Remote Data Architect Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA)*, the private fundraising and alumni relations organization for the University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking a seasoned Senior IT Technical Business Analyst to join our Project Portfolio Planning and Management (P3MO) team. This senior role partners with business and technical stakeholders to deliver complex, cross-functional solutions through advanced requirements gathering, process analysis, technical solution design, and UAT leadership - while setting the standard for BA practice across the organization.

The Senior BA takes ownership of BA methodology and standards, mentors analysts and project team members, and proactively identifies process improvement opportunities with a high degree of independence. Candidates must bring 8+ years of BA experience with demonstrated progression into senior-level responsibilities. Certification in Business Analysis (CBAP, CCBA, PMI-PBA, or Salesforce Certified BA) or Agile methodologies (CSM, SAFe) is strongly preferred.

If you are passionate about elevating BA practice, driving business transformation through technology, and developing the next generation of analysts, please apply!

Please note: This position can be hired as hybrid or 100% remote for the right experience level. Remote candidates must reside in the following states to be considered: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Texas, and Wisconsin. 

Requirements Gathering & Analysis

• Lead stakeholder engagement to gather, define, and validate complex business and technical requirements across large, cross-functional initiatives.
• Author and maintain functional specifications, user stories, use cases, and traceability matrices at a level of quality that sets the standard for the team.

Business Process Analysis & Improvement

• Independently identify and pursue process improvement opportunities across business and IT functions without requiring direct assignment.
• Lead current-state and future-state analysis, facilitating design sessions to drive consensus on optimized workflows and technology solutions.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement by establishing repeatable frameworks for process analysis and solution evaluation.
• Look for opportunities to first simplify and improve business processes, using AI tools, if possible, before proposing and solution.

BA Standards & Methodology

• Develop, document, and maintain BA standards, templates, and best practices for the P3MO, ensuring consistency and quality across all BA work products.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on BA methodology (e.g., BABOK, Agile BA practices), advising project teams and leadership on appropriate approaches.
• Work in a contributor role with P3MO leadership to advance adoption of BA standards across the division, helping embed standards as a formal, recognized practice.
• Evaluate and recommend BA tools, techniques, and AI-assisted analysis capabilities to improve team efficiency and output quality.

Mentoring & Team Development

• Mentor BAs at all levels, providing guidance on BA practices, including elicitation techniques, documentation quality, and stakeholder management.
• Coach project team members - including project managers, developers, and QA staff - on effective engagement with the BA process and requirements artifacts.
• Contribute to onboarding and skills development programs for new BAs joining the team.
• Share expertise through knowledge-sharing sessions and informal coaching opportunities.

Technical Solution Design

• Apply advanced knowledge in databases, data modeling, and system architecture to collaborate with technical teams in designing scalable, secure IT solutions aligned with business requirements.
• Lead technical discovery sessions and produce solution design artifacts that serve as authoritative references for development teams.

Stakeholder Communication & Leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior business stakeholders and technical leaders, facilitating alignment across competing priorities and complex organizational dynamics.
• Communicate project status, risks, and recommendations to executive audiences clearly and with appropriate framing.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Utilize SQL and other analytical tools to query databases, analyze data, and generate insights that drive business decision-making.
• Design and implement reusable reporting frameworks and dashboards that improve visibility across projects and portfolios.

System Integration

• Lead integration analysis across platforms including Salesforce, MuleSoft, and Oracle NetSuite, ensuring seamless data flow, process automation, and alignment with enterprise architecture.

Quality Assurance

• Define QA and UAT strategies for complex initiatives; in partnership with our QA team, lead UAT efforts and ensure delivered solutions fully satisfy documented business requirements.
• Collaborate with our QA team to establish testing templates and standards that support consistent quality outcomes across the BA team.

Project & Work Management

• Manage a personal portfolio of projects and BA initiatives with a high degree of independence, self-directing priorities and deliverables in alignment with P3MO goals.
• Partner with project managers to define scope, timelines, and milestones, and independently lead smaller to mid-size projects end-to-end.
• Proactively identify, escalate, and help resolve risks and dependencies throughout the project lifecycle.

Additional Roles

• Depending on the requirements of the project, the Senior IT Technical Business Analyst may sometimes take on other responsibilities within the Project Management Office, such as serving as a Project Manager or Scrum Master.

Required Qualifications:

• 8+ years of proven experience as a Business Analyst with a technical focus, with demonstrated progression into senior-level responsibilities.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or equivalent experience.
• Substantial experience with CRM, ERP, and/or Financial Reporting systems, including hands-on work with Salesforce, MuleSoft, Oracle NetSuite, or similar platforms.
• Deep expertise in the Business Analyst role and associated competencies; advanced knowledge of SDLC principles across waterfall, Agile, and hybrid delivery models.
• Demonstrated experience defining and implementing BA standards, templates, methodologies, or governance frameworks within a team or organizational context.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills; able to synthesize complex information, uncover root causes, and recommend actionable, strategic solutions.
• Proficiency with tools including Visio, JIRA, Confluence, and technical skills including SQL and SOQL. Familiarity with Python or R for advanced data analysis and automation is a plus.
• Knowledge of ETL processes, enterprise architecture concepts, and system integration patterns.
• Applied AI and automation literacy, with demonstrated ability to leverage AI tools responsibly within governed requirements and business-aligned workflows.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop other BAs and project team members, with a track record of positive impact on team capability and output quality.
• Ability to work with high autonomy - independently identifying opportunities, managing competing priorities, and delivering results without close supervision.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to present data-driven insights to executive stakeholders and navigate complex organizational dynamics.
• Certification in Business Analysis (Salesforce Certified BA, CBAP, CCBA, PMI-PBA) or Agile methodologies (CSM, SAFe) strongly preferred; Six Sigma Green Belt or higher is a plus.

At WFAA, we are dedicated to creating an inspiring, creative, and respectful work environment for our employees. We offer competitive pay and an outstanding benefits program, including a generous 10% 401k contribution after just one year of service! Join us and be part of a team that values your growth and well-being. Click here to learn more about our employee benefits! 

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer *The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is the "doing business as" name of the merged organization comprising the University of Wisconsin Foundation (advanceuw.org) and the Wisconsin Alumni Association (uwalumni.com). Its legal corporate name is registered as the University of Wisconsin Foundation.