Database Administrator Lead at InsideHigherEd

Logo:Posting Number:STA00956PO25Job Family:Information TechnologyJob Function:Business Data AnalysisUSC Market Title:IT Business Data Analysis ManagerLink to USC Market Title:https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/198024Job Level:M2 - ManagerialBusiness Title (Internal Title):Database Administrator LeadCampus:ColumbiaWork County:RichlandCollege/Division:Division of Information TechnologyDepartment:IT Enterprise ApplicationsState Pay Band:9Approved Starting Salary:$87,231Advertised Salary Range:$87,231- Salary is commensurate with experienceLocation of Vacancy:Columbia, SC (on-site)Part/Full Time:Full TimeHours per Week:37.5Work Schedule:Standard working schedule: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm, with 1 hour for lunch. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the Division of IT.Basis :12 monthsJob Search Category:Information TechnologyAbout University of South Carolina:From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.Veterans' Preference Statement:The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.Advertised Job Summary:We’re looking for a Database Administrator Lead to oversee the design, optimization, and governance of the university’s enterprise data systems. In this pivotal role, you’ll help ensure data is secure, reliable, and accessible—empowering insights that drive strategy, innovation, and student success.As part of the Analytics & Data Governance team, you’ll partner with data engineers, analysts, and IT leaders to build a modern, high-performing data ecosystem that supports institutional reporting, analytics, and compliance.What You’ll DoLead database architecture, administration, and performance optimization.Manage integrations across cloud and on-premises platforms.Implement robust data security, access controls, and encryption measures.Oversee backup, recovery, and disaster recovery processes.Support data governance, reporting, and analytics initiatives across the university.Monitor and troubleshoot performance issues to ensure system reliability.Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend improvements.What You BringBachelor’s degree in a related field.5+ years of relevant database administration experience.Equivalent combinations of education, certifications, training, and experience will be considered.Preferred QualificationsMaster’s degree in a related field.Professional certifications such as:AWS Certified Database – SpecialtyOracle Certified DBAMicrosoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator AssociateExperience working in higher education or large, complex enterprise environments.Familiarity with data governance frameworks and metadata management.Knowledge of AI/ML-based database performance optimization.Skills That Set You ApartExpertise in database administration, tuning, and optimization.Proficiency with SQL Server, Oracle, Snowflake, Azure, or similar platforms.Deep understanding of data integration, ETL/ELT, and automation.Strong grasp of data modeling, schema design, and query optimization.Experience with compliance and data privacy standards (FERPA, HIPAA).Proven ability to analyze complex problems and document effective solutions.Collaborative and adaptable—able to work effectively with technical and non-technical teams alike.Why Join USC?At the University of South Carolina, you’ll be part of a collaborative team committed to supporting world-class education, research, and service. This role offers the opportunity to shape how applications serve our university community and directly impact the student, faculty, and staff experience.Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience:Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 5 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.Preferred Qualifications:· Master’s degree in a related field.· Certifications in database technologies (e.g., AWS Certified Database – Specialty, Oracle DBA, Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator).· Experience in higher education or large enterprise environments.· Familiarity with data governance frameworks and metadata management.· Knowledge of AI/ML-driven database optimization techniques.Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:· Knowledge of database administration principles, performance tuning, and optimization.· Proficiency in managing relational and cloud database platforms (e.g., SQL Server, Oracle, Snowflake, Azure).· Understanding of data backup, recovery, and disaster recovery strategies.· Experience with database security, access controls, and encryption.· Familiarity with data integration, ETL/ELT, and automation processes.· Ability to monitor and troubleshoot database performance and availability issues.· Knowledge of data modeling, schema design, and query optimization.· Understanding of institutional data policies, privacy, and compliance standards (FERPA, HIPAA).· Strong analytical, documentation, and problem-solving skills.Ability to collaborate effectively with developers, data architects, and governance staff.Job Duty:Database Administration & Optimization· Design, implement, and maintain relational and non-relational databases in cloud and on-premises environments.· Optimize database performance, including indexing, partitioning, and query tuning.· Monitor database performance and implement necessary improvements to enhance efficiency.· Conduct capacity planning and ensure high availability and disaster recovery solutions.Essential Function:YesPercentage of Time:35Job Duty:Data Security & Governance· (Provide a minimum of one paragraph of detail.) Implement and enforce database security policies, access controls, and compliance with university and regulatory requirements.· Support data governance efforts, including metadata management and data cataloging.· Ensure database integrity and consistency across enterprise systems.Essential Function:YesPercentage of Time:20Job Duty:Data Integration & ETL Management· Design and manage ETL processes to support data warehousing and analytics initiatives.· Collaborate with data engineers and developers to support integrations across multiple systems.· Troubleshoot and resolve data pipeline issues to ensure seamless data flow.Essential Function:YesPercentage of Time:20Job Duty:Cloud & Emerging Technologies· Support the university’s cloud migration strategy by evaluating and implementing cloud-based database solutions.· Stay updated on emerging database technologies and recommend innovative solutions to improve data management.· Implement automation and DevOps best practices for database management.Essential Function:YesPercentage of Time:15Job Duty:Collaboration & Leadership· Provide guidance and mentorship to junior database administrators and data engineers.· Work closely with analytics, IT, and business stakeholders to understand data needs and optimize data solutions.· Document processes, provide training, and contribute to the overall data strategy of the university.Essential Function:YesPercentage of Time:10Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive:NoHazardous weather category:Non-EssentialNumber of Vacancies:1Job Open Date:12/05/2025Job Close Date:01/19/2026Open Until Filled:NoSpecial Instructions to Applicant:Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.We are only accepting applications submitted by January 19, 2026.Quicklink for Posting:https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/198126EEO Statement:The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.