Manager of Data Architecture

Description HOPE (Hope Enterprise Corporation, Hope Credit Union and Hope Policy Institute) provides financial services; leverages resources; and engages in advocacy that strengthens the financial health of people in under-resourced Deep South communities. Since 1994, these efforts have benefited more than three million people in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee, and influenced billions in persistent poverty communities across the nation. Learn more at https://www.hopecu.org/ . Title: Manager of Data Architecture Department: Decision Science and Insights Reports To: Senior Vice President, Decision Science and Insights Supervises: Data Engineer(s) Job Classification: Exempt, Full-time Location: Remote The Manager of Data Architecture plays a pivotal leadership role in shaping HOPE’s enterprise data ecosystem. This position oversees the design, implementation, and optimization of scalable, secure data systems that power analytics, reporting, and data‑driven decision‑making across the organization. You will lead a growing team of data engineers and data scientists, partner with senior and executive stakeholders, and guide the adoption of modern data tools and technologies that advance HOPE’s mission. This is an opportunity to build and influence a data environment that directly supports economic mobility and financial inclusion in the Deep South. This position is in the Jackson, MS corporate office or available via telecommute within our six-state footprint, including MS, LA, AR, AL, TN, GA. Occasional travel to the corporate office in Jackson, MS for in-person team meetings is required. Responsibilities Data Architecture & Engineering Serve as a subject matter expert on HOPE’s data systems, business processes, workflows, and integration points. Design and implement robust data ingestion pipelines and ETL solutions for internal and external data sources. Manage all components of the Microsoft Azure ecosystem, including compute, storage, networking, databases, analytics, and governance. Ensure data loads and pipelines run reliably, with minimal impact on reporting and downstream systems. Lead data migration and conversion efforts for new software and system implementations. Team Leadership & Collaboration Lead, mentor, and develop a team of data professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, quality, and continuous improvement. Provide guidance on best practices for data management, data quality, analytics, and pipeline development. Collaborate with technology leaders, business partners, and cross‑functional teams to align data strategy and evaluate emerging tools and technologies. Partner with HOPE’s Learning & Development team to deliver end‑user training on reporting and data literacy. Analytics, Reporting & Innovation Oversee the use of statistical, analytical, and AI/ML methods to uncover insights, automate processes, and solve business challenges. Design and manage processes for data intake, validation, mining, engineering, modeling, visualization, and communication. Build Power BI dashboards and automated reporting solutions that address HOPE’s unique business needs. Recommend smart, data‑driven solutions that support organizational goals and operational efficiency Operational & Administrative Leadership Ensure departmental milestones and goals are met within approved budgets. Partner with the Information Technology team to ensure proactive monitoring and timely system upgrades. Manage day‑to‑day staff performance, including timekeeping, capacity planning, and performance management. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications: Required Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering Applied mathematics, or related discipline; graduate degree in Data Science or other quantitative field is preferred 7+ years of professional experience in data management, with 3-5 years focused specifically as a data architect or in a related senior technical role leading and developing technical teams Experience with Microsoft Azure or other cloud-based platforms Experience in advanced analytics (data mining principles, predictive analytics, machine learning, AI tools, etc.) Experience with statistical programming languages, analytic models, and experimental design concepts Key Competencies & Skills: People Development and Leadership- Having the ability to assess skill strengths and weaknesses of individuals and teams to determine what actions are appropriate to build and/or improve the needed skills. Achieving results through people by successful objective setting, performance review, motivation, delegation, teambuilding, commitment gains, and empowerment. Organizational Awareness - Having and using knowledge of systems, situations, procedures, and culture inside the organization to identify potential problems and opportunities; perceiving the impact and the implications of decisions on other components of the organization. Oral Communication- Shaping and expressing ideas and information in an effective manner. Written Communication- Expressing ideas and opinions clearly in properly structured, well-organized, and grammatically correct reports or documents; utilizing language and terminology that is understandable for the reader. Innovation and Orientation - Committing to create and search for new and innovative approaches to activities that enhance performance. Planning and Organizing - Setting priorities and defining actions, time, and resources needed to achieve predefined goals. Work Environment: Employee spends most of the time in office environment, accessible to the public, members, and potential members Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Comprehensive Benefits Package: Paid Vacation and Sick Time 11 Paid Holidays 401(k) with Company Match Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Disability Benefits Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Tuition Reimbursement, Professional Development Hope Enterprise Corporation does not participate in or engage in any form of visa sponsorship, including employment-based visa applications or extensions (e.g., H-1B, TN, O-1, OPT, STEM OPT, etc.). Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment. We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.