Senior Business Analyst – UX & Process Improvement

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Business Analyst – UX & Process Improvement

Company: aKube Inc (for Texas Education Agency - TEA)

Location: Austin, Texas, United States

Job Type: Contract (estimated 1,756 hours, 09/01/2025 - 08/31/2026 with possible renewals)

Category: Business Analysis, User Experience (UX), Process Improvement, Operations

Date Posted: August 11, 2025

Experience Level: Senior (8+ years required)

Remote Status: Hybrid – Onsite 1 day/week (80% remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on enhancing user experiences and optimizing business processes within the Texas Education Agency (TEA), specifically supporting critical projects like the Early Childhood Integrated Data System.

• The Senior Business Analyst will act as a crucial liaison between customer stakeholders and the development team, translating complex needs into actionable requirements and user-centric designs.

• A key aspect of this position involves driving business process re-engineering and implementing software process improvements to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in educational data systems.

• The position requires a strong command of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), from requirements elicitation and verification through to implementation and post-deployment enhancements, with a significant emphasis on user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core focus is Business Analysis and UX, the emphasis on process improvement, SDLC, and stakeholder management strongly aligns this role with operational excellence within a government agency context. The hybrid model with a specific onsite day indicates a need for collaborative in-person sessions, typical in operations roles requiring detailed workflow analysis and buy-in.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the elicitation of comprehensive business and system requirements through in-depth interviews with customers and stakeholders, ensuring clarity and completeness.

• Collaborate closely with product teams, developers, and various stakeholders to define, document, and validate effective solutions that meet project objectives and user needs.

• Develop detailed user stories and use cases based on established Business Analysis best practices, ensuring alignment with project scope and functional requirements.

• Design intuitive mockups and wireframes, adhering to User Experience (UX) best practices and agency-specific design standards to create user-friendly interfaces.

• Spearhead business process re-engineering initiatives and identify opportunities for software process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and data integrity.

• Ensure all project deliverables and design decisions comply with agency standards, regulatory requirements, and documented Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) procedures.

• Facilitate seamless communication and knowledge transfer between diverse stakeholder groups and technical development teams throughout the project lifecycle.

• Manage project requirements effectively, including tracking changes, maintaining version control, and ensuring requirements fulfillment from initiation to completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of analytical, design, and communication skills critical for operational success. The focus on "business process re-engineering" and "software process improvements" directly relates to core operations functions of optimizing workflows and system efficiencies. The requirement to ensure compliance with agency standards and SDLC procedures is fundamental to maintaining operational governance.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior Business Analyst role, though extensive experience can often substitute.

Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in requirements elicitation, documentation, and the creation of clear, well-written system requirements.

• A minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience navigating and contributing to the full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in business process re-engineering and driving process flow improvements within complex environments.

• A minimum of 8 years of demonstrated success in developing detailed user stories and use cases that accurately reflect business needs.

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in designing mockups and wireframes that align with established User Experience (UX) best practices.

• A minimum of 5 years of proven experience in strong communication and facilitation, effectively engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Requirements Elicitation and documentation techniques.

• Deep understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodologies.

• Expertise in Business Process Re-engineering and Process Flow Improvement.

• Skill in developing comprehensive User Stories and Use Cases.

• Proficiency in designing Mockups and Wireframes with a focus on user-centricity.

• Strong Communication and Facilitation abilities for stakeholder engagement.

• Excellent Writing and Organizational Skills for detailed documentation and project tracking.

Preferred Skills:

• 3 years of experience utilizing Modern Requirements software for requirements management.

• 3 years of experience working with Atlassian Jira for project tracking and workflow management.

• 2 years of experience working with or for the Texas Education Agency (TEA) or similar state/local education agencies, providing context on educational data systems and operational frameworks.

