Role Overview for VP, Data Architecture with a Healthcare System – Baltimore, MD
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a leading, mission-driven healthcare system in Baltimore, MD, to identify a visionary and transformative Vice President of Data Architecture. This is a paramount executive leadership role responsible for defining and executing the enterprise-wide data strategy, architecture, and governance framework. The successful candidate will be a thought leader who can architect a future-state data ecosystem that enhances patient outcomes, optimizes clinical and operational efficiency, and fuels innovation through advanced analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
As the VP of Data Architecture, you will serve as the principal architect and evangelist for data as a strategic asset across the organization. You will be tasked with transforming a complex landscape of disparate data sources into a cohesive, secure, and scalable data fabric. This role requires a unique blend of deep technical expertise in modern data platforms, a profound understanding of the healthcare industry’s complexities, and the executive presence to influence and align stakeholders at all levels, from the C-suite to clinical staff and data engineers.
You will inherit and build upon a talented team of data architects, engineers, and analysts, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning. Your vision will directly impact critical areas such as population health management, personalized medicine, clinical research, and operational performance. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned data leader to make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of patients by harnessing the power of data to shape the future of healthcare delivery. You will be the central pillar in the organization’s digital transformation journey, ensuring that data is not just managed, but strategically leveraged to drive competitive advantage and fulfill the system’s core mission of providing outstanding patient care.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Data Architecture with a Healthcare System – Baltimore, MD
Enterprise Data Strategy & Vision
Develop, articulate, and champion a comprehensive, multi-year enterprise data strategy and roadmap that aligns with the healthcare system’s strategic objectives. This includes defining the vision for data acquisition, management, quality, governance, and consumption across all clinical and business domains.
Architectural Leadership & Design
Lead the design, implementation, and continuous evolution of a modern, scalable, and secure data architecture. This encompasses data warehousing, data lakes, data marts, master data management (MDM), metadata management, and integration patterns. You will establish and enforce architectural standards, principles, and best practices.
Data Governance & Compliance
Establish and chair an enterprise-wide data governance council. Develop and implement robust data governance policies, standards, and procedures to ensure data quality, integrity, security, and privacy. Ensure strict adherence to healthcare regulations, including HIPAA, HITECH, and other relevant compliance mandates.
Technology Modernization
Drive the evaluation, selection, and implementation of cutting-edge data technologies and platforms. Lead the migration from legacy systems to a modern, cloud-based data ecosystem (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and leverage technologies like Snowflake, Databricks, and advanced analytics tools.
Team Leadership & Mentorship
Recruit, lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of data architects, data modelers, and data engineers. Foster a collaborative and innovative environment that encourages professional growth and empowers team members to deliver exceptional results.
Stakeholder Collaboration & Influence
Partner closely with executive leadership, clinical leaders, IT counterparts, and business unit heads to understand their data needs and challenges. Act as a trusted advisor, translating complex technical concepts into business value and driving data literacy throughout the organization.
Master Data Management (MDM)
Spearhead the strategy and implementation of a comprehensive MDM program to create and maintain a single source of truth for critical data domains such as patients, providers, and facilities.
Data Interoperability
Champion initiatives to improve data sharing and interoperability both within the healthcare system and with external partners. Ensure architecture supports critical healthcare data interoperability standards like HL7, FHIR, and CDA.
Innovation & Analytics Enablement
Design an architecture that supports and accelerates the organization’s advanced analytics, business intelligence, machine learning, and AI initiatives. Collaborate with data science teams to provide them with the high-quality, accessible data required to build predictive models and generate actionable insights.
Financial & Vendor Management
Develop and manage the departmental budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources. Oversee relationships with technology vendors, software providers, and consulting partners to ensure a strong return on investment and successful project delivery.
Requirements for the VP, Data Architecture with a Healthcare System – Baltimore, MD
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field. A Master’s degree is highly preferred.
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in data architecture, data management, and business intelligence.
- At least 7-10 years of experience in a senior leadership role, with a proven track record of building and managing high-performing data teams.
- Extensive, hands-on experience designing and implementing large-scale, enterprise-level data architecture solutions, including data warehouses, data lakes, and MDM systems.
- Deep expertise in modern cloud data platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and their associated data services (e.g., Redshift, S3, Azure Synapse, BigQuery).
- Demonstrable experience establishing and running a formal data governance program, including policy creation, data stewardship, and quality frameworks.
- Strong understanding of the healthcare industry, including clinical and financial data, EHR/EMR systems (e.g., Epic, Cerner), and regulatory requirements like HIPAA.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degree (MBA, MS, or PhD) in a relevant discipline.
- Direct experience working within a large hospital system, integrated delivery network (IDN), or health insurance provider.
- Proven experience with healthcare data standards such as HL7, FHIR, X12, and clinical terminologies like SNOMED, LOINC, and ICD-10.
- Experience with modern data stack technologies such as Snowflake, Databricks, Fivetran, and dbt.
- Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
- Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus among a diverse group of stakeholders, including C-level executives.
- A history of successfully leading large-scale data transformation and modernization projects from conception to completion.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a competitive executive compensation package and a comprehensive benefits program designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of you and your family. This includes:
- Highly competitive base salary and executive bonus program.
- Long-term incentive and equity potential.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Generous 401(k) or 403(b) retirement plan with a significant employer match.
- Substantial paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- Paid parental leave and family support resources.
- Life insurance, short-term, and long-term disability coverage.
- Professional development allowance for conferences, certifications, and continued education.
- Relocation assistance package for qualified candidates.
- Wellness programs, employee assistance programs (EAP), and health club subsidies.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. To be considered for this career-defining opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and your vision for data architecture in a modern healthcare system. We encourage all qualified and interested candidates to apply promptly.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive search for the healthcare and technology sectors. We are committed to connecting visionary leaders with transformative opportunities. We look forward to reviewing your application.
