Manager of Data Management and Scrum Master

The Manager of Data Management is responsible for leading the day-to-day delivery and operational execution of the University's enterprise data initiatives. Reporting to the Director of Data Management, this role manages a team of data engineers, analysts, developers and database administrators, while serving as Scrum Master to ensure agile delivery of data products and platform capabilities.

This position translates enterprise data strategy into actionable roadmaps, manages the team backlog, facilitates agile ceremonies, and ensures high-quality, secure, and scalable data solutions that support analytics, integration, and institutional decision-making.

The Manager partners closely with data governance, analytics, infrastructure, and campus stakeholders to ensure that data solutions align with institutional priorities and comply with governance and security standards.

Essential Functions:

Team Leadership & Development

* Provide direct supervision and mentorship to data engineers and developers.

* Support career development and skill growth aligned with modern data practices.

* Encourage collaboration, accountability, and agile best practices.

* Assist in hiring, onboarding, and performance management processes.

Agile Delivery & Scrum Leadership

* Serve as Scrum Master for the data management team, facilitating sprint planning, daily stand-ups, retrospectives, and backlog refinement.

* Partner with the Director to translate strategic priorities into deliverable work items and sprint goals.

* Remove blockers and ensure smooth workflow across the team.

* Track delivery metrics and team performance using agile practices.

* Promote continuous improvement and agile maturity within the team.

Platform Operations & Optimization

* Oversee day-to-day health of data platforms, pipelines, and tools.

* Monitor performance and recommend improvements in collaboration with architecture leadership.

* Coordinate with support, organizing bug fixes and incidents for engineers and admins

* Coordinate with Infrastructure & Operations for platform stability and recovery readiness.

Data Platform & Pipeline Delivery

* Lead the implementation of data pipelines, integrations, and platform capabilities.

* Coordinate development of ETL/ELT workflows supporting analytics and operational systems.

* Working with architect, align with enterprise data architecture and governance standards.

* Support deployment, testing, and release management processes.

Data Integration & API Execution

* Manage development and maintenance of system integrations and API implementations.

* Maintain alignment with the University API catalog and integration strategy.

* Ensure data consistency and alignment with governance definitions and business rules.

Data Quality & Operational Governance

* Operationalize data governance standards through implementation practices.

* Monitor data quality processes including validation, cleansing, and monitoring.

* Ensure access provisioning aligns with approved governance workflows.

* Support audit readiness and compliance activities.

Data Governance Implementation:

* Standard Operating Procedure Development: Collaborate with the University's Analytics and Institutional Reporting (AIR) unit and other applicable groups, to develop and implement data governance policies and procedures that ensure data quality, compliance, and security.

* Compliance Monitoring: Monitor compliance with data governance policies and regulatory requirements, addressing any issues or gaps as needed.

Platform Management:

* Platform Selection: Evaluate and select data management platforms that meet the organization's needs for scalability, performance, and cost-effectiveness.

* Platform Optimization: Continuously optimize data management platforms to ensure they support evolving business requirements and technological advancements.

* Vendor Management: Manage relationships with platform vendors and service providers, ensuring they deliver high-quality products and services.

Team Leadership:

* Team Development: Build and lead a high-performing team of data professionals, providing mentorship, training, and career development opportunities.

* Collaboration: Foster a collaborative and innovative team culture that encourages knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

* Performance Management: Set performance goals and conduct regular performance reviews to ensure team members meet or exceed expectations.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

* Partner Alignment: Work closely with campus leaders to understand their data needs and ensure data initiatives align with university objectives.

* Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with IT, AIR, and other departments to deliver integrated data solutions.

* Communication: Communicate data management strategies, progress, and outcomes to partners at all levels of the university.

Qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, Data Science, or a related field; Masters degree preferred.

* 5-7+ years of experience in data management, with a focus on data architecture, data integration, and database administration.

* Proven experience leading people and creating great work environments

* Proven experience and understanding of agile methodologies with certification preferred.

* Proven experience in leading data initiatives and managing enterprise data lakes.

* Strong experience with API first data strategies

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

* Agile methodology and utilization of PPM tools to manage processes

* Ability to professionally articulate the IT vision, goals, and strategy while implementing proactive change in support of strategic goals.

* Experience facilitating operational planning exercises both internal and external to IT.

* Strong analytical skills

* Ability to cultivate trust and credibility with colleagues, including external constituents.

* Good understanding of advanced technical components and system interactions

* Expert proficiency in Business case, functional and technical requirement documentation

* Ability to resource plan & manage in a direct reporting and matrixed environment

Soft Skills

* Strong customer relationship management

* Strong commitment to the mission of Creighton University

* Skilled at giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

* Ability to communicate effectively and frequently both verbally and in writing.

* Ability to manage and resolve conflicts.

* Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

* Ability to influence multiple stakeholders without direct authority.

* Business acumen coupled with technical knowledge.

* Strong research skills with attention to detail

* Ability to conduct cost/benefit analysis and business case development.

* Must be able to work independently and proactively.

* Excellent organizational, analytical, and independent problem-solving skills

* Demonstrated understanding of client relationship management, process mapping and improvement, project management, and production support

* Proven ability to provide business analysis for large scope project teams to meet customer expectations.

* Demonstrated understanding of business analyst tools and techniques; demonstrated proficiency using MS Office and Visio tools