Inside Higher Ed
Data Architect
Position Number: 013355
Functional Title: Data Architect
Position Type: Staff
Position Eclass: EP - EHRA 12 mo leave earning
Department: Information Technology Services - 23101
Location: UNC Greensboro, North Carolina
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 UNC Greensboro’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 identity 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 is comfort 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, or
Master’s degree in a related discipline with 3-5 years of experience, or
Equivalent combination of education and experience
Preferred 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 (IaS) provisioning (ARM templates, Terraform, or equivalent).
Strong track record of leading modernization initiatives in higher education or similarly complex environments.
Essential 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.
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.
Oversee identity and access management for the data platform, including Azure Active Directory, Grouper, and Service Principals.
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.
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.
Recruitment Range Salary commensurate with experience
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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 UNC Greensboro’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 identity 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 is comfort 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, or
Master’s degree in a related discipline with 3-5 years of experience, or
Equivalent combination of education and experience
Preferred 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 (IaS) provisioning (ARM templates, Terraform, or equivalent).
Strong track record of leading modernization initiatives in higher education or similarly complex environments.
Essential 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.
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.
Oversee identity and access management for the data platform, including Azure Active Directory, Grouper, and Service Principals.
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.
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.
Recruitment Range Salary commensurate with experience
} #J-18808-Ljbffr