Data Architect

Position Summary

The Data Architect is a professional position supporting the Agency Performance, Program Integrity, and Innovation Department in our project to prepare the DOL to procure products and services for our Enterprise Licensing and Permitting technology platform modernization. The Data Architect will be the technical lead for the analysis, documentation, and planning activities for this project. The Architect leads the effort to scope and document the complexity and expected effort to implement a new database and smoothly harmonize and transition our three current platforms into a single environment. The focus of this project is to create artifacts that will be used to procure the new platform and System Integration resources. The Architect is the lead for related data planning, creating use case and definition documents, and documenting challenges that will be encountered in the integration. The Architect will oversee efforts to cleanse and transform and our current applications. The Data Architect will assist the Project Manager in coordinating project activities and alerting the PM and team of out-of-scope activities. The Data Architect will assist in developing Project Plan (Charter) and Statement of Work (SOW) and gain approvals.

Responsibilities: The Data Architect leads the technical analysis and data planning for our Enterprise Platform Modernization project. The Data Architect will review and document our current data environment, make recommendations for improvements in data collection techniques and data quality, determine the challenges and level of effort in transforming and harmonizing DOL's three databases into a single platform, and assist the Project Team in developing the Project Plan and associated artifacts.

Support the development of a data strategy for DOL.
Assist strategic planning activities through the collection of business goals and analytic needs.
Conduct assessments of current state data capabilities and recommend pathways toward modernization.
Review and analyze the effectiveness and efficiency of existing systems and processes and support the development of strategies for improvement.
Assist in determining the business impact of proposed modernization activities.
Identify and document challenges for rationalizing into a single platform.
Suggest and work with internal stakeholders to execute steps to mitigate data issues identified through the system evaluation.
Assist in the development of new processes and ways of working in support of more efficient data management and operations. Interact with business teams to collect requirements, discuss findings and provide recommendations.
Apply problem-solving capabilities to determine business impact and strategic options to solve challenges posed by the modernization effort.
Provide strategic advice on technological solutions to support business processes and objectives with a focus on analytics, data platforms & architecture, and data-driven business insights.
Document business and technical requirements and processes.
Support the development of success metrics for the data strategy and initiatives related to data modernization.
Provide project management support for strategy team efforts and strategic initiatives.
Assist in developing Project Plan (Charter) and Statement of Work (SOW) and gain approvals;
Develops data plans to support application development;
Extract data from various sources (data warehouse, SQL tables, Excel, among others). Work closely with system owners to define/redefine developed models;
Perform analysis on report/query results to ensure accuracy in reporting and recommend solutions;
Identify patterns and trends in data sets and recommend changes/solutions to problems;
Design processes that operationalize the use of data in business decision-making;
Filter and "clean" data by reviewing reports, printouts, and performance indicators to locate and correct code problems;
Alert the Project Manager to any "out of scope" activity;
Maintain records of time spent on assigned tasks and provide information as required for project management and other administrative purposes; and
Performs other related duties as required.

In Practice, The Position Requires Not Only General Technical Expertise But Also Specific Substantive Knowledge Of The Breadth And Depth Of The DOL Business Operations Agency-wide, As Well As The Technical Platforms, So That The Challenges Can Be Met. In Meeting These Challenges, The Technical Business Architect Must Display The Following Job Competencies

Supports the DOL's Mission, Ethics, and Values in keeping with the general operating standards of the department;
Develops productive relationships with our customers and builds Subject Matter Expertise in their fields during engagements;
Understands and translate business unit functions and how information service operations, specialized tools, and software facilitate those functions. Uses this understanding to communicate value propositions and risk mitigation for proposed engagements and use case documents;
Demonstrates a commitment to continuously improve their knowledge of fast-changing computer programs, hardware, and software through professional development;
Provides exemplary customer service in a courteous and professional manner at all times to all DOL staff and the public we serve;
Works with others cooperatively, demonstrating a willingness to be a team player, and contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals;
Accurately assesses workflow, data, and other process-related problems. Recommends and facilitates best-fit solutions.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Demonstrated experience working as a Data/Solutions Architect on a comprehensive software development life cycle project and vendor work, designing, developing, and reviewing application architecture throughout the project. Deep knowledge of modern technical architecture;
Experience with working with large-scale applications and regulated data;
Experience with database rationalization projects
Cloud (SaaS) CRM Platform knowledge as well as integration capabilities, Salesforce experience preferred;
Hands-on experience with highly modular, an integrated platform including CRM integration;
Conducted technical reviews of vendor products and services, analyzing key integration requirements and presenting feasibility studies;
Experience developing specifications for solutions implemented by other developers or vendors;
Strong technical skills across various technologies, a deep understanding of complex data structures;
Versatile with cloud platforms - AWS / Azure and benefits/drawbacks of services provided within;
Ability to help build expertise internally on the solutions delivered by our vendors;

Preferred Qualifications

Strong customer service skills;
Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills;
Demonstrated ability to balance, prioritize and organize multiple tasks;
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in teams and across organizations;
Demonstrated ability to synthesize feedback and adjust plans accordingly;
Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships inside and outside the organization;
Basic analytical skills to evaluate information gathered from multiple sources, consolidate details, and extract to functional requirements;
Demonstrated ability to effectively translate user requirements into business, functional, and test scenarios for projects of various sizes and complexity;
Knowledge of formal software development life cycle methodologies;
Experience preparing technical documentation, including business process models, cross-functional flow charts, data catalogs, technical project SOWs, and project plans, and performance analysis documents. Ability to analyze complex issues and information relating to systems and programs 
Experience in designing program integrity checks;
Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical people effectively 
Ability to work effectively alone and as a member of a team;
Ability to perform tasks as directed by management