AVP of Data Architecture

AVP, Data Architecture
Location: On-site four days per week (limited remote flexibility)

An established national organization is launching a major data and technology modernization effort and is hiring an AVP, Data Architecture to lead the initiative. This newly created, high-impact role will consolidate siloed systems, replace manual reporting processes, and build a modern Microsoft Fabric–based data lake and governance structure to support real-time analytics and future automation.

Compensation & Benefits:
Base salary around $200K, annual bonus opportunity, equity component, and full benefits.

Team Structure:
You’ll oversee a small data team that includes an experienced Data Engineer, Data Modelers, and contracted project support during the transformation phase.

Role Summary:
The AVP will design and implement a new enterprise data foundation, establish governance standards, build ETL/ELT pipelines, integrate data from multiple internal platforms, and serve as a technical leader across the organization. The ideal candidate brings strong executive communication skills and a track record of driving outcomes in legacy or fragmented environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Architect and deploy an enterprise data lake using Microsoft Fabric and Azure

• Define governance standards and maintain an enterprise data dictionary

• Lead proofs of concept and prototype new data solutions

• Design scalable ETL/ELT pipelines across structured and unstructured data sources

• Reduce technical debt and drive continuous modernization

• Ensure compliance with data security, privacy, and regulatory requirements

• Lead and mentor a small engineering and modeling team

Near-Term Impact:

• Improve reporting, dashboards, and KPIs used by executives and board-level stakeholders

• Consolidate multiple core systems into a unified data environment

• Replace manual Excel-based workflows with automated, scalable solutions

• Establish consistent metrics and enable self-service analytics

Required Skills:

• Hands-on Microsoft Fabric and Azure data architecture experience

• Experience with data governance, data cataloging, and ETL/ELT design

• Effective communication with technical and non-technical leaders

Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in a technology-related field (or equivalent experience), 4+ years of engineering experience, Power BI expertise, and background building data lakes, data mesh architectures, or modern cloud-based ecosystems.

Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in a technology field (or equivalent), 4+ years of engineering experience, Power BI proficiency, experience with data lakes or data mesh, and strong understanding of data modeling and security.

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan.