Senior Data Architect

Job Summary The Senior Data Architect is responsible for defining, governing, and leading the organization’s enterprise data strategy, architecture roadmap, and cloud data modernization initiatives. This role serves as the enterprise authority for data architecture, data management, analytics platforms, and AI‑ready data ecosystems, ensuring that organizational data assets are secure, trusted, accessible, and strategically aligned with business objectives. The Senior Data Architect provides technical and strategic leadership in the design, implementation, and optimization of scalable, secure, and high‑performing cloud‑based data solutions that support operational reporting, business intelligence, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and emerging data‑driven initiatives. This position serves as the enterprise subject matter expert for Microsoft Fabric and the Microsoft Azure data ecosystem, leading the transition from legacy and on‑premises data environments to modern cloud‑native architectures. Responsibilities Develop, maintain, and execute the enterprise data architecture strategy and multi‑year roadmap aligned with organizational goals, digital transformation initiatives, and business priorities. Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of enterprise cloud data platforms utilizing Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Factory, Azure Data Lake Storage, Power BI, and related Azure technologies. Architect scalable data warehouse, lakehouse, data mesh, and data integration solutions supporting enterprise reporting, analytics, and artificial intelligence initiatives. Establish and enforce enterprise standards, best practices, and governance policies for data architecture, data modeling, integration, metadata management, data lineage, security, and quality. Lead enterprise data modernization and migration efforts from legacy and on‑premises platforms to cloud‑native architectures and services. Design and oversee enterprise ETL/ELT frameworks, data pipelines, orchestration processes, and DataOps practices to improve data delivery, reliability, and scalability. Partner with executive leadership, business stakeholders, and technology teams to translate business requirements into scalable and sustainable enterprise data solutions. Collaborate with Enterprise Architecture, Security Architecture, and Application Development teams to ensure alignment with organizational technology standards and strategic objectives. Lead architecture reviews and provide governance oversight for enterprise data solutions, ensuring compliance with approved standards and architectural principles. Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and architectural guidance to data engineers, developers, analysts, AI engineers, and project teams. Evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends, recommending innovative solutions that enhance organizational data capabilities, AI readiness, performance, and cost efficiency. Develop and promote data‑as‑a‑product principles to improve accessibility, usability, and business adoption of enterprise data assets. Establish cloud cost optimization and FinOps strategies to balance performance, scalability, and operational expenditures. Ensure compliance with data governance, privacy, security, regulatory, and institutional requirements while fostering a culture of data stewardship and accountability across the organization. Manage a team of developers, assign work, coach and mentor. Act as a technical consultant and resource for faculty research, teaching, and/or administrative projects. Lead or coordinate teams or projects for activities relating to software support and/or development. Perform other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications College or university degree in a related field. 7+ years of relevant work experience in a related discipline. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree. 12+ years of progressively responsible experience in enterprise data architecture, data engineering, data warehousing, enterprise data management, analytics platforms, and cloud data solutions. Microsoft Certified Fabric Data Engineer. Technical Skills or Knowledge Proficient in designing, implementing, and leading enterprise cloud data platforms and modernization initiatives with Microsoft Azure environments. Expert‑level knowledge of Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Data Lake Storage, Power BI, OneLake, and related Azure data services. Accomplished in enterprise data modeling methodologies including conceptual, logical, physical, dimensional, semantic, and canonical data models. Strong proficiency in SQL, Python, Spark, ETL/ELT development, data engineering, DataOps, and cloud‑native data architecture practices. Proficient with enterprise integration architectures utilizing APIs, event‑driven architectures, streaming technologies, and cloud‑native integration services. Familiar with enterprise data quality frameworks, validation methodologies, testing strategies, reconciliation processes, and data observability practices. Demonstrated experience leading enterprise‑scale cloud migration, modernization, and digital transformation initiatives. Deep understanding of data, metadata management, data lineage, data quality, security, privacy, and compliance frameworks. Seasoned professional at implementing and supporting artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and generative AI platforms through scalable data architecture design. Proficient in Azure DevOps, GitHub, CI/CD pipelines, and modern software delivery practices. Strong understanding of cloud cost management, FinOps principles, performance optimization, and operational excellence. Preferred Competencies Proven ability to influence executive stakeholders, communicate architectural strategies, and lead cross‑functional initiatives across business and technology organizations. Excellent leadership, communication, stakeholder management, problem‑solving, and strategic planning skills with the ability to communicate effectively at both technical and executive levels. Working Conditions Position is expected to work a minimum of three days per week in the office. Scheduled weekly hours: 37.5 hours. Drug test required: No. Health screen required: No. Motor vehicle record inquiry required: No. FLSA status: Exempt. Compensation Pay range: $155,000.00 – $175,000.00. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr