Assistant Director, Data Engineering

About CU System Administration

At the University of Colorado System Administration, we are committed to fostering a workplace where every employee feels valued, supported, and empowered. We build a culture of community and belonging, enabling individuals to contribute meaningfully to our mission. Serving as the centralized office for the University system, we provide essential services to CU's campuses and support outstanding education, groundbreaking research, and valuable community service. We embrace diverse experiences and perspectives to enrich our work and strategic outcomes.

Learn more about CU System Administration: CU System Administration Careers

Position Summary

University Information Services (UIS) delivers critical technical services and enterprise applications to the University of Colorado campuses and the Office of the President. This position is instrumental in managing the Data Engineering field, including the data warehouse. You will be responsible for developing and defining data warehouse, data marts, and data hubs across various business lines, in close partnership with key stakeholders. This leadership role involves guiding a team of analysts, ETL developers, and administrators, setting strategic direction, establishing priorities, and providing technical depth to ensure the successful selection and implementation of data solutions. You will also lead projects, represent data areas on the UIS Design Review team, and collaborate with campuses to manage data priorities and communications.

This position reports to the Assistant Vice President of IT Service Delivery and is exempt from the State of Colorado Classified Staff system.

Where You Will Work

Applicants must be Colorado residents or able to relocate to Colorado within a month of starting employment. This role is eligible for remote work within Colorado, with occasional onsite requirements. Leadership reserves the right to adjust in-office work requirements with a reasonable notice period.

Equal Opportunity Statement

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise and lead the Data team, including recruitment, hiring, work assignment, training, mentorship, performance evaluation, and conflict resolution.
• Set direction and priorities for the Data team.
• Manage a team of data architects responsible for data transformations supporting Salesforce integrations and ODIN interfaces.
• Provide technical leadership for a unified approach to data warehousing, data marts, and data hubs across UIS services, acting as product manager for key technologies like DataStage and Snowflake.
• Research and recommend new technologies and standard processes.
• Anticipate and resolve data delivery issues.
• Serve as a technical advisor to UIS teams, campus IT, and power users.
• Lead the strategic direction and processes for data delivery.
• Manage data work initiatives and drive continuous improvement in data delivery processes.
• Proactively engage with campus partners to understand needs and set expectations.
• Collaborate with system staff to maintain strong internal UIS relationships.
• Develop and oversee strategic planning and roadmaps for Data Services and related products.
• Partner with UIS Business Relationship Managers and Product Managers to align with campus and system business needs.
• Provide leadership and support for UIS policies and procedures.
• Build consensus with CU departments and campuses to foster communication and relationships.
• Collaborate with the AVP to develop and manage the annual budget.
• Ensure content updates for data websites and communications.
• Support the Integration team on CIW integrations.
• Collaborate with the Data Governance program to document data products and ensure adherence to data definitions, standards, and quality practices.
• Partner with the Assistant Director of Business Intelligence and Data Architect on various service and product initiatives.

Applications/Tools:

• Used: Cherwell, Oracle Databases, SharePoint, Zoom, Cognos, Collibra, TeamDynamix, Tableau, Excel, Toad
• Managed: Snowflake, SAS, Perl, DataStage

What We Offer

Salary: The anticipated hiring range is $148,000. Salary is determined by a combination of education, training, experience, role scope, internal equity, and market value.

Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed for your holistic growth and happiness:

• No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options (including IVF assistance).
• Disability, Life, and Vision Insurance options.
• Multiple retirement planning options: mandatory 401(a) plan (CU contributes 10% of gross pay), 401k or 403b, and 457 deferred compensation plan.
• Pre-tax savings plans (Health Care and Dependent Care FSAs).
• Generous paid time off: ample sick and vacation leave, 12+ paid holidays including a winter break week, and 6 weeks of parental leave.
• Tuition benefit program for employees and dependents.
• Free RTD EcoPass and free onsite parking at 1800 Grant Street.
• Additional perks through the CU Advantage program.

Additional taxable fringe benefits may be available.

Review our Comprehensive Benefits Guide and use our Total Compensation Calculator to estimate your rewards.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Six (6) years of experience in:
• Data Platforms and Analytics toolkits (e.g., IBM Cognos, Oracle, Tableau, DataStage).
• Scripting or programming languages (e.g., Perl, Python, Java).
• Managing projects, services, or processes.
• Working with diverse administrators on projects and operations.
• Full-time or equivalent experience as a senior developer and/or architect in BI.
• Two (2) years of experience in a managerial or supervisory role, including personnel management, direct report development, and performance reviews.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or post-baccalaureate degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Eight (8) years of professional experience as described above.
• Experience managing a team of technical positions.
• Experience in a higher education environment.
• Three (3) years of experience in a managerial or supervisory role.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficiency in SQL, ODBC, and database concepts (Oracle, Snowflake).
• Strong understanding of BI products (Cognos, Tableau) and data warehousing technologies/methodologies.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Familiarity with change control processes and basic IT infrastructure areas.
• Willingness to travel to various campus locations.
• Exceptional interpersonal, collaboration, and networking skills.
• Ability to develop and manage budgets.
• Knowledge of ITSM, DevOps, and project management methodologies (Agile).
• Understanding of UIS services and customer segments.
• Strong employee management, supervision, and team-building skills.
• Negotiation skills and ability to handle difficult situations.
• Experience preparing and presenting information effectively.
• Ability to create service/product roadmaps.
• Demonstrated project leadership experience.
• Strategic and tactical abilities for decision implementation.

How to Apply

For full consideration, please attach the following as separate documents to your application:

1. A cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest.
2. A resume including all relevant experience.

Please ensure you check the “Job Specific Attachments” box on the “Required Documents” page. Per the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, date of birth, school attendance dates, and graduation dates are not required on your resume or cover letter.