Data Architect

Data ArchitectThe New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE) seeks a qualified contractor to provide comprehensive project management, business analysis, application support, testing, training, data management, business intelligence, and reporting services for its Special Education systems. The project supports the implementation and ongoing enhancement of the ATLAS platform, modernization of Special Education applications, development of regulatory and operational reports, maintenance of enterprise data repositories, user training, and continuous operational support. The Contractor will provide a multidisciplinary team of technical and functional experts to ensure the successful delivery of system enhancements, data integration, reporting solutions, quality assurance, and end-user support while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and NYC DOE Special Education requirements.The Data Architect is responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing enterprise data structures and integration solutions supporting the NYC Department of Education's Special Education systems. This role leads data mapping and integration efforts across multiple applications, analyzes complex data to improve system performance, supports testing and validation activities, and develops technical documentation to ensure accurate, reliable, and compliant reporting.ResponsibilitiesPerform complex analysis of data generated by Special Education applications to identify trends, inconsistencies, and opportunities for system improvements.Lead data mapping and integration efforts between ATLAS, SESIS, COMPASS, SEO MART, and other enterprise data sources.Design and maintain conceptual, logical, and physical data models to support operational and regulatory reporting.Analyze data quality issues and recommend corrective actions to improve system effectiveness.Utilize data analysis results to prioritize software defects, enhancements, and business requirements.Develop automated and manual test cases to validate system functionality, data integrity, and user requirements.Support system integration, user acceptance testing (UAT), and data validation activities.Develop and maintain technical documentation, data dictionaries, mapping documents, process flows, and system documentation.Create workflow diagrams, data flow diagrams, and process documentation using Microsoft Visio.Collaborate with business analysts, developers, testers, database administrators, and DOE stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of system enhancements.Support Business Intelligence and reporting initiatives through data architecture and reporting design.Ensure compliance with DOE data governance standards, security policies, and SDLC best practices.Required Skills & QualificationsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Management, Engineering, or a related technical discipline (Master's degree preferred).Minimum of seven years of experience in data architecture, data modeling, database design, or enterprise data integration.Experience designing enterprise data models and data integration solutions for large-scale applications.Strong expertise in Microsoft SQL Server, T-SQL, stored procedures, and database design.Experience performing data mapping, data migration, and data validation activities.Experience supporting software development lifecycle (SDLC), Agile, and Waterfall methodologies.Experience developing test plans, test scripts, and validating application functionality.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze complex business and technical requirements.Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience preparing technical and functional documentation.Experience working collaboratively with cross-functional technical and business teams.Preferred QualificationsExperience supporting K-12 education, government, or public-sector information systems.Experience with Special Education applications, student information systems, or regulatory reporting.Experience with Power BI or other Business Intelligence reporting platforms.Knowledge of data governance, metadata management, and enterprise reporting environments.Required Technical SkillsMicrosoft SQL Server, Microsoft SQL (T-SQL)Microsoft Visio, Microsoft ProjectPower BI, JiraApplication Lifecycle Management (ALM) toolsData Modeling, Data MappingETL Concepts, Database DesignSystem Integration, Data AnalysisTest Planning and ValidationTechnical Documentation