• 1 year of experience with the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program, indicating familiarity with specific educational initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirements (8+ years) for core BA and SDLC functions position this as a senior-level operations support role. The preferred skills in Modern Requirements and Jira indicate a need for proficiency in specific operational tools used for requirements management and agile project execution, commonly found in robust operations environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate experience in process analysis and documentation, ideally showcasing improvements made to existing workflows or the design of new, efficient processes.

• Provide examples of requirements documentation, user stories, or use cases that clearly illustrate the translation of business needs into actionable development tasks.

• Showcase wireframes or mockups that reflect a strong understanding of user experience design principles and user-centric development.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to documenting business processes, including methodologies for workflow mapping, identifying bottlenecks, and proposing optimization strategies.

• Examples of how you have managed requirements changes and ensured their proper implementation within an SDLC framework will be beneficial.

• Be ready to discuss how you ensure that implemented processes and systems meet defined performance metrics and user satisfaction standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role emphasizing process improvement and UX, a portfolio showcasing analytical skills, process mapping, requirements documentation, and UI/UX design deliverables is crucial. This aligns with the operational need to demonstrate a structured approach to problem-solving and system enhancement.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $91/hr (W2)

Benefits: As a contract role through aKube Inc for the Texas Education Agency, benefits are typically provided by the staffing agency. Common benefits for contract employees in such roles may include:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• 401(k) Retirement Plan options

• Paid Time Off (PTO) or Holiday Pay (as per agency policy)

• Professional Development opportunities related to project work

Working Hours: Standard business hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CT. Some evening or weekend work may be requested, which is common for operational support roles requiring project deadline adherence. The estimated 1,756 hours per year suggests a full-time equivalent commitment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate of $91/hr W2 is competitive for a Senior Business Analyst with extensive experience in a government contracting environment. The "hybrid" work arrangement with one onsite day per week is typical for roles requiring collaborative problem-solving and oversight within a specific agency setting, impacting how operational tasks are managed and coordinated.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government Services, Education Technology, Public Sector. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is a state government body focused on improving student outcomes. aKube Inc acts as a service provider, bringing expertise to public sector projects.

Company Size: Information on aKube Inc's specific size related to this contract is not detailed, but as a service provider, they likely have a dedicated team for government contracts. TEA is a large state agency.

Founded: The Texas Education Agency was established in 1949. aKube Inc's founding date is not specified but operates within the IT services sector.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Business Analyst will likely join a project-specific team within the TEA, possibly part of a larger IT or data management division.

• The reporting structure will be to a Project Manager or a direct lead within the TEA, with collaboration across development teams, UX designers, and external stakeholders.

Methodology:

• Operations will likely be conducted using Agile or hybrid methodologies, given the focus on SDLC, user stories, and iterative development.

• Emphasis will be placed on data-driven decision-making for requirements and UX design, supported by user research and feedback.

• Process optimization will involve detailed analysis of existing workflows and implementation of improvements, potentially leveraging Lean or Six Sigma principles where applicable in a public sector context.

Company Website: akubeinc.com (aKube Inc); tea.texas.gov (Texas Education Agency)

📝 Enhancement Note: Working for a state agency like TEA means operating within a structured, regulated environment. The emphasis on process, compliance, and data integrity is paramount. The role requires adaptability to public sector operational norms and a commitment to serving educational objectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Business Analyst role, indicating an individual contributor position with significant responsibility and autonomy in their domain of expertise (requirements, UX, process improvement). It represents a mid-to-late career stage for professionals in these fields.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Business Analyst will report to a Project Manager or a designated lead within the TEA's project team. This structure emphasizes clear lines of responsibility and project oversight, common in government operations.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the operational efficiency and effectiveness of educational data systems, which in turn influences how the TEA serves students, educators, and families. Successful process improvements and UX design can lead to better data utilization, improved service delivery, and ultimately, enhanced educational outcomes for Texas students.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in educational data systems, UX design for public sector applications, and advanced requirements management tools.

• Project Leadership: Potential to lead sub-projects or specific functional areas within larger initiatives.

• Industry Knowledge: Gain valuable experience in public sector IT projects, specifically within education, which can open doors to similar roles in other government agencies or educational institutions.

