SME Data Architect

Job Description

The SME will lead the planning, design, and development of robust data architectures supporting ACF’s programs and initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of deep technical expertise in data architecture and integration, as well as knowledge of or experience with ACF’s mission areas—including child welfare, child care, child support, Head Start, and other human services programs. The Data Architect will work closely with cross-functional teams—including data analysts, business intelligence experts, program managers, and external stakeholders—to ensure data initiatives align with both business objectives and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Data Architecture & Modeling

– Develop and maintain conceptual, logical, and physical data models to support ACF’s diverse programs.

– Define and implement data integration strategies that ensure consistent, high-quality data across multiple systems.

– Create and maintain an enterprise data warehouse or data lake architecture that meets performance, scalability, and security requirements.

2. Data Strategy & Governance

– Collaborate with senior leadership to define the organization’s data strategy and roadmap, ensuring alignment with ACF’s mission and program objectives.

– Establish data governance frameworks to standardize data collection, data dictionary, metadata management, and data quality.

– Develop guidelines for data lifecycle management, including data retention and archival policies, consistent with federal requirements.

3. Technical Leadership

– Provide technical leadership and mentorship to data engineering, data analytics, and BI teams.

– Evaluate and recommend technologies (databases, ETL tools, cloud solutions, etc.) to optimize data architecture and processing.

– Oversee the implementation of data security measures, including role-based access controls, data encryption, and compliance with privacy regulations such as FERPA and HIPAA (as applicable).

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration

– Work closely with program managers and subject matter experts to gather requirements and translate them into scalable data solutions.

– Partner with business intelligence teams to design and implement reporting platforms and dashboards.

– Collaborate with IT security and infrastructure teams to ensure data architecture is robust, secure, and highly available.

5. ACF Program Alignment (Preferred Domain Experience)

– Leverage knowledge of ACF programs—such as child welfare, child support, child care, Head Start, and related initiatives—to design domain-relevant data structures and solutions.

– Understand and incorporate domain-specific data standards (e.g., CCWIS, Child Welfare Data, TANF data) into architectural designs.

– Guide the development of predictive models and advanced analytics in alignment with ACF’s priority areas (e.g., reducing child poverty, improving child and family well-being).

Required Qualifications

• Education & Experience

– Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.

– Minimum 5–7 years of experience in data architecture, data modeling, or a similar role.

– Proven track record of designing and implementing enterprise-scale data solutions, preferably in a government or large nonprofit setting.

• Technical Skills

– Expertise in database design and technologies (e.g., SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, NoSQL solutions).

– Strong proficiency in data modeling tools (e.g., ERwin, ER/Studio, PowerDesigner) and methodologies.

– Hands-on experience with data integration/ETL tools (e.g., Talend, Informatica, SSIS, Apache NiFi).

– Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and modern data warehousing/big data architectures (e.g., Snowflake, Redshift, Databricks).

– Demonstrated ability to implement and manage data security (encryption, masking, access controls) in compliance with relevant regulations.

• Soft Skills

– Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex data concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

– Excellent problem-solving and analytical thinking skills, with a strategic mindset.

– Leadership abilities to guide cross-functional teams and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Domain Experience

– Direct experience with ACF programs (child welfare, child care, child support, Head Start) or related human services programs.

– Understanding of government funding processes, data compliance requirements (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA, CCWIS regulations), and performance reporting obligations.

– Familiarity with human services data, case management systems, and associated standards.

• Advanced Credentials

– Certifications in data architecture, cloud solutions, or project management (e.g., CDMP, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, PMP) are a plus