"Senior Data and Applications Architect"

Job Description

The Senior Data and Applications Architect will serve as a technical lead in designing and developing robust, modern data-driven solutions that support the academic, research, and administrative missions of Harvard Kennedy School. This role is responsible for architecting, integrating, and optimizing data platforms and applications across diverse systems—including Salesforce, cloud services, and on-premises environments—while collaborating with distributed teams across the university.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement modern data architectures, integrations, and application solutions that span multiple platforms and technologies.
• Build and maintain robust data pipelines and transformation workflows across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments.
• Develop and support integrations between enterprise systems including data lakes, warehouses, and third-party APIs—ensuring performance, reliability, and data consistency.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across departments to gather requirements and translate business needs into scalable, secure, and maintainable technical solutions.
• Architect and document enterprise data models and schemas to support analytics, reporting, and operational systems.
• Participate in and support day-to-day operational tasks, including data job monitoring, log review, backup verification, and incident response related to applications, integrations, and data infrastructure.
• Support and enhance monitoring frameworks to ensure system availability, job success rates, and early warning for data or integration issues.
• Lead or contribute to application and API development efforts, including integration of SaaS platforms and university-specific tools.
• Ensure adherence to best practices in data governance, metadata management, security, and privacy (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR).
• Work in close partnership with other developers, data analysts, system administrators, and vendors to deliver cross-functional solutions.
• Promote reusable architecture patterns, code libraries, and integration frameworks that support continuous improvement and modernization.
• Participate in code reviews, architectural planning, and related activities to maintain high-quality technical output.
• Maintain technical documentation for systems, integrations, and data flows to support transparency and long-term maintainability.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Harvard, Higher Education, and Industry.
• Provide end user consultation as needed.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

Minimum of five years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

7 years of professional experience in data architecture, application development, or systems integration. Proven experience developing integrations and data workflows involving Salesforce and other major platforms (e.g., ERP, CRM, LMS, data warehouse). Strong expertise in relational and non-relational databases (e.g., SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL). Proficiency with modern cloud platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS, Google Cloud) and tools such as Snowflake, dbt, or Azure Data Factory. Experience developing in at least two modern programming or scripting languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript, .NET, Java, PowerShell). Familiarity with API development, containerization (e.g., Docker), and DevOps/CI-CD pipelines. Strong knowledge of data modeling, integration patterns, and enterprise architecture principles. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Hands-on experience with Salesforce platform development and integration, including working with Apex, APIs, managed packages, and data model customization.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field—or equivalent professional experience. Salesforce certifications (e.g., Platform Developer I/II, Integration Architect) preferred. Experience with BI/reporting tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or Looker. Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or public sector IT environments. Knowledge of event-driven or service-oriented architecture (SOA), middleware, and messaging systems. Familiarity with Git, Jira, Agile/Scrum development methodologies.

Certificates and Licenses

Completion of Harvard IT Academy specified foundational courses (or external equivalent) preferred.

Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week. Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Pre-Employment Screening: Identity. Work Format Details: This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States. Salary Grade and Ranges: This position is salary grade level 058. Benefits: Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous paid time off, medical, dental, and vision health insurance, retirement plans, and more.