Data Admin Position Responsibilities

When establishing or expanding a data administration/data management department, it is frequently necessary to develop a series of job descriptions for the various levels of data analysis.
Following is a representation of a basic set of job descriptions for a typical data administration unit.

Manager/administrator:

Functions and accountabilities: Very strong relational database experience in the logical and design areas, with some experience in physical design. Evaluate new technologies for modeling,
methodology, tools, using creativity and originality in evaluations. Demonstrated ability to recommend changes to modeling and data analysis practices, with implementation where appropriate.
Competent to work at the highest levels of all phases of logical modeling and design. Review models designed by data administration staff, relating the activities of other modeling efforts to the
model under review. Skilled in assessing and prioritizing new work for the data administration unit. Instruct lower level analysts and other interested persons in data administration and modeling
techniques. Plan, coordinate and manage multiple, often competing assignments and supervise lower level analysts, with very limited review of own actions. Responsible for recommending changes to
the strategic direction of data administration activities. Responsible for recommending changes that will assist in the integration and deployment of data administration throughout the enterprise.
Excellent written and oral communication skills required, strong presentation skills are expected. Position requires an undergraduate degree, a Master’s degree (MS or MBA) is preferred. At least 7
years data analysis experience with some managerial experience. Experience with mission critical systems data modeling, analytic and consultative skills, project management training and experience.

Senior:

Functions and accountabilities: Strong relational database experience in the logical and design areas. Significant training in logical modeling, methodology and tools with some evaluation of
methods. Strong analysis skills, in both data content and modeling (relationships, meta data). May be required to review (or assist in the review) models designed by data administration staff,
relating the activities of other modeling efforts to the model under review. Assist in assignment planning and prioritizing, assist in data administration instruction as appropriate.
Very strong written and oral communication skills, including some presentation skills. Works well under general supervision, with very limited review of work needed. Position requires an
undergraduate degree and at least 5 years in data administration/data modeling. Some consultative skills and project management experience is preferred.

Junior:

Functions and accountabilities: Some relational database experience in the logical and design areas. Basic to intermediate training in logical modeling, methodology and tools. Strong analysis
skills, in data content and research, with some modeling skills for relationships and meta data.
Strong written and oral communication skills and presentation capabilities. Works well under general supervision, with limited review of work needed, based on incumbent’s level of experience.
Position requires an undergraduate degree with at least 2 years in data administration or a related IS discipline.

Trainee:

Functions and accountabilities: Trainee position, with little or no experience in relational database for logical area. Some understanding of relational concepts and meta data concepts. Will be
trained in logical modeling, methodology and tools. Solid analysis skills, in both data content and basic research.

Strong written and oral communication skills. Works well under supervision, with regular review of work, based on incumbent’s level of experience. Position requires an undergraduate degree
coupled with enthusiasm and willingness to learn and apply data management concepts and techniques. Armed with position descriptions and appropriate interview questions, it should be possible for the
hiring manager to evaluate and recommend qualified candidates who will be successful in data administration. Position descriptions should also be used in performance review process and staff
promotions.

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Anne Marie Smith, Ph.D.

Anne Marie Smith, Ph.D.

Anne Marie Smith, Ph.D., is an acclaimed data management professional, consultant, author and speaker in the fields of enterprise information management, data stewardship and governance, data warehousing, data modeling, project management, business requirements management, IS strategic planning and metadata management. She holds a doctorate in Management Information Systems, and is a certified data management professional (CDMP), a certified business intelligence professional (CBIP), and holds several insurance certifications.

Anne Marie has served on the board of directors of DAMA International and on the board of the Insurance Data Management Association.  She is a member of the MIS faculty of Northcentral University and has taught at several universities. As a thought leader, Anne Marie writes frequently for data / information management publications on a variety of data-oriented topics.  She can be reached through her website at http://www.alabamayankeesystems.com and through her LinkedIn profile at http://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariesmith.

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