Data Architect

Overview

Located in North Carolina’s third largest city, UNC Greensboro is among the most diverse, learner-centered public research universities in the state, with 18,000 students in eight colleges and schools pursuing more than 150 areas of undergraduate and over 200 areas of graduate study. UNCG continues to be recognized nationally for academic excellence, access, and affordability. UNCG is ranked No. 1 most affordable institution in North Carolina for net cost by the N.Y. Times and No.

1 in North Carolina for social mobility by The Wall Street Journal — helping first-generation and lower-income students find paths to prosperity. Designated an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, UNCG is a community-engaged research institution with a portfolio of more than $67M in research and creative activity. The University’s 2,600 staff help create an annual economic impact for the Piedmont Triad region in excess of $1B.

Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit

The Data Engineering and Architecture team builds and supports UNCG’s enterprise data platform. The team develops reliable data pipelines, administers cloud-based services, and maintains the infrastructure that powers analytics and reporting across the University. The team also ensures the stability, security, and operational continuity of UNCG’s Azure data environment.

Position Summary

The Data Architect serves as both a strategic leader and hands-on technical team lead, playing a central role in the modernization of the University’s enterprise data environment. This position is a technical lead, responsible for designing and maintaining robust data architectures in Azure, directly contributing to pipeline development and integration, while also leading a small team of 2–3 data professionals. The role requires close collaboration with senior leadership to define long-term data strategies that support institutional goals.

The ideal candidate combines architectural vision with practical technical expertise, possessing in-depth experience with Azure data services, Databricks (administration and utilization), Change Data Capture, and identifying management tools such as Azure AD and Grouper. Experience with higher education data systems, particularly Ellucian Banner, is required, as the position ensures ERP data flows effectively into the University’s enterprise data platform. Familiarity with UNC Data Mart and other system-level or third-party data resources is preferred, as well as being comfortable serving in a leadership role within their team.

This position is eligible for teleworking; however, some in-person assignments may be necessary at the supervisor’s discretion.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline with 5-7 years of experience, or
• Master’s degree in a related discipline with 3-5 years of experience, or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience

Additional Required Certifications, Licensures, and Certificates

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven experience with one or more modern programming languages such as C, C++, Java, Python, R, SQL , TSQL , PL/ SQL .
• Working knowledge and 3-4 years of experience with public cloud infrastructures such as Microsoft, Azure, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure ( OCI ), or Amazon Web Services ( AWS ).
• Working knowledge of Azure Dev Ops processes and procedures.
• Experience with Databricks administration and utilization, including user management, workspace configuration, pipeline optimization, and cost governance.
• Experience with higher education enterprise systems such as Ellucian Banner (cloud-hosted, Banner SaaS preferred), Banner ODS , Slate, and related ancillary applications (Starfish, Trac Cloud, Cayuse).
• Experience with Windows and Unix-based operating systems.
• Proven ability to communicate and present highly technical information with other non-technical staff.
• Familiarity with UNC Data Mart or other system-level higher education data resources.
• Experience with FERPA compliance and other higher education data governance practices.
• Hands-on coding ability in Python/PySpark, with knowledge of custom pipeline development and…