Data Strategist

Salary Level 10

Full-Time

Exempt

Typical Hiring Range: $81,563 - $101,954

The Data Strategist leverages integrated systems and provides real-time analytics to enhance operational efficiency, improve passenger experience, and enable data-driven decision-making for the GSP Airport District. This role serves as the central point for aggregating data from diverse sources into a unified data lake or enterprise platform, ensuring seamless integration and accessibility. The strategist provides architectural vision, technical expertise, and business insight to design scalable data ecosystems, establish governance frameworks, and transform data into a strategic asset.

Partnering closely with business leaders, solution experts, and IT teams, the Data Strategist defines enterprise data capabilities, modernizes platforms, and drives cross-functional initiatives that deliver actionable insights through tools such as Power BI. By championing a data-first culture and enabling advanced analytics, this role ensures the District can anticipate trends, optimize operations, and innovate continuously.

• Develop and maintain a GSP District enterprise data strategy aligned with business goals and technology roadmaps.

• Define data architecture standards, including data models, integration patterns, metadata frameworks, and data lifecycle management.

• Evaluate and recommend modern data platforms, tools, and technologies (e.g., cloud data warehouses, data lakes, MDM, governance platforms).

• Partner with IT architects to ensure data solutions are scalable, secure, and interoperable.

• Establish GSP District data governance policies, and data ownership frameworks.

• Define and monitor data quality standards, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and reliability across systems and GSP District reporting.

• Implement processes for metadata management, lineage tracking, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Collaborate with District leaders to identify high-value data opportunities and translate them into actionable initiatives.

• Guide teams on best practices for data usage, analytics, and decision-making.

• Support the development of KPIs, dashboards, and analytics capabilities that align with District strategic priorities.

• Lead District cross-functional data initiatives, ensuring alignment across IT, analytics, and business stakeholders.

• Manage vendor relationships and evaluate external solutions to support data strategy execution.

• Stay current on emerging trends in data architecture, AI/ML, cloud technologies, and data governance.

• Champion a data-driven culture at the GSP District and promote adoption of new tools and practices.

• Identify opportunities to automate, optimize, and innovate within the data ecosystem at the GSP Airport District.

• Other duties as assigned.

• None at this time.

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in data architecture, data engineering, enterprise analytics, data governance, or enterprise data strategy.

• Experience designing and implementing enterprise data governance, data quality, metadata management, and master data management practices.

• Experience developing, implementing, and supporting modern cloud-based data platforms and enterprise data architectures (e.g., Microsoft Fabric, Azure, Snowflake, AWS, Google Cloud, or equivalent).

• Experience integrating enterprise business systems through APIs, ETL/ELT processes, and other data integration technologies.

• Experience working with enterprise applications such as ERP, EAM/CMMS, GIS, CRM, or other operational business systems.

• Proficiency in business intelligence and data visualization tools, such as Power BI or equivalent platforms, including dashboard development and self-service analytics.

• Knowledge of data governance, information security, privacy, and regulatory compliance principles. Experience supporting NIST Cybersecurity Framework, TSA, FAA, CJIS, or similar regulatory environments is preferred.

• Experience supporting artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), predictive analytics, or other advanced analytics initiatives is preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with executive leadership and business stakeholders to translate operational objectives into enterprise data solutions, establish data standards and governance, and promote data-driven decision-making across the organization.

• Must be able to complete and pass a background investigation, drug screening, and physical examination as per Federal, State, and GSP Airport District requirements.

• Strong analytical, strategic thinking and short and long-term problem-solving skills.

• Strong communication, both verbal and written skills, and ability to lead cross-functional data initiatives and engage stakeholders effectively.

• Systems and architectural thinking.

• Expert change leadership and how to influence without direct responsibility skills.

• Strong technical depth knowledge across data platforms and integration pattern.

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.

• Acute attention to detail and commitment to confidentiality and security of data.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Customer-service mindset when supporting end users and business leaders.

• Valid Driver’s License.

One or more of the following certifications are preferred:

• Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP)

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate

• Microsoft Certified: Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate

• AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate

• Snowflake SnowPro Core Certification

• Equivalent cloud, data management, analytics, or governance certifications may be considered.

Professional certifications are considered a plus but are not required. Relevant experience and demonstrated expertise will be given equal consideration.

• Diligence must be exercised when handling confidential information.

• Reasonable care for equipment/process will prevent injury/damage.

• Physical Demand – Little physical effort required. Some light lifting, carrying, walking, standing, pushing, pulling, stooping and kneeling requirements are necessary for up to 40% of the time. Sitting is required for 60% of the time.

• Mental and or Visual Demands – Mental and visual demands vary with function performed. Consistent mental attention is needed to monitor workflow and respond efficiently.

• Attentiveness to work procedures will reduce risk of minor injury in certain work areas.

• Exposed to normal office environment and limited industrial environment.