LMS Senior Developer

Higher Education Institution

JOB DESCRIPTION

LMS Senior Developer

Department: Digital & Technology (D&T)

Reports To: Head of Products & Channels

Location: Flexible (Online / On-Premise)

Employment Type: Full-Time / Contract

Experience Required: 5 – 8+ years Education Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field

Certifications: Blackboard Certified Administrator (required); LTI 1.3 / API integration certifications (preferred)

Languages: English (required); Arabic (preferred)

1. Role Purpose

The LMS Senior Developer configures, customizes, and integrates the Learning Management System (Blackboard Learn Ultra) to support the end-to-end academic delivery lifecycle. This role ensures strict alignment with the defined enterprise architecture and is critical for the rapid deployment of the LMS prior to the upcoming May intake.

Mirroring the operational cadence of the SIS Developer, the LMS Senior Developer will operate within a high-pressure, accelerated delivery environment. They will collaborate closely with the Enterprise Architect, Business Analyst, and academic stakeholders to meet aggressive deployment deadlines and ensure a seamless, automated learning experience.

2. Scope of Work

The LMS Senior Developer will lead the configuration and customization of the Blackboard Learn Ultra platform (SaaS). A primary focus is the seamless integration of the LMS with the SIS (for automated enrollment and course creation) and Identity and Access Management (IAM) systems (for SSO and lifecycle provisioning).

The developer will also manage content migration, establish Institutional Hierarchy nodes, and integrate third-party tools via LTI 1.3. Post-go-live support, performance optimization, and the creation of comprehensive training materials for faculty are included within the scope.

3. Key Responsibilities / Area Responsibility

• Platform Configuration Configure Blackboard Ultra environments, Institutional Hierarchy, and course templates.
• SIS Integration Develop and maintain robust integration (REST API/SIS Framework) for automated course creation and enrollment sync from SIS. Access & Identity Implement Single Sign-On (SAML 2.0/CAS) and automated role-based user provisioning.
• Tool Integration Integrate third-party academic tools and publishers using LTI 1.3 standards. Content Migration Support data and content migration efforts from legacy systems to Blackboard Ultra.
• Standards Compliance Ensure platform compliance with SCORM (1.2/2004), xAPI, and WCAG accessibility standards.
• Testing & QA Support system testing, integration testing, and defect resolution prior to go-live. Training & Support Create technical documentation and facilitate faculty onboarding and post-go-live support.

4. Competencies

Functional Competencies

• Candidates must possess deep, certified expertise in Blackboard Learn Ultra administration and development within a SaaS environment.
• Advanced knowledge of Anthology REST APIs, LTI 1.3 tool integration, and the Blackboard SIS Integration Framework is required.
• The developer must demonstrate strong capabilities in modeling academic structures, including Learning Modules, Folders, and Institutional Hierarchies.
• Experience with e-learning standards (SCORM, xAPI via Rustici Engine) and Identity integration (SAML 2.0) is essential.
• The candidate must also understand cloud-hosting implications, particularly regarding Blackboard SaaS integration through Google Cloud Platform (GCP) middleware, data residency, and privacy compliance in Saudi Arabia.

Non-Functional Competencies

• The LMS Senior Developer must operate with speed and accuracy, demonstrating readiness for an accelerated delivery model. Exceptional problem-solving skills under pressure are critical.
• A meticulous attention to data synchronization accuracy and strong coordination skills with Business Analysts, Enterprise Architects, and faculty members are essential for success.

5. Deliverables

Deliverable Description

• Configured Ultra LMS Fully configured Blackboard Learn Ultra platform ready for the May intake. Integration Endpoints Robust, automated SIS-to-LMS and IAM-to-LMS integration endpoints.
• LTI Tool Configurations Successfully integrated third-party learning tools via LTI 1.3.
• Migration Scripts Validated content and data migration scripts (if applicable).
• Technical Documentation Comprehensive technical architecture and configuration documentation. Training Materials End-user (faculty/student) and administrator training materials.

6. KPIs and Acceptance Criteria

• KPI Target Deployment Readiness Blackboard Ultra ready and tested before the May launch deadline.
• Defect Rate Zero critical integration defects at go-live. Automation Success 100% automated course creation and enrollment synchronization from SIS.
• SSO Reliability 100% SSO success rate with zero manual user provisioning required.
• System Performance Platform performance and integrations validated under expected load conditions.

7. Qualifications and Experience

• Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Blackboard Certified Administrator certification is mandatory.
• A minimum of 5 to 8 years of relevant experience in LMS implementation and development is expected, with a proven track record of deploying Blackboard Learn Ultra in higher education environments.
• Experience with accelerated delivery models and complex SIS integrations is highly desirable.