United States
Remote only
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Director, Partner Data based in the United States.
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to oversee partner data integrations, operations, and enablement across a diverse network of higher education institutions. In this role, you will lead multiple teams responsible for data quality, issue resolution, system integrations, and partner onboarding. You will establish scalable operating models, clear service-level standards, and repeatable processes that improve efficiency and reliability. Working closely with engineering, enterprise data, product, and partner-facing teams, you will transform operational challenges into sustainable technical improvements. You will also drive automation, strengthen data governance, and standardize integrations across complex partner systems. This is an opportunity to shape data strategy at an organizational level while improving partner experiences and supporting better outcomes for students. The role offers significant autonomy, cross-functional influence, and the opportunity to build high-performing teams in a remote-first environment.
Lead and develop the Partner Data Integrations & Operations and Partner Enablement Data teams, establishing clear responsibilities, operating standards, and leadership capabilities across both functions.
Design and implement structured case-management processes, including intake, triage, escalation rules, service-level agreements, monitoring, and reconciliation procedures to improve data accuracy and reliability.
Drive automation and process optimization to reduce repetitive manual work, improve resolution times, and enable teams to focus on complex, high-value challenges.
Establish a product-oriented approach to operational work, identifying recurring issues and root causes and translating findings into system enhancements, improved integrations, and scalable solutions.
Oversee the development of repeatable integration frameworks for Student Information Systems (SIS), including Slate, Banner, and Workday, reducing reliance on customized, person-dependent implementations.
Serve as a senior technical advisor during partner onboarding and relaunches, collaborating directly with partner IT and SIS teams to define integration requirements, resolve technical blockers, and ensure successful go-live.
Build the Partner Enablement Data team into a trusted subject matter expert on partner systems, data structures, workflows, and integration requirements, supporting partner-facing teams with technical guidance and recommendations.
Collaborate with enterprise data, product, engineering, CRM, partner support, and student success teams to prioritize architectural improvements, standardize data formats and mappings, and address systemic data-quality issues.
Own the partner data strategy, including investment priorities, validation and monitoring tools, integration standards, and opportunities to leverage AI-driven validation capabilities.
Define and monitor performance indicators covering case volumes, resolution times, incident rates, partner launches, automation, and team effectiveness, communicating results and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
Identify opportunities to improve partner business outcomes through richer data integrations, enhanced application and retention data, and reduced dependence on partner-specific workarounds.
Operate autonomously, using data-driven analysis, executive communication, and cross-functional influence to resolve complex challenges and drive organizational change.
At least 8 years of experience leading data operations, technical support, or partner/customer success teams, including a minimum of 3 years managing managers or multiple teams.
Strong technical fluency in data platforms such as Snowflake and Databricks, integration technologies including file feeds, SFTP, and APIs, and CRM platforms such as Salesforce.
Demonstrated experience working with Student Information Systems (SIS), including Slate, Banner, Workday, or comparable platforms.
Professional experience in education technology, higher education, or another partner-based, data-intensive industry.
A proven track record of building, restructuring, or scaling operational teams and implementing effective intake, case-management, escalation, and service-level frameworks.
Experience leading partner onboarding, technical implementations, launches, relaunches, or system migrations, with the ability to manage timelines and resolve complex integration challenges.
Strong understanding of data quality, validation, monitoring, reconciliation, system architecture, and integration standardization.
Ability to engage directly with partner IT teams and senior stakeholders, explain technical requirements clearly, and build trusted working relationships.
Experience collaborating with data engineering, enterprise technology, and product teams to translate operational issues into technical improvements and product requirements.
Familiarity with Agile methodologies and Jira-based work management, including backlog prioritization, epics, and sprints, is an advantage.
Excellent leadership, coaching, communication, and stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to influence decisions through data-driven reasoning and clear executive-level storytelling.
A proactive, analytical, and product-oriented mindset, with the ability to balance immediate operational needs against long-term strategic improvements while working independently.
Work arrangement: Fully remote position within the United States.
Leadership opportunities: Direct responsibility for building and developing multiple teams and shaping the partner data strategy.
Strategic impact: Opportunity to influence enterprise-wide data architecture, integration standards, automation, and product improvements.
Professional development: Exposure to modern data platforms, AI-powered validation tools, and complex technology integration initiatives.
Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with senior leaders and specialists across data, engineering, product, CRM, and partner management.
Meaningful mission: Contribute to expanding access to affordable online education and improving the student experience through reliable data and stronger university partnerships.
Inclusive workplace: Join an organization committed to equal opportunity, diversity, and an inclusive professional environment.
Compensation: Salary details were not specified in the original job description.
Additional benefits: Healthcare, retirement plans, paid time off, bonuses, and other compensation benefits were not detailed in the available posting.
