Assistant Director, Data Engineering

Assistant Director, Data Engineering

Company: University of Colorado Location: Remote (within Colorado), USA Contract: Permanent Schedule: Full-time Industry: Education

The University of Colorado System Administration is seeking a dedicated and experienced Assistant Director, Data Engineering to join our University Information Services (UIS) team. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on higher education by leading our data engineering initiatives. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees feel valued and empowered.

About the Role

As the Assistant Director, Data Engineering, you will manage the data engineering function, including the data warehouse. You will be responsible for developing and defining data warehousing strategies, data marts, and data hubs across various business lines. This role involves close collaboration with the Assistant Director of Business Intelligence, UIS Enterprise Architect, UIS Data Architect, the Data and BI team, and the Integrations team. You will lead a team of analysts, ETL developers, and administrators, setting direction, establishing priorities, and providing technical guidance. This position also plays a key role in project leadership within data areas and represents data interests on the UIS Design Review team.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and lead the Data team, including recruitment, hiring, training, mentoring, and performance evaluation.
• Set direction, establish priorities, and provide technical leadership for the Data team.
• Manage a team of data architects responsible for data transformations for integrations and interfaces.
• Provide technical leadership for a common approach to data warehousing, data marts, data hubs, and data stores across UIS services.
• Act as a product manager for data warehousing technologies such as DataStage and Snowflake.
• Research and articulate new technologies and standard processes for data delivery.
• Anticipate and resolve issues related to data delivery.
• Serve as an advisor to work teams across UIS and Campus IT.
• Lead process improvements for data delivery.
• Collaborate with campus partners to understand needs and set priorities.
• Supervise strategic planning and roadmaps for Data Services.
• Partner with Business Relationship Managers and Product Managers to align with business needs.
• Provide leadership and support for UIS policies and procedures.
• Manage the annual budget for the Data Services area in collaboration with leadership.
• Ensure data governance practices, definitions, and standards are incorporated into data solutions.
• Support the Integration team on data integrations.
• Manage content updates for data websites.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent professional experience.
• Six (6) years of experience in:
  • Data Platforms and Analytics toolkits (e.g., IBM Cognos, Oracle, Tableau, DataStage).
  • Scripting or programming languages (e.g., Perl, Python, Java).
  • Managing projects, services, or processes.
  • Working with diverse groups of administrators.
  • Full-time experience as a senior developer and/or architect in the BI area.
• Two (2) years of experience in a managerial or supervisory role, including personnel management, developing direct reports, and performance reviews.
• Knowledge of SQL, ODBC, and database concepts in Oracle, Snowflake, or other database technologies.
• Solid understanding of BI products (e.g., Cognos, Tableau) and data warehouse technologies and methodologies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively.
• Interpersonal skills to facilitate communication and teamwork.
• Ability to use diplomacy and soft skills to build consensus.
• Collaboration and networking skills.
• Knowledge of information technology service management (ITSM) and DevOps principles.
• Knowledge of project management methodologies (Agile and standard).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or post-baccalaureate degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field.
• Eight (8) years of professional experience as described above.
• Experience managing a team with technical positions.
• Experience working in a higher education environment.
• Three (3) years of managerial or supervisory experience.

What We Offer

• Salary: The anticipated hiring range is $148,000.
• Comprehensive Benefits:
  • No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options.
  • Disability, Life, and Vision Insurance options.
  • Multiple retirement planning options, including a 401(a) plan with a 10% employer contribution.
  • Pre-tax savings plans (Health Care and Dependent Care FSAs).
  • Generous sick leave, vacation leave, and at least 12 paid holidays, including a winter break week.