Data Architect

Central Ohio Transit Authority•Columbus, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

COTA's Data Architect defines and advances the enterprise data architecture strategy to ensure alignment with organizational priorities and roadmaps. This role provides strategic and hands‑on leadership in designing and governing the data ecosystem that supports COTA's analytics and data management capabilities. The Data Architect drives innovation, cultivates trust, and delivers solutions that cultivates a data-centric transit culture. Performs other duties in alignment with the COTA Strategic Plan and in support of the organization's vision to Move Every Life Forward.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field and a minimum of five (5) years of experience.
An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will also be considered.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and ongoing advancement of COTA's enterprise data architecture framework by defining and delivering conceptual, logical, and physical models that govern how data is stored, processed, and accessed, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and future scalability.
Design and implement modern data architecture leveraging cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure), data warehouse technologies including Snowflake, and emerging capabilities in AI and Power BI.
Define database architectures that meet performance, resiliency, recoverability, and cost objectives.
Champion data confidentiality, security, and compliance by applying protection controls and establishing security patterns at the database, table, column, and API levels.
Develop reusable architectural patterns for dynamic tables, ingestion zones, and domain aligned data products.
Provide expert guidance on SQL Server and other database platforms, including troubleshooting, tuning, monitoring, and architectural optimization.
Advise on database implementations to ensure alignment with enterprise standards and compliance obligations.
Lead large scale data migration initiatives from legacy environments to cloud or hybrid architectures.
Define target state architectures and transition plans that modernize data ecosystems and accelerate adoption of emerging technologies.
Establish standards for Data-as-a-Product, including metadata, lineage, ownership, and interoperability.
Oversee data quality, validation, and cutover strategies to ensure successful platform transitions.
Mentor database administrators, engineers, and solution teams to promote consistent adoption of architectural best practices.
Influence business and technology stakeholders through clear communication, structured reasoning, and technical expertise.
Demonstrate deep experience designing conceptual and logical data models, canonical models, and domain aligned data products.
Regular, predictable and punctual attendance required;
Performs other duties as assigned.