AMDS Chief Data Officer

Employer description

Description

AMDS is seeking a forward-thinking, mission-driven Chief Data Officer to transform data into a strategic asset. In this role, you will partner with senior leadership, technical teams, and program stakeholders to modernize how data is governed, integrated, and operationalized—accelerating mission impact.  You will define and execute an enterprise data strategy aligned with AMDS priorities, ensuring data is accessible, secure, and AI/ML-ready. This includes establishing robust governance, enabling scalable and resilient architectures, and fostering a culture of data accountability and trust across the sector.

As the Chief Data Officer, you will:

Lead the development and execution of an enterprise data strategy aligned to mission prioritiesEstablish and enforce data governance to ensure quality, integrity, security, and complianceDrive cross-organizational alignment, serving as the enterprise integrator across leadership, programs, and technical teamsArchitect and oversee a resilient data environment, including platforms, pipelines, and infrastructureInstitutionalize full lifecycle data management—from curation and storage to access and retentionEnable seamless data integration to improve interoperability, accessibility, and scalabilityEvaluate and adopt emerging technologies to continuously modernize the data ecosystem and advance AI/ML readiness
Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have…

A Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related fieldAt least 8 years of experience in data strategy, data management, analytics, or related roles within complex, technical, or mission-driven environmentsDemonstrated experience designing and implementing scalable data architecturesProven expertise in establishing and enforcing data governance frameworks and policiesStrong understanding of data lifecycle management and technologiesAbility to evaluate and integrate emerging data technologies into operational environmentsProven ability to align stakeholders and drive enterprise data practicesStrong communication and stakeholder engagement skillsWillingness to travel (~10%) and support work outside standard hours as neededHold an active Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have…

Ten or more years of relevant experience in data strategy, management, or analyticsExperience advising and partnering with senior leadership and diverse stakeholdersTrack record of collaboration with external partners and organizationsFamiliarity with AMDS programs, sponsors, and mission challenges
About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [email protected].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually
AMDS is seeking a forward-thinking, mission-driven Chief Data Officer to transform data into a strategic asset. In this role, you will partner with senior leadership, technical teams, and program stakeholders to modernize how data is governed, integrated, and operationalized—accelerating mission impact. You will define and execute an enterprise data strategy aligned with AMDS priorities, ensuring data is accessible, secure, and AI/ML-ready. This includes establishing robust governance, enabling scalable and resilient architectures, and fostering a culture of data accountability and trust across the sector.

As the Chief Data Officer, you will:

Lead the development and execution of an enterprise data strategy aligned to mission prioritiesEstablish and enforce data governance to ensure quality, integrity, security, and complianceDrive cross-organizational alignment, serving as the enterprise integrator across leadership, programs, and technical teamsArchitect and oversee a resilient data environment, including platforms, pipelines, and infrastructureInstitutionalize full lifecycle data management—from curation and storage to access and retentionEnable seamless data integration to improve interoperability, accessibility, and scalabilityEvaluate and adopt emerging technologies to continuously modernize the data ecosystem and advance AI/ML readiness
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have…

A Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related fieldAt least 8 years of experience in data strategy, data management, analytics, or related roles within complex, technical, or mission-driven environmentsDemonstrated experience designing and implementing scalable data architecturesProven expertise in establishing and enforcing data governance frameworks and policiesStrong understanding of data lifecycle management and technologiesAbility to evaluate and integrate emerging data technologies into operational environmentsProven ability to align stakeholders and drive enterprise data practicesStrong communication and stakeholder engagement skillsWillingness to travel (~10%) and support work outside standard hours as neededHold an active Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have…

Ten or more years of relevant experience in data strategy, management, or analyticsExperience advising and partnering with senior leadership and diverse stakeholdersTrack record of collaboration with external partners and organizationsFamiliarity with AMDS programs, sponsors, and mission challenges