• Transition to Full-Time: Depending on performance and agency needs, there might be opportunities for full-time employment with the TEA or other government entities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a contract role, the "Senior" designation and the nature of the work offer significant opportunities for skill development in specialized operational areas. The impact on public education makes the work meaningful, and the experience gained is highly transferable within the public sector IT and operations landscape.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid – 80% Remote, 1 day/week onsite at the William B. Travis State Building in Austin, TX. This suggests a work environment that balances remote flexibility with the necessity of in-person collaboration for key operational meetings and strategic planning.

Office Location(s): William B. Travis State Building, 1701 North Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701. This location places the role in the heart of Austin's government district, offering access to state facilities and resources.

Workspace Context:

• The on-site day will likely involve collaborative sessions, team meetings, and direct interaction with TEA stakeholders and project leads, fostering a dynamic and interactive work environment.

• Remote work days will demand self-discipline and effective use of virtual collaboration tools for communication, documentation, and task management, typical of modern operations roles.

• Access to standard office technology and potentially specialized software for UX design and requirements management will be provided or expected.

Work Schedule: The standard schedule is Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CT. Flexibility may be required for occasional evening or weekend work to meet project deadlines, a common operational requirement for critical government projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model requires strong self-management skills for remote days and excellent interpersonal skills for the designated onsite collaboration day. This blend is common for operations roles that need both focused individual work and team-based problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely conducted by aKube Inc to assess basic qualifications, experience, and work authorization.

• Technical/Functional Interview: Conducted by TEA project stakeholders or hiring managers, focusing on business analysis methodologies, UX design principles, SDLC knowledge, and experience with relevant tools. Expect situational and behavioral questions.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present specific examples of their work, such as requirements documents, user stories, wireframes, or process improvement case studies, to demonstrate their skills and experience.

• Final Interview: May involve a broader discussion on team fit, strategic thinking, and alignment with TEA's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Relevant Examples: Select projects that best showcase your experience in requirements elicitation, UX/UI design, and business process improvement. Prioritize examples related to data systems or educational contexts if available.

• Highlight Impact: For each example, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the solution implemented, and the measurable outcomes or improvements achieved (e.g., increased efficiency, reduced errors, improved user satisfaction).

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio logically. For wireframes/mockups, explain the design rationale. For process improvements, use a "before and after" approach.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: If you have examples using Modern Requirements or Jira, be prepared to discuss your specific contributions and how these tools facilitated your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Mapping Exercise: Be ready to discuss or even sketch out a process for a given scenario (e.g., how to capture user feedback for a new feature).

• Requirements Scenario: Prepare to outline how you would approach gathering requirements for a specific feature or system enhancement, detailing your methods and questions.

• UX Design Rationale: Be prepared to explain the UX considerations for a particular feature or interface element.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and specific tool experience (Modern Requirements, Jira) suggests that the review process will be highly practical. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate not just knowledge but also applied skills in process analysis, documentation, and UX design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Requirements Management: Modern Requirements (preferred), or similar tools like Jama Connect, IBM DOORS, or even robust use of Jira for requirements tracking.

• Project Management & Workflow: Atlassian Jira (preferred), Confluence, Trello, Asana.

• UX/UI Design: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Balsamiq, or similar wireframing/prototyping tools.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for data analysis (e.g., Excel, SQL, Tableau, Power BI) may be used to understand user behavior and process performance, although specific requirements are not detailed.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly stated as CRM, understanding data management principles similar to CRM systems is beneficial for managing stakeholder information and project data.

• Familiarity with workflow automation concepts within software development processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in requirements management software like Modern Requirements and project tracking tools like Jira is a key differentiator for this role. Experience with UX design tools is also critical. These tools are fundamental to efficient operations and project execution in a tech-focused business analysis capacity.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasizing the use of data and user feedback to inform requirements and design choices.

• User-Centricity: A commitment to creating intuitive and effective user experiences that meet the needs of students, educators, and administrators.

