Senior Director, Data Architecture

Job description

The Senior Director, Data Architecture is the senior leader accountable for the strategy, design, governance, and delivery of Harvard Medical School's enterprise data ecosystem. Reporting to the Managing Director, Business Systems Architecture, and serving as a member of the Business Systems Architecture leadership team, the Senior Director leads the Data Architecture function — one of the two core functions within Business Systems Architecture, alongside Information Systems — and directs a team of data and solution architecture professionals, including two senior architecture leaders who each manage their own teams The Senior Director owns the multi-year modernization of the HMS data platform — including migration of a large on-premise estate (SQL Server / SSIS Data Lake, Kimball-style Data Mart, and Data Hub, spanning more than 50 data sources) to a cloud-native architecture — and holds decision authority over enterprise data architecture standards, platform and tooling investments, and the associated program budget. Partnering with IT leadership, Institutional Planning & Effectiveness, Faculty Affairs, academic and administrative units, and Harvard University IT, the role ensures that institutional data is governed, integrated, and accessible to support School-wide decision-making. The Senior Director sets the enterprise data architecture standards that HMS data and solution architects follow, aligns priorities across teams, and is accountable for the performance, development, and leadership continuity of the data architecture function. Principal Duties and Responsibilities: Organizational & People Leadership — Lead the Data Architecture function. Directly manage a team of 8 FTEs, including two senior architecture leaders (soli-line) who each lead their own teams. Set direction, allocate work and priorities, manage performance, develop staff, and own succession and leadership continuity for the function. Enterprise Data Architecture Strategy & Standards — Own the strategic direction and end-to-end design of the HMS data ecosystem, ensuring seamless integration across the Data Lake, Data Mart, and Data Hub. Establish and enforce the enterprise data architecture standards, patterns, and delivery practices that govern all HMS data and solution architecture work. Cloud Modernization Program — Direct the strategy, roadmap, business case, and execution of migrating the legacy SQL Server / SSIS estate to a modern, cloud-native, serverless-ETL platform. Make key platform and build/buy decisions and secure funding and executive buy-in. Budget, Vendor & Investment Management — Develop and manage the data architecture program budget; evaluate, select, and manage platform and tooling vendors and the associated investments, ensuring solutions are efficient, scalable, and aligned with institutional priorities. Data Governance & Mastering (MDM) — Define and enforce enterprise data governance, master data management, retention, and security policy in partnership with HMS Information Security, ensuring a single source of truth for institutional data across a fragmented landscape. Stakeholder & Institutional Engagement — Serve as the School's senior advisor on data architecture to senior administrators and faculty, translating institutional strategy and complex business requirements into technical roadmaps and priorities. Standards, Documentation & Continuous Improvement — Maintain the enterprise data architecture documentation library and continuously evaluate and evolve enterprise data systems, tools, and analytics capabilities as the environment scales. Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, or related field, or equivalent experience. Minimum of 10 years of experience in data architecture, data engineering, or enterprise data management. Demonstrated experience leading at least one full-scale enterprise cloud migration. Additional Qualifications and Skills: Expert-level experience transitioning legacy on-prem systems to cloud-native architectures with serverless ETL. Deep roots in SQL Server and Kimball methodology (star schemas, dimensional modeling). Proven track record managing Data Hubs or ODS environments that feed high-volume data to external ERPs, CRMs, and academic systems. Experience moving away from traditional SSIS toward modern orchestration tools, and implementing or managing Master Data Management (MDM) solutions. Demonstrated experience owning program budgets and vendor/tooling investment decisions. Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical solutions into business-relevant insights for non-technical stakeholders, while also providing hands-on technical guidance to engineering teams. Understanding of the unique data privacy and availability needs of a top-tier teaching and medical research institution. Excellent communication, presentation, collaboration, and networking skills. Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal. #LI-DK1 Work Format Details This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts . Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. Salary Grade and Ranges This position is salary grade level 061. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information. Benefits Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: Generous paid time off including parental leave Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one Retirement plans with university contributions Wellbeing and mental health resources Support for families and caregivers Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page . EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination . We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes. Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy . Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination. By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive. Why join Harvard Medical School? Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership. You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.