Senior Director, Data Platforms

Great Minds•Dc, DC

23h•Remote

About The Position

Great Minds is seeking a hands-on leader to serve as Senior Director, Data Platforms. Our organization is dedicated to generating and using data to inform technical strategy and evaluate performance, supporting our mission to drive change from leadership all the way to the classroom. This role will oversee the technical strategy, design, and execution of data initiatives, with direct responsibility for data engineering, data architecture, and data governance. The Senior Director will ensure scalable, secure, and compliant data solutions that empower advanced analytics and business transformation. This role focuses on technical leadership and execution and partners closely with analytics, technology, and business teams.

Requirements

12+ years of experience in data management roles, with at least 5 years in senior leadership.
Expertise in modern data platforms, cloud technologies, and data architecture frameworks.
Hands-on experience with SQL, data modeling, ETL tools (e.g., Fivetran), and Python.
Strong knowledge of data governance principles and regulatory compliance.
Ability to communicate complex data concepts to senior leaders and stakeholders.
Strong time management skills and ability to balance competing demands.
Commitment to excellence and a high level of integrity.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or related quantitative discipline.

Nice To Haves

Interest in K-12 public education, and an understanding of how data is and can be used to drive change from leadership all the way to the classroom
Experience with ERP, CRM systems and data integration strategies.
Familiarity with emerging technologies (AI/ML, advanced analytics).
Technical expertise regarding data models, database design, data mining, and segmentation techniques.
Experience leading green-field Snowflake implementation and migration from legacy platforms.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and optimization of data pipelines and ETL processes for both structured and unstructured data across the organization.
Define and maintain technical data architecture standards, including integration patterns, platform consolidation, and alignment with emerging technologies (cloud, SaaS, big data).
Establish and enforce technical components of data governance frameworks, including data quality, metadata management, stewardship, and regulatory compliance.
Drive initiatives for data security, privacy, and adherence to relevant regulations
Build and mentor high-performing teams across engineering, architecture, and governance disciplines.
Partner with business stakeholders to align data platform initiatives with strategic objectives.
Develop and refine shared data models following industry best practices, for use by stakeholders across the organization.
Lead strategic data platform projects to elevate business understanding, improve operational efficiency, and build data infrastructure and reporting capabilities.