Director of Technology

Salary Range:

Salary will commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Job Summary:

SMU DataArts is building a national culture of data-driven decision making, enabling useful and accessible information to the arts and culture sector. The Director of Technology is an exciting and unique position leading the development and deployment of SMU DataArts technology and reporting to the Office of Information Technology. The Director is responsible for overseeing the DataArts Software as a Service (SaaS) platform, technology strategy, policies, processes, staff, contractors, and vendors. This is an exciting opportunity to build on existing successes with new technologies and methodologies capable of supporting a vibrant arts sector. 

This position is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Essential Functions:

• Build and manage a high-performance product development team

• Own the product development and delivery lifecycle

  • Establish and supervise software development, testing, and QA processes in an Agile development environment

  • Provide management, thought leadership, and strategic direction for data architecture, data integration, data acquisition, and implementation of the database

• Define, manage, and prioritize software development 

• Champion product ownership to distribute knowledge, design & decision making across staff and work with DataArts staff to create and implement great ideas with customer value in mind

• Define, manage, and prioritize infrastructure needed to operate the platform

  • Evaluate long term hosting scenarios

  • Build a resilient infrastructure solution capable of sustaining high usage times and preserving resources during low utilization times. 

• Own and manage productivity technology required to operate the SMU DataArts. Examples include Asana, Salesforce, LAMP, and standard office software

• Liaise with researchers assigned to SMU DataArts to provide structured and unstructured data capable of producing insights into the arts sector. 

• Manage budgets in conjunction with Executive Director of Applications

• Analyze, develop and complete service requests in a timely manner. 

• Create effective technical & project documentation. Document workflow processes and diagrams in consultation with the customer. 

• Other duties as assigned 

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience is required for this role.  A Master's degree is desired.  

A degree in computer science, data science, information systems, applied mathematics, business, or related degree is preferred.  At least three years of previous work experience in technical project management is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

The ideal candidate will have strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills and a focus on customer service.  The candidate should be skilled in problem solving, time management, project management and have superb organizational and planning skills.  Attention to detail is key.

Candidate should have demonstrated experience using development best practices and methodologies (e.g. Agile) and software development.  Strong programming experience and knowledge of the MySQL database is required.  Candidate should also have experience with Angular/Laravel, MVC Framework, API integration, and JavaScript "single page application" front end experience.  Previous experience as a DBA or data architect is strongly preferred.

Previous experience in a start up environment would be helpful and the candidate must have strong collaboration abilities.

Physical/Environmental Demands:

• Bend, Squat, Stand, Kneel

• Reach above shoulders

• Handle objects (dexterity)

• Push/Pull, Carry/Lift over 25-50 lbs

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

This position is open until filled.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.