Introduction
Maryland Benefits (MD Benefits) is a dynamic, cloud-based platform. This enterprise-wide digital service allows organizations to build, test, host, operate, and integrate mission-driven applications, data, and emerging technologies. MD Benefits offers cloud-based Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) capabilities, a shared data architecture, and product development services, all developed by the State of Maryland to help multiple agencies deliver and manage health, human, and social service benefits and programs. On July 1, 2025, the operation of the MD Benefits shared platform and statewide applications transitioned from the Department of Human Services (DHS) to the Department of Information Technology (DoIT).
***This is a contractual position with limited benefits***
Main Purpose
The Deputy Director, Shared Data Platform — Operations, will lead and manage the shared data platform's operations, ensuring robust support for data services, products, and the modern data platform. This role involves overseeing the operational aspects of data infrastructure, ensuring high availability, performance, and security. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in managing complex data environments, a strong technical background, and excellent leadership skills.
Position Duties
1. Leadership and Strategy:
- Lead the operations team responsible for the shared data platform, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
- Develop and execute operational strategies to support data services, data products, and the modern data platform.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to define and prioritize initiatives, ensuring alignment with business needs and technological advancements.
2. Operational Management:
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the shared data platform, ensuring high availability, performance, and security.
- Implement and manage operational processes and procedures, including monitoring, incident management, and change management.
- Institute and implement AI capabilities to improve operational efficiency and reduce the cost of ownership and operations costs.
- Ensure effective capacity planning and resource management to support current and future needs.
3. Data Services and Products:
- Ensure the seamless integration and operation of data services and products on the shared data platform.
- Collaborate with data product teams to support the development and deployment of data products, ensuring operational readiness and scalability.
- Implement best practices for data management, including data quality, governance, and security.
4. Modern Data Platform:
- Oversee the maintenance and enhancement of the modern data platform to ensure it meets the organization's needs.
- Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends, and recommend and implement improvements to the platform.
- Ensure the platform supports advanced analytics, data science, and other data-driven initiatives.
5. Team Leadership and Development:
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
- Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular performance reviews, and provide feedback and coaching.
- Identify and address skills gaps, providing training and development opportunities to ensure the team remains current with industry trends and technologies.
6. Collaboration and Communication:
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including data engineering, data science, IT, and business units, to ensure seamless integration and operation of the shared data platform.
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders, providing regular updates on operational performance, issues, and initiatives.
- Build strong relationships with external vendors and partners to ensure effective collaboration and support.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Management, or a related field.
- 16+ years of experience in data operations, data management, or related roles, with at least 5 years in a leadership position.
- Strong technical background with experience in managing complex data environments and modern data platforms.
- Proven experience in operational management, including incident management, change management, and capacity planning.
- Excellent leadership and team management skills, with a track record of building and developing high-performing teams.
- Strong knowledge of data management best practices, including data quality, governance, and security.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
- Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS) and modern data technologies (e.g., data lakes, data warehouses, big data platforms) is highly desirable.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Agile methodologies and DevOps practices.
- Familiarity with data privacy regulations and compliance requirements.
- Certifications in relevant technologies or methodologies (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Certified Data Management Professional).
