Demo

Database Administrator Lead

Inside Higher Ed
Columbia, SC Full Time
POSTED ON 1/6/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/4/2026
Department: IT Enterprise Applications

Advertised Salary Range: $87,231- Salary is commensurate with experience

Part/Full Time: Full Time

About UofSC

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Inclusive Excellence Statement

Advertised Job Summary

We’re looking for a Database Administrator Lead to oversee the design, optimization, and governance of the university’s enterprise data systems. In this pivotal role, you’ll help ensure data is secure, reliable, and accessible—empowering insights that drive strategy, innovation, and student success.As part of the Analytics & Data Governance team, you’ll partner with data engineers, analysts, and IT leaders to build a modern, high-performing data ecosystem that supports institutional reporting, analytics, and compliance.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead database architecture, administration, and performance optimization.
  • Manage integrations across cloud and on-premises platforms.
  • Implement robust data security, access controls, and encryption measures.
  • Oversee backup, recovery, and disaster recovery processes.
  • Support data governance, reporting, and analytics initiatives across the university.
  • Monitor and troubleshoot performance issues to ensure system reliability.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend improvements.

What You Bring

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
  • 5 years of relevant database administration experience.
  • Equivalent combinations of education, certifications, training, and experience will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in a related field.
  • Professional certifications such as:
    • AWS Certified Database – Specialty
    • Oracle Certified DBA
    • Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate
  • Experience working in higher education or large, complex enterprise environments.
  • Familiarity with data governance frameworks and metadata management.
  • Knowledge of AI/ML-based database performance optimization.
Skills That Set You Apart

  • Expertise in database administration, tuning, and optimization.
  • Proficiency with SQL Server, Oracle, Snowflake, Azure, or similar platforms.
  • Deep understanding of data integration, ETL/ELT, and automation.
  • Strong grasp of data modeling, schema design, and query optimization.
  • Experience with compliance and data privacy standards (FERPA, HIPAA).
  • Proven ability to analyze complex problems and document effective solutions.
  • Collaborative and adaptable—able to work effectively with technical and non-technical teams alike.

Why Join USC?

At the University of South Carolina, you’ll be part of a collaborative team committed to supporting world-class education, research, and service. This role offers the opportunity to shape how applications serve our university community and directly impact the student, faculty, and staff experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications (Classified and Unclassified positions)

  • Master’s degree in a related field.
  • Certifications in database technologies (e.g., AWS Certified Database – Specialty, Oracle DBA, Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator).
  • Experience in higher education or large enterprise environments.
  • Familiarity with data governance frameworks and metadata management.
  • Knowledge of AI/ML-driven database optimization techniques.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

  • Knowledge of database administration principles, performance tuning, and optimization.
  • Proficiency in managing relational and cloud database platforms (e.g., SQL Server, Oracle, Snowflake, Azure).
  • Understanding of data backup, recovery, and disaster recovery strategies.
  • Experience with database security, access controls, and encryption.
  • Familiarity with data integration, ETL/ELT, and automation processes.
  • Ability to monitor and troubleshoot database performance and availability issues.
  • Knowledge of data modeling, schema design, and query optimization.
  • Understanding of institutional data policies, privacy, and compliance standards (FERPA, HIPAA).
  • Strong analytical, documentation, and problem-solving skills.Ability to collaborate effectively with developers, data architects, and governance staff.

Job Close Date

01/19/2026

Special Instructions to Applicant

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

We are only accepting applications submitted by January 19, 2026.

To apply, please visit: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/198126

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.

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Salary : $87,231

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