NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

In collaboration with the Director of Information Technology and Chief Research Officer, you will be responsible for supporting the design and development of GIIN’s data warehouse. You will also manage and maintain the component databases, including day-to-day configuration, support, maintenance, and improvement, working to promote database interoperability, ensure data availability and data integrity, and implementing data security measures. Additionally, you will play a critical role in overseeing the design, development, and expansion of the organization’s database systems.

Working closely with internal stakeholders on program teams to gather user requirements, you will identify, develop, and deploy new business processes and database features as directed, while monitoring, supporting, maintaining, troubleshooting, resolving, and improving existing ones.
This role is part technological project manager, part database administrator, part database analyst, part technology generalist, and wholly dedicated to the GIIN’s mission. It would be a perfect fit for someone with strong database management skills who is seeking to use their skills in service of creating a more just economy.

Job Responsibilities
Database Administration
• Serve as primary database administrator for a data warehouse with 50+ users.
• Handle all basic administrative functions including user access maintenance, modification of user interfaces, reporting configuration, creation of new fields and other routine tasks.
• Maintain documentation of database customizations and processes.
• Develop and implement plans for upgrades, improvements, and completion of long-term projects.
• Maintain and improve the performance of existing databases by monitoring and debugging performance issues, optimizing/implementing performance enhancements, and ensuring that the databases are efficient and scalable.
• Implement necessary data integrity requirements related to system processes, deletion, migration, and maintenance.

Design and development
• Gather detailed design requirements from internal policies and controls, strategic program plans, and user requests for improvements or changes to the system and implement these changes as appropriate.
• Identify appropriate database structures, technologies and tools for system development and testing.
• Translate the GIIN’s data governance policies (which that includes data standards, management of compliance requirements) into database specifications and apply these practices across the GIIN’s data warehouse to ensure the optimal functioning of the data system.
• Identify opportunities for efficiencies, such as data flow, and development gaps in the data warehouse and its component databases.
• Inspect and evaluate the different data systems in the GIIN’s data warehouse for discrepancies such as redundancy, accuracy, etc.
• Prioritize opportunities and gaps in a ‘build plan’, propose solutions/budgets/providers, motivate for its acceptance, and manage implementation.
• Co-design and operationalize a database system development plan to support our organization. This comprises drafting a development path to implementing the GIIN’s data warehouse vision and strategy along with the Director of Information Technology.

Interoperability
• Identify and implement suitable data integration and migration strategies to make data accessible and usable across different systems and platforms.
• Access and implement technologies and tools to facilitate data interoperability, such as data integration platforms and data mapping tools. Deliver training across teams who are involved in data handling and processing.
• Developing data standards, managing compliance requirements, and security:
• Ensure the security and integrity of sensitive data. Protect data by operationalizing data management and security policies, monitoring plans, procedures, and controls, responding to security threats, and generally ensuring that data is protected from unauthorized access.
• Make recommendations for updates of the GIIN’s data security plan by reviewing and updating it in accordance with the scheduled review plan.

Collaboration and Leadership:
• Facilitate and lead cross-functional data warehouse and database discussions and workshops to gather input and feedback from stakeholders on data initiatives. This includes communicating effectively with stakeholders to ensure understanding, addressing any concerns they may have, and developing uniform processes and best practices on database management.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to integrate database systems with other business systems, such as marketing systems to ensure that business objectives can be met, that data qualities are maintained, and efficiencies achieved.
• Provide training across teams who are involved in data handling and processing and develop training programs which can be reused and repeated.
• Support the IT Infrastructure Manager in general administration and maintenance of the GIIN’s internal IT systems and applications.
• Occasionally lead or support on other, non-database related, technology integration projects as directed (e.g. building forms and workflows; procurement, installation, and configuration of new software packages; light web administration and/or development).
• Partner with internal stakeholders to focus the organization’s data use on what best serves the mission.
• Be an active member of the Operations Team, participating in weekly meetings and supporting special projects.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a highly engaged and fast-paced office environment. They must be personable, with excellent analytical and project management skills, multi-tasking abilities, attention to detail, and an ability to translate technical issues to non-technical audiences.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field or equivalent experience/training.
• 5 or more years of professional experience in a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in database management such as MySQL, MsSQL, MariaDB, and MongoDB.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience designing, developing, and producing reports from a database application.
• In-depth knowledge of database technologies, architecture, and data security.
• Advanced proficiency in SQL and database management tools.
• A documented history of successful project completion.
• A demonstrated ability to understand and articulate complex processes.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Experience with AWS, EC2, RDS, and DocumentDB a plus.
• Knowledge of data protection laws and practices, including a deep understanding of GDPR a plus.
• Familiarity with design thinking or human centered design is a plus.

Qualities:
• Exceptional project management skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to critically evaluate and prioritize information gathered from multiple sources and reconcile conflicts and to translate user. requirements into technological solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical issues to non-technical audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with external and internal stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Creative, forward-looking thinker who proactively seeks opportunities and proposes solutions to problems.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion, be adaptable to various competing demands, and demonstrate the highest level of customer/client service and response.
• Ability to prioritize conflicting needs; handle matters expeditiously, proactively, and follow-through on projects to successful completion, often with deadline pressures.
• Commitment to racial equity and social justice. Successful candidates will recognize the role of race, income, age, gender, immigration status, and other identities in equity disparities. They will recognize how their own identities impact their work; they will welcome, reflect on, and act on feedback with an eye toward continuous learning about race, ability, and other types of diversity.
• Alignment in thought and action with GIIN’s values: https://thegiin.org/values-and-guiding-principles
If you are passionate about database management and are looking for an opportunity to make a real impact with your skills, we encourage you to apply for this exciting role at GIIN.

Location: This position will be based in our New York City office with significant remote work flexibility offered through the GIIN’s hybrid in-person/remote work model.

Compensation: The GIIN is committed to pay equity. Salary offers are determined based on experience and qualifications. Salary for this position is between $66,000- $82,000, with an excellent benefits package.