DECAL SR. IT Business Analyst

Under general supervision, analyzes customer business needs and participates in the planning, design, and implementation of new or enhanced systems.

The Senior Business Analyst for KOALA is responsible for analyzing business needs and supporting the planning, design, and implementation of new or enhanced systems for the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). This role serves as the primary subject matter expert for KOALA, providing guidance to Child Care Services (CCS), Legal/CRC units, the DECAL application development team, and third-party vendors. The position also supports KOALA production activities, enhancements, and testing.

Core Responsibilities

• Ensure KOALA application functionality, requirements, and industry standards are accurately defined and implemented.
• Serve as the primary subject matter expert for KOALA program operations.
• Coordinate KOALA maintenance and support activities, representing agency interests.
• Develop detailed business requirements and system documentation.
• Assist CCS with creating KOALA user training materials, including screenshots and guidance.
• Develop and execute test plans; support user acceptance testing and data preparation.
• Participate in KOALA enhancement projects through the full project lifecycle, from definition through evaluation.
• Build collaborative partnerships with internal teams and external vendors to ensure timely and successful deliverables.
• Fulfill data requests as needed.

Technical Skills & Competencies

• Experience managing IT projects and writing business requirements.
• Strong self-starter who can work independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with CCS and Legal staff.
• Strong command of English grammar, punctuation, and writing conventions.
• Ability to quickly understand and translate stakeholder needs.
• Receptive to direction, feedback, and editing.
• Logical, analytical, and detail-oriented.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Balsamiq, Azure DevOps, and SQL scripting.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to receive and understand information through oral communication.
• Clear, effective verbal communication.
• Ability to hear and understand normal conversation levels.
• Close visual acuity for data analysis, transcription, computer work, reading, and visual inspection.
• Ability to review, categorize, prioritize, and analyze data using discretion and judgment.
• Ability to apply evaluative reasoning in situations requiring subjective analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 10 years of relevant experience.