Data Architect at InsideHigherEd

Position Number:013355Functional Title:Data ArchitectPosition Type:StaffPosition Eclass:EP - EHRA 12 mo leave earningUniversity Information:Located in North Carolina’s third largest city, UNC Greensboro is among the most diverse, learner-centered public research universities in the state, with 18,000 students in eight colleges and schools pursuing more than 150 areas of undergraduate and over 200 areas of graduate study. UNCG continues to be recognized nationally for academic excellence, access, and affordability. UNCG is ranked No. 1 most affordable institution in North Carolina for net cost by the N.Y. Times and No. 1 in North Carolina for social mobility by The Wall Street Journal — helping first-generation and lower-income students find paths to prosperity. Designated an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, UNCG is a community-engaged research institution with a portfolio of more than $67M in research and creative activity. The University’s 2,600 staff help create an annual economic impact for the Piedmont Triad region in excess of $1B.Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit:The Data Engineering and Architecture team builds and supports UNCG’s enterprise data platform. The team develops reliable data pipelines, administers cloud-based services, and maintains the infrastructure that powers analytics and reporting across the University. The team also ensures the stability, security, and operational continuity of UNCG’s Azure data environment.Position Summary:The Data Architect serves as both a strategic leader and hands-on technical team lead, playing a central role in the modernization of the University’s enterprise data environment. This position is a technical lead, responsible for designing and maintaining robust data architectures in Azure, directly contributing to pipeline development and integration, while also leading a small team of 2–3 data professionals. The role requires close collaboration with senior leadership to define long-term data strategies that support institutional goals.The ideal candidate combines architectural vision with practical technical expertise, possessing in-depth experience with Azure data services, Databricks (administration and utilization), Change Data Capture, and identifying management tools such as Azure AD and Grouper. Experience with higher education data systems, particularly Ellucian Banner, is required, as the position ensures ERP data flows effectively into the University’s enterprise data platform. Familiarity with UNC Data Mart and other system-level or third-party data resources is preferred, as well as being comfortable serving in a leadership role within their team.This position is eligible for teleworking; however, some in-person assignments may be necessary at the supervisor’s discretion.Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline with 5-7 years of experience, orMaster’s degree in a related discipline with 3-5 years of experience, orEquivalent combination of education and experiencePreferred Qualifications:Proven experience with one or more modern programming languages such as C, C++, Java, Python, R, SQL, TSQL, PL/SQL.Working knowledge and 3-4 years of experience with public cloud infrastructures such as Microsoft, Azure, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), or Amazon Web Services (AWS).Working knowledge of Azure DevOps processes and procedures.Experience with Databricks administration and utilization, including user management, workspace configuration, pipeline optimization, and cost governance.Experience with higher education enterprise systems such as Ellucian Banner (cloud-hosted, Banner SaaS preferred), Banner ODS, Slate, and related ancillary applications (Starfish, TracCloud, Cayuse).Experience with Windows and Unix-based operating systems.Proven ability to communicate and present highly technical information with other non-technical staff.Familiarity with UNC Data Mart or other system-level higher education data resources.Experience with FERPA compliance and other higher education data governance practices.Hands-on coding ability in Python/PySpark, with knowledge of custom pipeline development and API-based integrations (REST APIs, JSON, event-driven architectures).Experience with Change Data Capture (CDC) development and implementation for cloud-based data pipelines.Familiarity with Azure DevOps for CI/CD pipeline management and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) provisioning (ARM templates, Terraform, or equivalent).Strong track record of leading modernization initiatives in higher education or similarly complex environments.Recruitment Range:Salary commensurate with experienceOrg #-Department:Info Technology Services - 23101Job Open Date:12/04/2025For Best Consideration Date:12/08/2025Open Until Filled:YesFTE:1.000Type of Appointment:PermanentNumber of Months per Year:12FLSA:ExemptPercentage Of Time:40Key Responsibility:Technical ExpertiseEssential Tasks:Apply advanced skills in Azure and Databricks, including both administration and utilization.Design, develop, and optimize large-scale data pipelines.Write and maintain code in languages such as Python, PySpark, SQL, and related frameworks.Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues across enterprise-scale solutions.Percentage Of Time:25Key Responsibility:Leadership & ManagementEssential Tasks:Lead 2–3 data professionals, providing mentoring, coaching, and workload management.Balance technical execution with team oversight to ensure team productivity and project success.Delegate tasks effectively while maintaining accountability for quality outcomes.Assist with supporting staff development and promoting a collaborative team environment.Percentage Of Time:20Key Responsibility:Governance & SecurityEssential Tasks:Work with existing Data Governance and Identity Management team to:Oversee identity and access management for the data platform, including Azure Active Directory, Grouper, and Service Principals, for the data platform.Implement and enforce role-based access control policies.Ensure compliance with FERPA and other data security and privacy regulations.Establish and maintain secure data-sharing practices across functional units.Percentage Of Time:15Key Responsibility:Strategic Planning & CollaborationEssential Tasks:Partner with senior leadership to align data initiatives with institutional priorities.Evaluate emerging technologies for fit within the university’s data strategy.Collaborate with cross-functional partners across campus.Promote a culture of shared accountability for data quality, accessibility, and governance.Physical Effort:Reading - f, Writing - f, Hearing - f, Talking - f, Sitting - fWork Environment:Inside - c