What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Director/Architect, Data and AI position at Syracuse University?
Job Description
Syracuse University is seeking a Senior Director/Architect, Data and AI to lead enterprise-wide data architecture, strategy, and AI-driven initiatives. This senior-level role, reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Enterprise Data and AI, will provide technical leadership, architectural oversight, and strategic direction for data and AI systems across the University.
The Senior Director/Architect will be responsible for designing scalable, secure, and innovative data solutions while driving AI adoption to enhance decision-making, operational efficiency, and academic excellence. The role requires strong collaboration with university stakeholders, IT teams, and external partners to ensure the effective integration of AI and data governance policies.
Education and Experience
Strategic Leadership & Data Architecture (40%)
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About The Syracuse Area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
Syracuse University is seeking a Senior Director/Architect, Data and AI to lead enterprise-wide data architecture, strategy, and AI-driven initiatives. This senior-level role, reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Enterprise Data and AI, will provide technical leadership, architectural oversight, and strategic direction for data and AI systems across the University.
The Senior Director/Architect will be responsible for designing scalable, secure, and innovative data solutions while driving AI adoption to enhance decision-making, operational efficiency, and academic excellence. The role requires strong collaboration with university stakeholders, IT teams, and external partners to ensure the effective integration of AI and data governance policies.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Technology, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
- 10 years of experience in enterprise data architecture, AI strategy, and cloud-based analytics solutions.
- Expertise in data governance, AI ethics, and compliance standards.
- Strong technical knowledge of cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP), data warehousing, machine learning frameworks, and automation tools.
- Experience with generative AI, predictive analytics, and large-scale data engineering.
- Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams in a complex organization.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Experience in higher education IT environments.
- Certifications in AI, data governance, or cloud architecture (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer).
- Knowledge of Python, SQL, Power BI, and AI/ML platforms.
Strategic Leadership & Data Architecture (40%)
- Define and implement a data architecture strategy aligned with the University’s vision for data-driven decision-making and AI adoption.
- Oversee the design, development, and optimization of enterprise data platforms, including data warehouses, data lakes, and AI models.
- Establish and enforce data governance frameworks, ensuring security, compliance, and ethical AI use.
- Stay ahead of emerging AI trends and drive innovative solutions that benefit academic and administrative functions.
- Architect and manage scalable cloud and on-premises data environments to support AI and analytics.
- Lead AI and machine learning integration into university-wide applications and services.
- Oversee the design and implementation of data pipelines, APIs, and automation strategies.
- Ensure cybersecurity best practices in AI and data management, mitigating risks related to privacy and compliance.
- Lead and mentor a team of data engineers, data scientists, and solution architects.
- Partner with university leadership, faculty, and administrative units to understand data and AI needs.
- Drive data literacy initiatives, fostering a culture of AI and analytics adoption across the University.
- Act as a key liaison between IT, institutional research, and academic departments to align data initiatives with institutional priorities.
- Oversee AI and data analytics performance metrics, ensuring continuous improvement.
- Develop and manage vendor relationships for AI and data technologies.
- Champion the ethical and responsible use of AI in higher education.
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About The Syracuse Area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
