EA - Database Architect

NGP VAN is the winningest technology platform in the history of democratic and progressive causes, working tirelessly to innovate and advance the technology our clients rely on to bolster our democracy. We help power the trailblazers, campaigners, and advocates fighting up and down the ticket for equality, racial justice, reproductive freedom, democracy, climate reform, and more— including the national Democratic committees and progressive organizations, thousands of Democratic campaigns, hundreds of labor unions, advocacy organizations, progressive and non-partisan PACs, and other organizations.

Position Summary:

The Database Architect is a senior individual contributor and technical mentor who leads high-impact data operations across voter file updates and client services. This role combines deep technical ownership with informal leadership responsibilities, including mentorship, process optimization, and contributions to long-term architectural improvements. The Database Architect also helps bridge the gap between the Data Engineering team and Database Development by guiding workflows and contributing to advanced SQL and stored procedure logic.

Essential Position Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and troubleshoot complex ETL workflows for voter file updates and custom data services.

• Write and maintain dynamic SQL, service broker queues, stored procedures, and SQL server jobs to support high-volume, multi-state data processes.

• Lead quality assurance efforts and contribute to automated validation frameworks.

• Mentor junior Data Engineers and provide peer reviews for SQL logic, process design, and performance optimization.

• Analyze and optimize data workflows for scalability, consistency, and long-term maintainability.

• Collaborate with Senior Database Developers on schema design discussions and contribute to stored procedure development.

• Respond to complex internal and external data requests, including client-specific formatting and transformation needs.

• Use version control tools (e.g., Git) to manage SQL and deployment processes.

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Client Services) to manage project goals and technical priorities.

• Support knowledge-sharing and documentation to enhance team effectiveness and readiness for database developer-level work.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Expert-level SQL proficiency, including query tuning, indexing strategies, and dynamic SQL.

• Strong understanding of data modeling, normalization, and OLTP database design principles.

• Experience designing and optimizing ETL workflows and reusable transformation logic, with strong opinions on tracking and problem solving.

• Skilled in mentoring others and providing structured feedback on technical work.

• Familiarity with schema architecture and readiness to contribute to stored procedure development.

• Comfortable working in cloud-based data environments (e.g., Azure SQL, AWS RDS).

• Excellent problem-solving, documentation, and communication skills.

Education and Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in data engineering, database development, or large-scale data operations.

• Experience mentoring technical peers or leading technical projects.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field—or equivalent professional experience.

• Experience with political data systems or nonprofit CRMs is a plus.

Compensation

The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. 

Base pay is one part of the Total Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work, and in addition to benefits this role may be eligible for discretionary bonuses/incentives, and equity. 

This position is a part of a bargaining union represented by CWA Local 1101, 1400, 2336, or 13000.

US Base Salary Range: $140,000 - $160,000

Please note that the compensation range and benefits specified in this job posting is applicable to candidates based in the United States. For international applicants, actual salary offers and benefit plans may vary based on the local market compensation standards and will be determined in accordance with regional considerations, including but not limited to applicable laws, c