Database Administrator Lead

Edtech.com's Summary

University of South Carolina is hiring a Database Administrator Lead. The role involves leading database architecture, administration, and optimization to ensure secure, reliable, and accessible enterprise data systems. The position requires collaboration with data engineers, analysts, and IT leaders to support data governance, analytics, and cloud migration strategies.

Highlights

Lead design, performance tuning, and maintenance of relational and non-relational databases in cloud and on-premises environments.
Implement data security policies, access controls, encryption, backup, recovery, and disaster recovery processes.
Manage ETL processes and collaborate on data integration to support analytics and reporting.
Evaluate emerging technologies and apply automation and DevOps best practices.
Provide guidance and mentorship to junior database staff and collaborate with stakeholders to align data solutions.
Proficiency with SQL Server, Oracle, Snowflake, Azure, and cloud database platforms.
Required bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of database administration experience; equivalent certification/training combinations considered.
Preferred master’s degree and certifications such as AWS Certified Database Specialty, Oracle DBA, or Azure Database Administrator.
Experience with compliance standards including FERPA and HIPAA, data governance frameworks, and AI/ML-based optimization.
Starting salary of $87,231 with salary commensurate with experience, full-time role within the Division of Information Technology.

Database Administrator Lead Full Description

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

We are only accepting applications submitted by January 19, 2026.

Posting Details

Posting Summary

Logo
Posting Number	STA00956PO25
Job Family	Information Technology
Job Function	Business Data Analysis
USC Market Title	IT Business Data Analysis Manager
Link to USC Market Title	https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/198024
Job Level	M2 - Managerial
Business Title (Internal Title)	Database Administrator Lead
Campus	Columbia
Work County	Richland
College/Division	Division of Information Technology
Department	IT Enterprise Applications
State Pay Band	9
Approved Starting Salary	$87,231
Advertised Salary Range	$87,231- Salary is commensurate with experience
Location of Vacancy	Columbia, SC (on-site)
Part/Full Time	Full Time
Hours per Week	37.5
Work Schedule	Standard working schedule: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm, with 1 hour for lunch. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the Division of IT.
Basis	12 months
Job Search Category	Information Technology

About USC

About University of South Carolina	From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement	The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.

About University of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Veterans' Preference Statement

The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.

Benefits for FTE Positions

The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary	We’re looking for a Database Administrator Lead to oversee the design, optimization, and governance of the university’s enterprise data systems. In this pivotal role, you’ll help ensure data is secure, reliable, and accessible—empowering insights that drive strategy, innovation, and student success. As part of the Analytics & Data Governance team, you’ll partner with data engineers, analysts, and IT leaders to build a modern, high-performing data ecosystem that supports institutional reporting, analytics, and compliance. What You’ll Do Lead database architecture, administration, and performance optimization. Manage integrations across cloud and on-premises platforms. Implement robust data security, access controls, and encryption measures. Oversee backup, recovery, and disaster recovery processes. Support data governance, reporting, and analytics initiatives across the university. Monitor and troubleshoot performance issues to ensure system reliability. Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend improvements. What You Bring Bachelor’s degree in a related field. 5+ years of relevant database administration experience. Equivalent combinations of education, certifications, training, and experience will be considered. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in a related field. Professional certifications such as: AWS Certified Database – Specialty Oracle Certified DBA Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate Experience working in higher education or large, complex enterprise environments. Familiarity with data governance frameworks and metadata management. Knowledge of AI/ML-based database performance optimization. Skills That Set You Apart Expertise in database administration, tuning, and optimization. Proficiency with SQL Server, Oracle, Snowflake, Azure, or similar platforms. Deep understanding of data integration, ETL/ELT, and automation. Strong grasp of data modeling, schema design, and query optimization. Experience with compliance and data privacy standards (FERPA, HIPAA). Proven ability to analyze complex problems and document effective solutions. Collaborative and adaptable—able to work effectively with technical and non-technical teams alike. Why Join USC? At the University of South Carolina, you’ll be part of a collaborative team committed to supporting world-class education, research, and service. This role offers the opportunity to shape how applications serve our university community and directly impact the student, faculty, and staff experience.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience	Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 5 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications	· Master’s degree in a related field. · Certifications in database technologies (e.g., AWS Certified Database – Specialty, Oracle DBA, Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator). · Experience in higher education or large enterprise environments. · Familiarity with data governance frameworks and metadata management. · Knowledge of AI/ML-driven database optimization techniques.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities	· Knowledge of database administration principles, performance tuning, and optimization. · Proficiency in managing relational and cloud database platforms (e.g., SQL Server, Oracle, Snowflake, Azure). · Understanding of data backup, recovery, and disaster recovery strategies. · Experience with database security, access controls, and encryption. · Familiarity with data integration, ETL/ELT, and automation processes. · Ability to monitor and troubleshoot database performance and availability issues. · Knowledge of data modeling, schema design, and query optimization. · Understanding of institutional data policies, privacy, and compliance standards (FERPA, HIPAA). · Strong analytical, documentation, and problem-solving skills. Ability to collaborate effectively with developers, data architects, and governance staff.

Job Duties

Job Duty	Database Administration & Optimization · Design, implement, and maintain relational and non-relational databases in cloud and on-premises environments. · Optimize database performance, including indexing, partitioning, and query tuning. · Monitor database performance and implement necessary improvements to enhance efficiency. · Conduct capacity planning and ensure high availability and disaster recovery solutions.
Essential Function	Yes
Percentage of Time	35

Job Duty	Data Security & Governance · (Provide a minimum of one paragraph of detail.) Implement and enforce database security policies, access controls, and compliance with university and regulatory requirements. · Support data governance efforts, including metadata management and data cataloging. · Ensure database integrity and consistency across enterprise systems.
Essential Function	Yes
Percentage of Time	20

Job Duty	Data Integration & ETL Management · Design and manage ETL processes to support data warehousing and analytics initiatives. · Collaborate with data engineers and developers to support integrations across multiple systems. · Troubleshoot and resolve data pipeline issues to ensure seamless data flow.
Essential Function	Yes
Percentage of Time	20

Job Duty	Cloud & Emerging Technologies · Support the university’s cloud migration strategy by evaluating and implementing cloud-based database solutions. · Stay updated on emerging database technologies and recommend innovative solutions to improve data management. · Implement automation and DevOps best practices for database management.
Essential Function	Yes
Percentage of Time	15

Job Duty	Collaboration & Leadership · Provide guidance and mentorship to junior database administrators and data engineers. · Work closely with analytics, IT, and business stakeholders to understand data needs and optimize data solutions. · Document processes, provide training, and contribute to the overall data strategy of the university.
Essential Function	Yes
Percentage of Time	10

Position Attributes

Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.

Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive	No
Hazardous weather category	Non-Essential

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies	1
Desired Start Date
Job Open Date	12/05/2025
Job Close Date	01/19/2026
Open Until Filled	No
Special Instructions to Applicant	Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. *We are only accepting applications submitted by* January 19, 2026.
Quicklink for Posting	https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/198126
EEO Statement	The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

* Do you have a bachelor's degree in a job related field and 5 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience?
- Yes
- No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Cover Letter
Resume
List of References and Contact Information

Optional Documents

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Original Job Description