Head of Data Platform

829 is seeking a highly analytical, technical, and hands-on leader to build, scale, and operationalize the next generation of data infrastructure, analytics systems, and process automation architecture across the agency.

This role leads a small but specialized team, with support of contract engineers and analysts, to architect, implement, and maintain the underlying data systems that power measurement, forecasting, and operational efficiency.. This role primarily manages and oversees Apollo, 829's proprietary data centralization and insights platform that powers operational efficiency, campaign performance, and decision-making across 829's client base.

This is not a traditional agency reporting and BI role. This is a hands-on technical leadership position with responsibilities that span strategy, engineering, product management, and implementation. The right candidate will write and review SQL & Python, influence data models and design ETL workflows, prototype features within Apollo, and operate effectively in a lean environment without large in-house engineering teams.

This is a player/coach role ideal for someone who loves combining strategy with execution. You will architect measurement systems, implement forecasting and predictive models, shape the product roadmap for Apollo, and set the analytics foundation for a 300-person agency navigating rapid change in marketing, media, and AI.

You must be comfortable being scrappy, resourceful, and hands-on, while also operating as a cross-functional leader who can influence the broader organization.
What You'll Do
Product Ownership & Technical Architecture: Apollo (60%)
Own the evolution of Apollo, 829's data centralization and management platform that operationalizes analytics, drives efficiency, and improves client performance.

• Roadmap: Develop and manage the product roadmap - balancing technical feasibility, organizational needs, and high-impact use cases.
• Budget Oversight: Own the Apollo budget and make resource-allocation decisions based on ROI and efficiency gains.
• Technical Lead: Lead technical direction and collaborate with engineers (contract) to deliver scalable improvements.
• AI & Automation Enablement: Identify and implement AI-driven workflows (LLM-based tooling, automated QA, predictive modeling, internal agents, etc.) that materially reduce manual reporting, accelerate insight generation, and improve operational efficiency.
• Strategic Oversight: Act as the primary strategic resource for feature development, pressure testing all features and functions and coordinating with additional stakeholders as needed for review.
• Data Ownership: Ensure data models, pipelines, and system architecture support reliable analytics and performance reporting.
• Process & Documentation: Build and standardize frameworks and documentation that ensure consistent adoption across teams.

Analytics, Measurement & Tracking Leadership (20%)
Guide the agency's measurement philosophy and the systems that support it.

• Analytics & Ad-Trafficking: Oversee conversion tracking, ad-tracking, and analytics service delivery.
• Processes & Tools: Build measurement frameworks, tagging schemas, ETL flows and data governance processes. Lead the migration toward greater automation and repeatable analytics systems.
• Data Analysis & Forecasting: Implement forecasting and predictive modeling tools that support client performance.

Team Leadership (20%)
Lead a small but growing team that delivers exceptional agency and client outcomes.

• Team Management: Directly manage a team of full-time specialists and bench of contract labor.
• Talent Development & Expansion: Expand the team as needed to achieve performance objectives. Support talent development through training and process development.
• Process & Tool Adoption: Spearhead change management and adoption of Apollo, measurement processes, and analytics tools across the agency.
• Contribute to Agency Culture & Leadership Team: Serve as a member of the leadership team, championing continuous improvement, data-driven decision making, and operational discipline.

What You'll Bring
Must Haves:

• 10+ years' experience in the agency space, with a preference for experience in analytics, product, and / or hybrid roles within digital marketing, media or agency environments.
• Proven ability to run small teams and ship high-impact data/analytics solutions with constrained resources.
• Hands-on experience with SQL, Python, DBT, APIs, ETL pipelines, and data warehousing (BigQuery, SnowFlake).
• Experience operating without a large in-house engineering team and successfully shipping data products in lean environments.
• Ability to read, review, and meaningfully contribute to application-layer code (Node, React, or similar) is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of tracking architecture (GA4, GTM, server-side, conversion APIs)
• Demonstrated experience creating repeatable forecasting and analytical models to predict and optimize client campaign performance.
• Strong analytical capabilities, with a history of implementing systems that enable better data collection, retention and analysis.
• Strong impersonal skills and demonstrated ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders.

Nice-To-Haves:

• Experience with React/Node and custom front-end applications.
• Prior experience building internal analytics or performance insight platforms.
• Experience implementing custom AI tools, including chat and agentic applications.
• Background in managing contract and near/off-shore resources.

Benefits and Perks We Provide

• Remote Workplace. You have the option to work at our office in Boston or remotely in one of these states: AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, ID, IL, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, SC, OH, OK, PA, RI, TN, TX, UT, VA.
• Paid Time Off. Receive generous paid vacation benefits that increase each year you're with us, 12 Company Holidays, and Summer Fridays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
• 401K + Match. 401K plan with 4% Safe Harbor employer match after one year of employment and financial literacy services provided through our retirement provider.
• Life Insurance Benefit. No-cost coverage to ensure peace of mind for your family.
• Short Term Disability Benefit. We've got you covered if you need to be OOO with an illness or injury that keeps you out of work.
• Healthcare. Choose from several competitive healthcare plans for you and your family with 80% employer coverage for all medical and dental premiums, 100% employer coverage for vision, and the option to participate in the FSA program.
• Commuter Benefits. Allocate pre-tax funds towards your commute to save up to 40% per year in transportation expenses.
• Continuing Education. Access to monthly team-led webinars, exclusive 829-cohort based learning, digital course platforms, and funding opportunities to attend national conferences and events.

What We Believe

At 829 Studios, we boldly embrace diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunity. Our goal: a team rich in backgrounds, perspectives, and talents. Why? Because inclusivity powers our brilliance and client success. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, religion, creed, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, mental illness, age, ancestry, genetic information, military service, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Who We Are

829 Studios is a Boston-based integrated digital marketing agency with a mission to propel organizations to unlock their full potential and accomplish their most ambitious goals. We harness the power of logic with magic - a balance of data-driven strategy and brand-focused creative. We partner with diverse organizations across various industries and our client list encompasses venture-backed start-ups, publicly traded companies, non-profits, and more. By committing not only to our growth as a company, but the development of our employees and teams', we have created a collaborative environment that fosters ingenuity and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging values within our community. 829 has been recognized as one of the nation's top agencies by the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies, Adweek 100 Fastest-Growing Digital Agencies, Boston Business Journal's Fast 50 (Massachusetts' 50 Fastest-Growing Private Companies), HubSpot's Top Digital Agencies list, and a we are and employee-certified Great Place to Work.
Salary Range: $135,000-$200,000

We determine compensation based on experience, demonstrated skills, and current market conditions at the time of hire to ensure fairness and consistency across roles. Actual compensation will depend on experience and may be adjusted based on skills, qualifications, and alignment with the scope and impact of the role.