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Director Database Administration Jobs in Chicago, IL

Kemper

SQL Server DBA

Downers Grove, IL · Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our success is a direct reflection of the talented and diverse people who make a positive ... Provides advanced administration and support for SQL Server technologies, including SQL Server ...

Kemper

SQL Server DBA

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our success is a direct reflection of the talented and diverse people who make a positive ... Provides advanced administration and support for SQL Server technologies, including SQL Server ...

Atria Group LLC

MySQL DBA

Chicago, IL

... direct technical integrations with the world's most successful companies like General Motors ... Provide system administration support for Red Hat /CentOS Linux web and application servers.

NOW Health Group

ORACLE DBA MANAGER

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$51.25 - $69.50/hr

... administration, support, reliability, performance, security, backup/recovery, and lifecycle ... Mentor and train direct reports as well as other IT team members. * Evaluates systems & data ...

NOW Health Group

ORACLE DBA MANAGER

Bloomingdale, IL

$136K - $177K/hr

... administration, support, reliability, performance, security, backup/recovery, and lifecycle ... Mentor and train direct reports as well as other IT team members. * Evaluates systems & data ...

NOW HEALTH GROUP, INC.

ORACLE DBA MANAGER

Bloomingdale, IL

$51.25 - $69.50/hr

... administration, support, reliability, performance, security, backup/recovery, and lifecycle ... Mentor and train direct reports as well as other IT team members. * Evaluates systems & data ...

E*Pro, Inc.

Exadata Oracle DBA

Chicago, IL

$52.25 - $71/hr

... for direct hires, by one of the world-leading information technology consulting, services, and ... Administration Additional Information

NOW HEALTH GROUP, INC.

ORACLE DBA MANAGER

Bloomingdale, IL

$51.25 - $69.50/hr

... administration, support, reliability, performance, security, backup/recovery, and lifecycle ... Mentor and train direct reports as well as other IT team members. * Evaluates systems & data ...

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All JobsDatabase Administration JobsDirector Database Administration JobsDirector Database Administration Jobs in Chicago, IL

Director Database Administration information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$53.6K

$132.4K

$206K

How much do director database administration jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for director database administration in Chicago, IL is $132,400.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,800.00 and $168,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a director database administration?

A Director of Database Administration oversees the strategy, implementation, and maintenance of an organization’s database systems. They lead teams responsible for database design, performance tuning, security, and backup/recovery processes. This role requires collaborating with other IT leaders to ensure data integrity and compliance with industry regulations. The director also establishes best practices and policies for data management, and may be involved in budgeting and long-term planning for database infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director database administration?

To thrive as a Director of Database Administration, you need deep expertise in database architecture, management, and security, often supported by a degree in computer science and significant experience with enterprise databases. Familiarity with database management systems like Oracle, SQL Server, or MySQL, as well as certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate or Oracle Certified Professional, is typical. Leadership, strategic thinking, and strong communication are vital soft skills for guiding teams and aligning database strategies with business goals. These capabilities are crucial to ensure data integrity, system performance, and the effective support of organizational objectives.

What are the primary challenges faced by a director database administration when leading a large team?

A Director of Database Administration often encounters challenges such as aligning database strategies with organizational objectives, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring data security and compliance. Balancing day-to-day operational demands with long-term planning, such as cloud migrations or adopting new technologies, can be complex. Additionally, fostering collaboration between DBAs, developers, and IT leadership is crucial to maintain system performance and reliability.

What is the difference between Director Database Administration vs Database Manager?

AspectDirector Database AdministrationDatabase Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire database strategies, policies, and team leadershipManages daily database operations, performance, and maintenance
Required CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees and certifications like Oracle Certified ProfessionalOften requires similar certifications but with a focus on operational skills
Work EnvironmentStrategic, leadership-focused, often in larger organizationsOperational, technical, often in mid-sized companies
Industry UsageCommon in enterprise-level companies and IT departmentsWidely used across industries for database operations

The main difference is that the Director Database Administration focuses on strategic leadership and policy setting, while the Database Manager handles day-to-day database operations and performance management.

What are the most commonly searched types of Database Administration jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Database Administration jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Database Administration jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Director Database Administration jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Database Administration jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Database Administration jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Director Database Administration jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Database Administration job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,400 per year, or $63.7 per hour.

Manager, Database Administration

Judge Group, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Other

Re-posted 17 hours ago

Job description

Location: Chicago, IL Salary: $135,000.00 USD Annually - $165,000.00 USD Annually Description:
We are seeking a Manager of Database Administration to lead a high-performing team responsible for the availability, performance, and integrity of enterprise database systems supporting mission-critical applications. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will balance people management with technical oversight, ensuring operational excellence while developing and mentoring a team of database professionals.
Key Responsibilities
  • Manage day-to-day operations of database administration staff supporting both project and production environments
  • Lead and develop a team of 6 to 8 DBAs, including performance reviews, career development, hiring, and team planning
  • Ensure database availability, performance, and recoverability across enterprise systems
  • Partner with engineering, infrastructure, and business teams to support database-related initiatives and projects
  • Review and approve database design changes and ensure alignment with enterprise standards
  • Drive resource planning, project assignments, and prioritization across the team
  • Provide leadership in database strategy, including future cloud migration initiatives
  • Maintain high standards for database design, documentation, and operational processes
  • Contribute to departmental planning, budgeting, and strategic initiatives

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field
  • 7+ years of database administration experience
  • 3+ years of direct people management experience with full responsibility for hiring, performance management, and team development
  • Strong expertise in SQL and relational database systems
  • Experience managing multiple database technologies across different operating systems
  • Deep understanding of database lifecycle, design, and production support

Preferred Qualifications
  • Strong experience with PostgreSQL
  • Background working with DB2 or mainframe environments
  • Exposure to cloud database technologies or migration initiatives
  • Relevant cloud certifications

Why Join
You will step into a highly visible leadership role within a stable, technology-driven organization where your impact will be immediate. This is an opportunity to shape a growing team, influence large-scale database environments, and play a key role in future cloud transformation efforts while building a long-term career.
Next Steps
If you're a hands-on database leader who enjoys building and developing teams while staying close to the technology, this is the role to explore. Apply directly or reach out today to start a conversation and learn how this opportunity can elevate your career trajectory right away.
By providing your phone number, you consent to: (1) receive automated text messages and calls from the Judge Group, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively "Judge") to such phone number regarding job opportunities, your job application, and for other related purposes. Message & data rates apply and message frequency may vary. Consistent with Judge's Privacy Policy, information obtained from your consent will not be shared with third parties for marketing/promotional purposes. Reply STOP to opt out of receiving telephone calls and text messages from Judge and HELP for help.
Contact:
This job and many more are available through The Judge Group. Please apply with us today!

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