The Senior Data and Automation Engineer is a key role within Marketing Operations responsible for maintaining the data infrastructure that supports outbound university communication campaigns while building and enabling the AI capabilities the marketing organization needs to operate effectively and grow. This role owns the data mart, audience management, and list delivery functions that underpin campaign execution — and also serves as the team's embedded AI resource and consultant, building automations, integrations, and tools, and enabling the broader marketing organization to adopt AI practices with structure and intention. This individual operates at the intersection of data operations and emerging technology, translating business needs into data solutions and AI-powered workflows. The role requires someone equally comfortable in the technical details of our data environment and in strategic conversations about where automation and AI can create lasting value for the marketing organization.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Data Operations

• Own and maintain the Marketing Operations Data Mart (MODM), including sourcing new data fields, managing tables as the reference source of truth, and coordinating with IT as business needs evolve.
• Manage and deliver campaign audience lists and segment files for Capella campaigns, including complex targeting scenarios that require data outside of the MODM.
• Subject matter expert and go-to resource for data questions across Marketing — field selection, data access, and interpretation of USHE data in context.
• Respond to ad hoc data requests from teams outside of Marketing, applying judgment and institutional context to respond accurately and efficiently.
• Provide strategic data consultation — connecting business questions to what the data can support and proactively identifying opportunities for stronger segmentation and audience strategy.
• Audit current data processes and reports to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.
• Serve as liaison throughout Marketing for IT and Data Engineering partners.

AI/Automation

• Serve as Marketing’s embedded AI resource, functioning in both a builder and an enabler capacity as the situation requires.
• Build automations, API integrations, and AI-powered tools for marketing teams that lack the access, licenses, or technical capacity to build independently.
• Develop and maintain workflow automations within platforms such as Adobe Workfront Fusion, including project intake automations, routing and status workflows, and API connections to broader marketing tools and processes.
• Pilot and test new AI use cases before broader rollout; proposing tools that would enhance adoption if necessary. Then, measure and report on the performance and adoption of automated workflows and AI initiatives to inform what to scale, optimize, or retire.
• Troubleshoot system integrations, API connections, and workflow errors as part of ongoing maintenance.
• Serve as a centralized resource for AI adoption across the marketing organization — maintaining prompt best practices, sharing tools and resources, and providing consultation on AI approach and implementation.
• Stay current on emerging AI tools, platforms, and capabilities relevant to marketing and proactively share knowledge across the team.
• Identify inefficiencies across marketing workflows and build scalable, repeatable solutions with an automation-first mindset.
• Support the transition from ad hoc AI experimentation to structured, normalized AI practices across the marketing organization.

Job Skills:

•  Proficiency in SQL; experience with analytic and data retrieval tools (SAS, SQL, and/or R).
• Familiarity with scripting languages such as Python or JavaScript for data manipulation and custom automation (preferred).
• Strong technical experience with enterprise data systems and data mart environments.
• Familiarity with Email Service Platforms (Eloqua preferred).
• Strong experience with audience identification, segmentation, and list management best practices.
• Proficiency with AI tools, large language models, and prompt engineering.
• Experience building automations, API integrations, or workflow tools — familiarity with platforms such as Adobe Workfront, Adobe Workfront Fusion , Zapier, Make, or similar.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate ambiguous business questions into data or technical solutions.
• Ability to identify, assess, and evaluate process improvement opportunities.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Clearly established ability to innovate and execute.
• Strong track record of effective communication with the immediate team and other departments with an overall strong leadership presence.
• Proven ability to influence change and drive adoption of new tools and practices.
• Capacity to work successfully in an ambiguous environment.
• Strong personal brand and credibility; strategic thinking and ability to influence across several levels.
• Internal drive to continue to learn and grow as a professional and individual.

Work Experience:

• 5-8 years of experience in marketing operations, data operations, or a related field.
• Strong effective interpersonal skills including the ability to work with all levels of management, staff, external vendors, and others.
• Knowledge of business and management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of project management principles and practices.
• Strong database and data management skills.
• Preferred 5 years of marketing operations or data operations experience.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required, from an accredited institution.

Other:

• Must be able to travel occasionally should a business need arise. For most roles travel would not be common. Travel may involve plane, car or metro. In accordance with ADA policies, reasonable accommodations regarding travel limitations can be provided. Travel will be more common for roles such as Account Executives (25 - 50%), senior leaders (10 – 20%) or Capella Core Faculty (5 – 10%). 
• Ability to work onsite in Corporate or Campus location (in a typical office environment) may be required based on role. If so, this would include being mobile within the office, including movement from floor-to-floor using elevators or stairs.
• If offsite or hybrid role, must have access to work in setting which enables meeting all requirements of the role (including privacy, reliable internet access, phone, ability to video conference, etc.) at a remote location.
• Faculty and Federal Work Study roles require access to work in setting which enables meeting all requirements of the role (including computer, privacy, reliable internet access, phone, ability to video conference, etc.) at a remote location.
• This role may require lifting, however reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with our ADA policies.
• Must be able to meet critical thinking and problem solving aspects aligned to job duties, as well as effectively communicating with co-workers.
• Must be able to work more than 40 hours per week when business needs warrant. Accommodations related to schedule may be considered. 
• Able to access information using a computer.
• Other essential functions and marginal job functions are subject to modification.

SEI offers a comprehensive package of benefits to employees scheduled 30 hours or more per week. In addition to medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans, SEI employees may take advantage of well-being incentives, parental leave, paid time off, certain paid holidays, tax saving accounts (FSA, HSA), 401(k) retirement benefit, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, tuition assistance as well as entertainment and retail discounts. Non-exempt employees are eligible for overtime pay, if applicable.

Careers - Our Benefits, Strategic Education, Inc

SEI is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture where individuals can grow their careers and contribute fully. We strive to attract talent with broad experiences, skills and perspectives. We welcome applications from all. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top end of the pay range at SEI, we offer a competitive salary.  The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate may vary depending on multiple factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, geographical location, and internal pay equity. Our Talent Acquisition Team is ready to discuss your interest in joining SEI. The expected salary range for this position is below.

$95,100.00 - $142,600.00 - Salary

If you require reasonable accommodations to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at [email protected].