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ServiceNow Lead Developer

University of Chicago · Chicago, IL · $120,000–$145,000 a year · Full time

Posted Oct 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a ServiceNow implementation you led. What modules were involved and what did you architect?

What they are checking: Whether they have led platform work beyond tickets, including design decisions that affect the whole instance.

How do you mentor developers on code quality and best practices in ServiceNow?

What they are checking: Whether they can guide the team through code review, standards and coaching, as the lead role requires.

What ServiceNow certifications do you hold, and which area are you learning most about now?

What they are checking: Whether they keep their skills current on a platform that changes significantly with each release.

What would you do

A campus partner wants a feature that would break a platform standard. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can protect platform health while offering a workable alternative that keeps the partner satisfied.

A production change causes a widespread incident. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can roll back quickly, communicate clearly and lead a review so it does not happen again.

How do you run agile delivery with stakeholders who are not used to sprints or backlogs?

What they are checking: Whether they can make agile practices work in a university setting with partners across campus.

About the work

How do you keep a ServiceNow instance upgradeable when departments keep asking for customizations?

What they are checking: Whether they favor configuration over customization and understand the long-term cost of heavy scripting.

How would you build an AI-powered virtual agent or chatbot for campus service requests?

What they are checking: Whether they understand Virtual Agent, knowledge bases and intent design, which the posting names as a growth area.

Walk me through how you'd design a workflow automation for a new campus process, from requirements to go-live.

What they are checking: Whether they can gather requirements, use Flow Designer properly and test thoroughly before release.

How do you manage update sets, ATF tests and releases across dev, test and production?

What they are checking: Whether they follow disciplined release practices that prevent broken changes in production.

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The full job description

As published by University of Chicago.

Department OPS ITS - Service Automation About the Department ITS collaborates with campus partners to support the mission of the University of Chicago through the consistent delivery of high-quality solutions and services.   We provide secure, stable, and reliable infrastructure and applications to support the mission of the University.   We support and enable faculty research and teaching with the effective use of technology.   We simplify the technology experience for faculty, students, alumni, and staff, and we ensure technology is mobile-friendly and accessible.   We identify, manage, and mitigate the technology risks of the University. Job Summary Are you ready to shape the future of digital services at the University? We’re seeking a visionary ServiceNow Lead Developer to drive innovation and excellence within our fast-growing ServiceNow platform. This is a unique opportunity to lead projects involving new technologies like AI-powered chatbots and workflow automation, while collaborating with partners campus-wide to design processes and improve service delivery. Responsibilities • Leads technical development and platform architecture for ServiceNow, ensuring scalable, sustainable solutions. • Oversees and mentors ServiceNow team members, guiding best practices in agile delivery, code quality, and platform management. • Collaborates closely with stakeholders across campus (IT, HR, Finance, Research, etc.) to understand needs, design optimal solutions, and communicate progress. • Spearheads exciting initiatives including chatbot integration, advanced workflow automation, and onboarding of new ServiceNow modules and units. • Designs and optimizes business processes leveraging ServiceNow capabilities. • Manages backlog and prioritizes high-impact projects. • Champions governance and compliance standards, serving as a resource on ServiceNow trends, security, and platform strategy. • Fosters an inclusive, innovative team culture and actively communicates updates, challenges, and successes to campus partners. • Acts as a technical consultant and resource for faculty research, teaching, and/or administrative projects. • Leads or coordinates teams or projects for activities relating to software support and/or development. • Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: --- Preferred Qualifications Education: • Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field. • Advance degree in a technical field. Experience: • Demonstrated experience in ServiceNow development and administration or in another application. • Background in higher education or large enterprise environments is beneficial. Certifications: • Service-now.com Developer certification. Technical Skills or Knowledge: • Proven process design and improvement capabilities. • Curiosity and willingness to learn, especially interested in AI, chatbots, and workflow automation. ​​ Preferred Competencies • Outstanding communication skills to bridge technical and non-technical audiences with clarity and enthusiasm. • Strong background in leading complex projects or platforms, especially in fast-paced or evolving environments. • Work collaboratively, lead change, and adapt to new challenges. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. • Effective interpersonal and collaborative skills. • Strong analytical skills. • Excellent organizational and time management skills. • Self-motivated and take initiative. • Prioritize multiple projects and independently follow through with detail. Working Conditions • Standard office environment. • Sit for short or extended time periods. • Extensively use computer. • On-call responsibilities. Application Documents • Resume/CV (required) • Cover Letter (required) • References Contact Information (3)(required) The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions. When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Information Technology Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary ​ FLSA Status Exempt ​ Pay Range $120,000.00 - $145,000.00 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook . Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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