Database Administrator

JOB SUMMARY

The Database Administrator / Data Services Partner maintains, secures, and optimizes the databases that support UMPH field, operational, and enterprise systems - including cloud and managed database services - and serves as IT's primary partner to internal business users for data integration, reporting, and data access needs.


At UMPH the support and data-partnership work is deliberately the larger half of this job. Database administration here is a stable, well-bounded workload; the greater and growing need is someone who sits with internal users across marketing, sales, editorial, accounting, and operations, understands how they actually use UMPH data, builds durable working relationships, and turns that understanding into reliable data flows and practical solutions. Candidates who see database administration as the whole of the job, or who prefer to work only from tickets, are not a fit for this seat.


The incumbent serves as the second database administrator, alongside the Database Administrator IV, to eliminate single-person coverage risk, and supports the organization's move to cost-effective cloud and managed database services.


ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT & AREAS OF IMPACT

Reporting Relationship & Peers

Reports to the Executive Director, Digital Commerce Systems, as do:

• Technical Services Director
• Business Systems Manager
• IT Operations Manager
• Database Administrator IV
• Business Systems Analyst III

Reporting Directly to This Job

• N/A

Areas of Impact (as applicable)

DEPARTMENT OPERATING BUDGET

• $1.6M

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

Essential Job Functions

PRIMARY

• Data Integration & Business Partnership: Serves as IT's primary data contact for internal users. Meets regularly with staff across departments to understand their workflows, data needs, and pain points, and builds ongoing working relationships that make IT easier to engage. Designs, builds, monitors, and troubleshoots data flows between operational and enterprise applications (e.g., Ability CCS, product metadata, PeopleSoft, 3PL). Fulfills data access, extract, and reporting requests; validates data accuracy; and coaches users toward self-service where practical. Documents integrations and data definitions so knowledge is retained.
• Database Administration (Cloud, Managed & On-Premises): Installs, configures, patches, and maintains database instances on cloud/managed platforms (e.g., Azure SQL, On-Prem SQL) and remaining on-premises systems. Plans and executes migration of on-premises databases to cloud/managed services, minimizing downtime and validating data integrity. Performs routine maintenance and capacity monitoring, maintains department database standards, and owns field/operational database support.

SECONDARY

• Backup, Recovery & Security: Implements, monitors, and regularly tests backup and recovery procedures against defined RPO/RTO expectations. Manages database access, roles, and permissions; applies security best practices; and supports compliance and audit requirements.
• Performance Tuning: Monitors database and query performance, diagnoses bottlenecks, tunes indexes, queries, and configuration, and works with analysts and vendors to improve the responsiveness of business-critical systems.

These essential job functions are not intended to cover all work details or the occasional performance of other tasks as assigned by the supervisor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Common or Complex Problem-Solving Challenges

• Contributing to long-range database planning within an environment of multiple interconnected systems where changes to one platform can have cascading effects across the technology stack
• Being highly flexible and adaptive to support the business when subject matter experts are not available in the business units
• Navigating a diverse technology environment that includes both legacy and modern platforms with varying levels of documentation, where the DBA must develop working knowledge across systems such as ERP, ecommerce, and content management
• Absorbing institutional knowledge of complex, interdependent database systems in a multi-platform environment while working effectively as a self-directed remote team member

Authority & Accountability

• Authority to operate within the guidelines of UMPH and IT policies and procedures
• Authority to perform necessary steps to ensure the integrity of UMPH databases under the direction of senior database staff
• Authority to coordinate with outside vendors for data integrations in support of senior staff and management

Regular Contacts & Stakeholders

INTERNAL

• Information Technology management and staff as well as management of other UMPH divisions

EXTERNAL

• IT vendors - to ensure that UMPH database and business intelligence needs and requirements are met
• Peers in professional organizations (e.g., Microsoft Developer Network, SQL Server community groups, online technical forums)
• Subscriptions to relevant technology publications, newsletters, and online learning resources

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education, Experience, & Certifications

REQUIRED

• An Associate's degree in computer science or related information technology field
• Two (2) to four (4) years of experience working with Microsoft SQL Server
• Additional experience may substitute for the required degree on a year-for-year basis

PREFERRED

• Experience with cloud or managed database services and/or database migration to the cloud is strongly preferred.

Development Tools

• Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio
• Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services
• Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services
• Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services
• Microsoft Visual Studio
• Azure Data Studio

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

REQUIRED

• Working knowledge of relational database management systems (e.g., SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, or equivalent) and strong SQL skills
• Demonstrated ability to work directly with non-technical business users: listening, requirements gathering, setting expectations, and following through
• Experience building and supporting data integrations between operational and enterprise systems
• Experience with backup/recovery, database security, and performance tuning
• Experience with cloud/managed database services (e.g., Azure SQL, Amazon RDS, managed PostgreSQL) preferred
• Relevant cloud certification (e.g., Azure/AWS database or administration) a plus
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills; service-oriented approach
• Ability to document work clearly and to train and coach users
• Ability to work collaboratively with IT staff and business users and to manage competing priorities
• Capacity to grow into full corporate database ownership - self-directed learner who can absorb an undocumented environment from a departing administrator and operate it independently within a defined ramp period

PREFERRED

• Familiarity with PL/SQL and Oracle database tools is preferred but not required
• Experience using Microsoft Visual Studio and Azure Data Studio is preferred

Remote Work Requirements

This is a fully remote position. The following are required as conditions of employment:

• Reliable access to high-speed internet service sufficient to support video conferencing, remote desktop sessions, and large data transfers
• A personal mobile device (smartphone or tablet) capable of running multi-factor authentication (MFA) applications for secure access to UMPH systems
• A dedicated, distraction-free workspace suitable for handling confidential business data

AI-Enabled Workplace

The United Methodist Publishing House is committed to maximizing the impact of artificial intelligence by adopting and integrating AI tools across our work. These technologies are vital to enhancing productivity, fostering creativity, and strengthening decision-making. All staff members are expected to engage thoughtfully and responsibly with AI as part of their professional responsibilities. Core expectations include:

• Responsible AI Integration - Leverage AI tools strategically to streamline workflows, generate actionable insights, and deliver exceptional outcomes that advance our mission.
• Critical Evaluation & Oversight - Apply professional judgment and critical thinking when reviewing, refining, and validating all AI-generated content and recommendations to ensure accuracy and alignment with our standards.
• Continuous Learning & Innovation - Maintain curiosity and adaptability toward emerging AI technologies, actively contributing to innovative practices within your area of expertise while supporting organizational growth.
• Ethical & Secure Practice - Uphold UMPH's commitment to ethical, transparent, and secure AI usage, ensuring all applications align with our mission, values, and community standards.

Equal Employment Opportunity

UMPH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.