This role is pivotal in ensuring that our database systems are highly available, secure, and optimized for performance. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in database administration, a desire to learn cloud technologies, and a proven track record of translating business and technical requirements into solutions.
The Database Administrator holds a vital role, responsible for the day-to-day management of database operations, including monitoring, performance tuning, backup and recovery, and ensuring data integrity in support of the University of Arizona Foundation. By working closely with cross-functional teams to design and implement scalable, reliable, and secure database solutions, the Database Administrator directly supports our efforts to be data-driven in our decision-making process. This role also involves overseeing database security measures, managing user access, and implementing policies and procedures that ensure the safety and compliance of our data assets. Growth opportunities for this position will involve experience with cloud platforms, including participating in the migration of our databases to a cloud-based infrastructure.
This position will collaborate closely with other service units within the Foundation including IT team members who utilize Foundation systems and data.
Supervisory Responsibility:
None
Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities:
- Manage, maintain, and optimize existing hosted databases.
- Ensure high levels of performance, availability, and security for all database systems.
- Implement and manage database backups, recovery, and disaster recovery plans.
- Monitor database performance and tune for optimization.
- Design and implement database schemas, indexing, and partitioning strategies.
- Ability to collaborate to design and deploy scalable, reliable database solutions.
- Oversee database security, including managing user access and permissions.
- Develop and enforce database standards and guidelines.
- Troubleshoot database-related issues and provide timely resolutions.
- Oversee data integrity and data quality management practices.
- Stay updated with the latest industry trends and best practices in database management and cloud technologies.
- Interact with peers from other entities to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern.
- Attend training sessions, user group meetings, and seminars to stay updated with the latest industry trends and best practices in database management and cloud technologies.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Specific Job Skills:
- Proficiency in relational database systems such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, or MS SQL Server.
- Strong command of SQL for database querying, optimization, and troubleshooting.
- Knowledge of database performance tuning, including query optimization, indexing, and partitioning.
- Proficient in developing and implementing robust backup, recovery, and disaster recovery strategies.
- Knowledge of database security, including encryption, access controls, and secure data management best practices.
- Familiarity with database automation tools and scripts to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex database issues.
- Understanding of database security practices and disaster recovery planning.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and document processes.
- Familiarity with version control using GIT or other software for managing database schema changes and collaboration with development teams.
- Expertise in AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, particularly in database services like Amazon RDS, Azure SQL Database, or Google Cloud SQL is highly desirable.
- Relevant certifications such as AWS Certified Database - Specialty or Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate are highly desirable.
- Knowledge of the principles, practices, developments, and techniques of providing computing services in an academic and/or administrative environment.
- Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
- Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and written.
- An exceptional work ethic and track record of taking initiative.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field, or equivalent experience AND
- Three (3) years of experience in database administration.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Hands-on experience with at least one major cloud platform (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud).
- Demonstrated experience supporting a data warehouse or business intelligence environment.
- Experience with Microsoft’s Business Intelligence product stack.
- Experience with Blackbaud applications.
Work Environment:
- Primarily works in an office environment with occasional requirements to work evenings and weekends.
- May require occasional travel to various office locations or for industry events.
The University of Arizona Foundation reserves the right to revise this job description at any time.