Associate Director, Data and Academic Systems

Job Summary

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

The Associate Director for Data and Academic Systems is a part of the Infrastructure and Data Services (IDS) and provides leadership and oversight for the Institute's enterprise data platforms and academic computing systems. This position is responsible for the ongoing management, strategic direction, administration, and continuous improvement of critical systems supporting administrative operations, analytics, and academic initiatives.

The role requires a combination of deep hands‑on technical expertise and strong managerial leadership to ensure the reliability, security, and scalability of the database, data infrastructure, and academic systems, while fostering collaboration across infrastructure and application teams.

This is an Organizational Critical position. In the event of an emergency on campus, an employee designated as organizational critical is expected to report to Campus as soon as possible to assist in division/department response and recovery efforts.

Essential Job Duties

• Provide leadership and rigorous operational oversight for enterprise database systems, most notably Oracle eBusiness Suite (ERP) environment deployed in AWS.
• Manage and support institutional database platforms, including the data warehouse and Oracle Analytics Cloud (OAC), ensuring data integrity, availability, and performance.
• Oversee Linux-based academic systems infrastructure deployed in AWS, supporting research and institute's academic needs.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of technical staff responsible for database, data warehouse and data analytics infrastructure in addition to academic systems support.
• Ensure infrastructure standards and compliance for data governance and security in alignment with institutional policies and best practices.
• Collaborate with the Windows infrastructure (on‑prem VMware) team to ensure alignment and integration across heterogeneous computing environments.
• Establish strategic planning initiatives that include system modernization, and hybrid infrastructure design and integration.
• Monitor system performance and implement continuous improvements to enhance operational efficiency, scalability, and reliability.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• At least 10 years' experience with professional systems in a highly complex organization.
• Significant experience in managing enterprise database systems, with demonstrated expertise in Oracle technologies, including Oracle eBusiness ERP.
• Experience with data warehousing and analytics platforms, including Oracle Analytics Cloud (OAC).
• Proven experience supporting Linux systems in a cloud environment, preferably AWS.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing technical teams and complex enterprise systems (ERP).
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Azure and Windows-based virtual infrastructure environments.
• Strong understanding of information security, system architecture, and enterprise IT best practices including ITIL and ServiceNow.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience working in a higher education or research-intensive environment.
• Previous Finance/Payroll/Student/Fundraising Systems experience.
• Experience with hybrid and multi‑cloud architectures.
• Experience with Enterprise Job Scheduler software.
• Experience with Oracle ERP and Oracle Analytics Cloud.
• Demonstrated success in leading large‑scale system implementations or upgrades.

Hiring Range

$216,400 - $250,000 per year

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non‑benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.

Disability Accommodations

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at View email address on click.appcast.io.