Enterprise Data Architect

University of California - Riverside; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 114,300 - 220,900; Full time

Job summary

A prominent university in California is seeking a Data Architect to provide high-level technical leadership in designing its data ecosystem. This role includes creating logical and physical data models aimed at maximum interoperability and AI readiness. The position is classified as predominantly remote, with occasional on-campus visits required. The expected salary ranges from $114,300 to $220,900 annually, with a cap at $160,000 based on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in data architecture and logical data modeling.
• Strong knowledge of cloud-native solutions and data ecosystems.
• Ability to work with software development teams and establish data standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of comprehensive data models for university's data ecosystem.
• Ensure data structures support interoperability, integrity, and scalability.
• Provide architectural oversight to align with long-term data strategy.

Skills

Data modeling

Cloud architecture

Machine learning readiness

Data governance

Job description

The Data Architect provides high-level technical leadership and strategic design for the University's enterprise data ecosystem. This role is responsible for the creation of comprehensive logical and physical data models that serve as the authoritative blueprints for the University's Information Technology Services (ITS) division, mainly for analytical and AI purposes. Operating at the intersection of transactional software development and analytical systems, the Data Architect ensures that all data structures are designed for maximum interoperability, integrity, and scalability. This position is central to the University's transition toward a cloud-native data architecture, with our data warehouse being built cloud-native and a current initiative to move all on-premise applications to the cloud. The role functions as a critical consultant to both Software Development and Data Engineering teams, establishing the standards that govern the lifecycle of data across the institution. A primary objective of this position is to ensure AI-readiness by architecting clean, well-governed, and highly structured datasets that can support advanced machine learning and large language model (LLM) implementations. The Data Architect is expected to proactively integrate into development workflows to provide architectural oversight, ensuring that new applications and enhancements align with the University's long-term data strategy. Our ITS team operates in an "Agent First" mindset. This position will be involved in thought-leadership on how agents can support architecture decisions and ensure standards are met. This position does not focus on hardware or technology procurement but rather on the structural logic and semantic consistency required to maintain a unified institutional "Source of Truth."

This position is classified as predominantly remote with occasional visits to campus as needed. Working hours will be based on Pacific Standard Time (PST).

The full salary range for the Data Architect is $114,300 - $220,900 annually. However, the pay scale for this position is up to $160,000 annually. We base salary offers on a variety of considerations, such as education, licensure and certifications, experience, and other business and organizational needs.

Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a UCR staff position. Currently, UCR is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for staff.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.