• Process Excellence: Dedication to improving and optimizing workflows for greater efficiency and accuracy.

• Collaboration and Communication: Valuing teamwork and open communication channels between technical teams and stakeholders.

• Accountability and Quality: Ensuring high standards of work and taking ownership of project deliverables.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative environment where ideas are shared openly, and feedback is actively sought and given.

• The hybrid model necessitates proactive communication and engagement, both virtually and in person, to ensure alignment and progress.

• Working within a government agency context often means a structured approach to collaboration, with clear protocols for communication and decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values align with operational best practices, focusing on efficiency, user satisfaction, and data integrity. The collaborative style, bridging remote and in-person work, is typical for modern operations teams that require diverse input and interaction.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Bureaucracy: Working within a large state agency may involve navigating established processes and potentially longer decision-making cycles compared to private sector roles.

• Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the requirements and expectations of various stakeholder groups (educators, administrators, IT, students) can be complex.

• Data System Complexity: Understanding and improving intricate data systems within the education sector requires significant learning and analytical effort.

• Adhering to Standards: Ensuring all work aligns with TEA’s specific design, security, and SDLC standards while also incorporating modern UX best practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Domain Knowledge: Gain deep insights into the operational data systems and challenges within the K-12 education sector in Texas.

• Advanced Tool Proficiency: Enhance skills with specialized requirements management and UX design tools.

• Public Sector Project Management: Develop experience managing projects within a government contracting framework.

• Networking: Build professional connections within the Texas state government and the education technology space.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in public sector operations roles, requiring adaptability and strong problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities are significant for professionals looking to specialize in education technology operations or public sector IT project delivery.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Requirements Elicitation: "Describe your process for eliciting requirements from stakeholders with varying technical backgrounds. How do you ensure you capture all essential needs for a complex data system?" (Focus on methodologies, questioning techniques, and documentation).

• UX Design Rationale: "Walk me through a wireframe or mockup you designed. What were the key UX considerations, and how did they address user needs or business requirements?" (Be prepared to discuss design choices and their impact).

• Process Improvement: "Tell me about a time you identified a bottleneck in a business process and proposed a solution. What was the outcome?" (Highlight your analytical approach, proposed changes, and measured results).

• SDLC & Tools: "How have you utilized tools like Jira or Modern Requirements throughout the SDLC? Describe a time you managed a significant change request within a project." (Focus on practical application and change management).

• Collaboration: "How do you handle disagreements or conflicting requirements between different stakeholder groups?" (Emphasize communication, facilitation, and negotiation skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Research the TEA's mission, current initiatives (especially concerning early childhood education), and any recent news or challenges.

• Understand the role of technology and data in achieving educational outcomes for Texas students.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise and Clear: Select 2-3 key projects to highlight. For each, clearly state the project goal, your specific contributions, the tools used, and the impact/results.

• Visual Aids: Use your mockups, wireframes, or process flow diagrams effectively. Explain the rationale behind your design or process choices.

• Metrics-Driven: Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., "reduced data entry time by 15%," "improved user task completion rate by 10%").

• Storytelling: Frame your experience as a narrative, demonstrating your problem-solving abilities and your impact on project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical application of skills, understanding of the educational sector's operational context, and ability to work within a structured environment. Highlighting experience with specific tools and a data-driven, user-centric approach will be key.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Zoho Recruit link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your 8+ years of experience in requirements elicitation, SDLC, business process re-engineering, and UX/UI design. Emphasize any experience relevant to government or education sectors.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your proficiency with tools like Modern Requirements and Jira, and quantify achievements in process improvement and requirements management.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering common Business Analyst and UX interview questions, focusing on the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Prepare to walk through your portfolio with specific project examples.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and its current projects, particularly the Early Childhood Integrated Data System, to demonstrate your understanding and interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, including specific project nuances and team dynamics, should be verified directly with aKube Inc or the Texas Education Agency before making application decisions.