support and clarification for all requirements-related inquiries throughout the project lifecycle. This position will facilitate communication between business units, IT, and executive leadership to ensure alignment of project goals and deliverables. This position will maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation of requirements and backlog items and facilitate backlog refinement, sprint planning, and user story development to ensure alignment with business objectives.

The successful candidate will possess substantial expertise in process creation and definition, enabling them to drive improvement. The successful candidate will be able to support multiple IT initiatives using Agile, Scrum, and Kanban methodologies to enable iterative delivery and enhance transparency. The successful candidate will have excellent communication and presentation skills. This person will have strong technical computer knowledge and analytical thinking skills.

Under the direct supervision of the IT Manager, BSA will perform essential functions including the following:

• Collaborate with judges, court staff, business users, developers, and external partners to elicit, analyze and document detailed business requirements for new systems, enhancements, and vendor-provided features.
• Translate business needs into functional designs and user interface requirements. Collaborate with technical teams and vendors to design, test, and implement business solutions and system configurations that meet requirements and governance standards.
• Work closely with IT project managers, business stakeholders, developers, vendors and judicial staff to ensure alignment and clarity on requirement deliverables.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies such as daily standups, backlog refinement, sprint planning, reviews, and retrospective. Break down complex work into actionable, testable user stories and help maintain a well-prioritized product backlog that aligns with organizational goals and compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Design process flow diagrams, facilitate data-mapping initiatives, and lead discussions to ensure accurate and consistent cross-system data reconciliation.
• Analyze current processes and systems to identify inefficiencies and opportunities to optimize workflows, reduce costs, and improve data accuracy (including processes involving vendor data/systems).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for vendors, managing communication, expectations, and performance for software, data, or project implementations.
• Coordinate UAT activities with judicial staff in conjunction with product owners and provide support on testing procedures and capture feedback for improvements.
• Monitor system performance, triage and troubleshoot issues, and coordinate resolution with IT staff and vendors.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills Required:

• Requirements gathering – ability to collect, analyze, and document business needs clearly
• Business process analysis – understanding current workflows and identifying improvement opportunities
• Critical thinking and problem-solving – evaluating issues and recommending effective solutions
• Communication skills – working with stakeholders, IT teams, vendors, and leadership
• Documentation skills – writing business requirements, functional requirements, workflows, use cases, and user stories
• Stakeholder management – facilitating discussions, asking the right questions, and building alignment
• Technical understanding – basic knowledge of systems, software applications, system integrations, data flow, and system functionality
• Testing and validation – supporting UAT, defining acceptance criteria, and ensuring solutions meet business needs
• Project support – participating in planning, refinement, prioritization, and implementation activities
• Change management and training – helping users adopt new processes or systems
• Knowledge of analytical software such as BI platforms, SQL, or project management frameworks like SCRUM or Agile.

What's in it for you:

• Collaborative, positive professional work environment
• Opportunities to make a widespread difference in the Iowa communities
• Excellent benefits package
• Paid Holidays/Vacation/Sick Leave
• Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) plan
• Employee discount program
• Employment with the Iowa Judicial Branch may qualify for the federal student loan repayment program.

The pay range for this position is $69,992.00 to $111,800.00 annually. This is an FLSA exempt position. The starting salary for new state employees is expected to be at the base of the pay range. Adjustments may be made if the successful candidate has relevant experience.

Position classification is determined as the 'best fit' of the duties assigned to and performed by a position. This position is classified as a Business Systems Analyst as summarized below.

Summary

Analyze business information technology systems and provide long-term solutions that efficiently support Judicial Branch operational needs.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Actively engage with internal and external stakeholders to understand, analyze, and refine current systems with business processes, needs, data, trends, and goals.
• Identify systems challenges or areas for improvement and develop innovative strategies to leverage technology systems.
• Document systems workflows, technical, and functional requirements. Facilitate refinement, planning, and user story development to ensure the project aligns with business objectives.
• Assess hardware and software needs, conduct research, and design solutions for improvements.
• Create procedures to improve the existing systems. Test and implement technology solutions.
• Communicate with business units, IT, and leaders to align project goals and deliverables to leverage technology.
• Recommend technology changes and provide training and support to users.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Technical computer knowledge of computer hardware, networks, software, applications, and programming.
• Knowledge of analytical software such as Power platforms, SQL, or project management frameworks like SCRUM or Agile.
• Knowledge of business and management principles.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills.
• Interpersonal, listening, communication, and presentation skills.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The Iowa Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Applicants may review the Equal Employment Opportunity Utilization Report from the Iowa Judicial Branch website as part of our commitment to transparency and compliance with federal and state regulations. Please go to and click on the Careers page.

Candidates need to complete the NEOGOV application and attach a cover letter and resume. Final applicants are subjected to a criminal background check. The Iowa Judicial Branch is an E-Verify employer.

This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Judicial Branch. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section.

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

The incumbent must meet the minimum requirements to qualify for the position.

1. Associate's degree in information technology, computer and information sciences, computer systems and networking, or a closely related field.
2. Five (5) years of full-time professional experience in systems and networking, data science, IT project management, management information systems, or closely related experience.

Experience may be substituted with related education on the basis that successful completion of thirty (30) semester hours or academic equivalent equals one year of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Agile, Scrum, or other analytical.
• Experience with enterprise-level application development projects.
• Certified Business Analyst/CSPO/CSM or equivalent.