Director of Data Services

From day one The Standard has worked hard to make a difference, by being different In 1906, our founder Leo Samuel chartered the first locally-based life insurance company to champion the communities of the Pacific Northwest. Today, his philanthropic spirit lives on. Every day, we follow in the footsteps of our founder by our involvement in the communities in which we live. Vibrant, healthy communities provide opportunities for people and a positive environment in which to live and do business. We believe that we have a responsibility to help build and maintain such communities. Our investment in social service, health, arts, education, environmental and civic causes is part of our commitment to building lasting relationships with our employees, customers and communities. Job Description Director of Data Services For over 100 years, Standard Insurance Company has quietly earned a reputation for service, financial strength and product quality. Today The Standard is one of the nation's most highly regarded providers of group benefits insurance, retirement plans, investment advice, and individual disability insurance and annuities (http://www.standard.com). With operations in most states, The Standard's over three thousand employees enjoy a vast array of career options. We offer a dynamic work environment fueled by a great team, excellent compensation and benefits, and the opportunity to grow your career with a rapidly growing market leader. Join us, and discover our fresh, honest approach to relationships, and our commitment to the communities we serve. The person selected for Director, Data Services, will contribute to setting the vision and implementing the strategic vision of Data in the organization. The Data Services Director will help to define seamless new data models for the technology platform, products, and applications. They will build and lead an expert team of Data Analysts, Data Modelers and Developers while serving as an expert resource on matters related to data relationships, availability, usability, integrity and security in providing business solutions. The Data Director will also serve as a thought leader and mentor in the technology organization, should be a strong advocate for best practices around Enterprise Database and Information Architecture, and must be able to influence the project teams to design and build quality data models within defined standards. Specific responsibilities: * Contribute to setting the strategy for the data management functions within the organization. * Direct the data development process, including planning and monitoring development efforts, reviewing deliverables, communicating to management. * Lead the effort in creative approaches to problem solving and quality deliverables supporting our Enterprise Data Architecture. * Respond to changing priorities, handle multiple project assignments with minimal direction, manage and negotiate workload, escalate issues as necessary. * Lead and mentor an existing enterprise data team of 20 people. An understanding of the need for cross-disciplinary, integrated teams and experience working in collaborative teams. Excellent knowledge of data technologies including RDMS, data management, data modeling and integration tools (e.g. ETL) Strong leadership abilities and an assertive personality, a great attitude and ability to handle change while managing people effectively through the change Ability to present and explain information in a way that establishes rapport, persuades others and promotes understanding and consensus building Must have deep experience with conceptual, logical and physical data modeling for large databases and associated performance and optimization issues Demonstrated ability to lead, influence and motivate staff and to apply skills and techniques to solve problems An inquisitive and tenacious nature; eager to learn and willing to drive innovation in both the technology team and across the company Minimum of 8-10 years of related experience Financial Services and Insurance Experience around data management is preferred Strong understanding of application development and integration techniques BS degree or higher. The Standard has long recognized the benefits of a diverse workforce, and strives to provide a culture which recognizes the unique contributions of each of our employees. Standard Insurance Company, The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York and StanCorp Investment Advisers, Inc., marketed as The Standard, are Equal Opportunity employers. The Standard requires a criminal background investigation, drug test, plus employment and education verification as a condition of employment. All employees of Standard Insurance must be bondable. If interested, please apply online at http://track.jobviper.com/ViewJob.asp?id=507306-3-843 www.standard.com