Database Administrator/Data Architect

Location: Chicago, IL, United States

POSITION SUMMARY 

Reporting to the Manager of Data Analytics, the Database Administrator/Data Architect is a dual-function role responsible for the administration, security, and performance of on-premises Microsoft SQL Servier environments, as well as the design and governance of enterprise data architecture. This position plays a strategic role in modernizing data infrastructure, establishing data modeling standards, and ensuring that the organization’s information assets are structured, accessible, and reliable.

 

The Database Administrator/Data Architect will lead efforts in performance tuning, backup and recovery, capacity planning, and database lifecycle management, while simultaneously contributing to enterprise-wide data strategy, including data modeling, data governance frameworks, integration design, and reporting architecture. This role collaborates closely with application development teams, business stakeholders, and IT leadership to align data systems with organizational goals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Database Administration & Platform Operations 

• Manage SQL Server environments end‑to‑end, including installation, configuration, maintenance, upgrades, patching, and ongoing performance optimization through query tuning, indexing, capacity planning, and validated backup/recovery strategies.

• Oversee database security and governance, including access control, encryption, auditing, and compliance with change‑control requirements.

• Support reporting needs by designing SQL‑based reports and data extracts, optimizing data structures for analytics, and supporting SSRS and other reporting tools.

• Administer SharePoint and application platforms by managing server health, permissions, account configuration, site governance, job monitoring, and coordinating maintenance with application owners

   

Data Architecture & Design

• Design and maintain enterprise data architecture by creating conceptual, logical, and physical data models, enforcing modeling standards, and managing schema best practices.

• Lead data integration design by defining ETL/ELT data flows and supporting structured and semi‑structured formats such as JSON, XML, and API‑based exchanges.

• Evaluate and recommend data warehousing, operational data store, and reporting-layer architecture patterns, while collaborating with development teams on scalable data model changes.

• Improve performance and maintainability by consolidating, normalizing, or restructuring legacy data, and by maintaining data dictionaries, ERDs, and data flow documentation.

• Partner with business analysts to translate reporting and analytics needs into sound data architecture aligned with business requirements.

   

Data Governance & Quality

• Lead data governance efforts, including ownership, stewardship, lineage tracking, policy compliance, metadata standards, and contributions to the enterprise data catalog.

• Define and monitor data quality rules and work with business teams to identify, remediate, and prevent data quality issues.

• Ensure all database and data architecture decisions comply with organizational security policies and regulatory requirements.

   

Collaboration & Leadership

• Coordinate with Application Services, DBAs, developers, and business stakeholders to align data systems with organizational priorities and support change control reviews.

• Provide mentorship to junior staff and guide developers on database best practices.

• Evaluate and recommend database tools, platforms, and emerging technologies that support the organization’s data strategy.

• Perform all other duties and projects assigned.

   

QUALIFICATIONS 

Bachelor’s degree in a technical field or equivalent experience, with 4+ years of hands‑on SQL Server administration (2016+), including data modeling for transactional and analytical systems. Strong proficiency in T‑SQL development, query optimization, performance tuning tools, and designing/validating backup, recovery, and high‑availability solutions (Always On, log shipping, mirroring). Experience managing database security (roles, permissions, TDE, auditing) and working with ETL/ELT workflows, data integration patterns, SFTP transfers, and SQL Agent automation. Solid data modeling skills (ER diagrams, normalization, dimensional design) plus effective communication, participation in 24×7 on‑call rotation, and familiarity with ITSM tools like JIRA or FreshService.

Experience with data governance frameworks, including catalogs, lineage, and stewardship tools. Knowledge of SSRS or Power BI, including reporting architecture and DAX for advanced modeling. Familiarity with Oracle or other RDBMS, SharePoint administration, and data warehousing concepts. Highly desirable: Microsoft SQL certifications such as DP‑300 or equivalent.

 

BENEFITS AT-A-GLANCE

• Vacation, Sick and Personal, competitive PTO package
• Medical (HMO, PPO, and No employee cost High-Deductible PPO) Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Parking Transit
• Prepaid Legal Services
• Brightstar 529 College Savings Plan
• Identity Theft Protection
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance
• Deferred Compensation Plan: Empower 457/401(a) with a 3% employer match
• Pension Plan: CHA makes contributions on behalf of the employee, along with the employee's 3% contribution; 100% vesting occurs after 6 years of continuous employment or opt-out of CHA's Retirement Plan and continues to participate in the Municipal Employees Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago
• Hybrid work schedule (position specific) This position may be eligible for remote work following a successful completion of a 90-day probationary period according to CHA’s established policies and procedures.

 

Salary Range: $105,000 – 112,000

Grade: S9

FLSA: Exempt

Union: None

 

"Applications will be accepted for 30 days from the date of posting. However, the position may be closed at any point if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received.”

Database Administrator/Data Architect is a dual-function role responsible for the administration, security, and performance of on-premises Microsoft SQL Servier environments, as well as the design and governance of enterprise data architecture.