Data Systems and Operations Lead - Acumen
A global, mission-driven data systems and operations leadership role, focused on strengthening Acumen Academy’s impact through data architecture, governance, reporting, and team enablement.

Open for applications until May 11th.
Hunting process developed by matteria
Location and Work Mode
Remote - Colombia
Who we are
Acumen is a global community of entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists, and social innovators committed to building a world based on dignity. Founded by Jacqueline Novogratz, the organization invests in transformational companies, builds sustainable markets, and develops leaders to address poverty and systemic inequality.
Acumen Academy supports a new generation of social innovators and leaders with the character and competence to solve problems of poverty and build a world based on dignity. With over 2000 Foundry members, 1.3M course sign-ups, and 71 Million lives impacted, the Acumen Academy community represents a new generation of social innovators and leaders committed to solving problems of poverty.
Our impact
500M+ lives impacted globally
$166M assets under management
238M lives impacted through investments
48M metric tons of CO₂ offset
1.3M+ course sign-ups through Acumen Academy
71M lives impacted through Academy initiatives
Purpose of the Position
The Data Systems and Operations Lead will lead the end-to-end transformation of Acumen Academy’s data ecosystem, combining strategic system design with hands-on execution to audit, streamline, and implement scalable data solutions while enabling global teams to effectively use data.
Key Responsibilities
Systems Architecture & Implementation
Lead the design, implementation, and continuous evolution of Acumen Academy’s global data architecture aligned with operational and impact reporting needs
Own the redesign and creation of Salesforce objects and overall system architecture for current and future datasets
Manage end-to-end data system projects, including migrations from legacy systems and implementation of new solutions
Ensure seamless integrations between Salesforce and connected platforms (e.g., LMS, event platforms, marketing tools, Airtable, Form Assembly, SM Apply)
Define and implement system governance frameworks, including user access, permissions, roles, and data security protocols
Develop bilingual (English/Spanish) user experiences, documentation, and system guidelines
Oversee support processes for data systems while progressively enabling self-sufficiency across teams
Continuously identify opportunities to improve system efficiency, scalability, and usability
Data Quality, Reporting & Governance
Establish and maintain comprehensive data governance frameworks in alignment with Legal and Compliance requirements
Champion best practices in data quality, stewardship, privacy, and ethical data use
Design, build, and maintain dashboards and reporting tools (Salesforce, Airtable)
Enable teams to independently access, analyze, and visualize data for decision-making
Implement structured data cleaning, validation, and monitoring processes
Deliver and/or enable access to recurring reports (weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual)
Collaborate with Impact, Partnerships, and Development teams to provide accurate and actionable impact data
Support reporting needs linked to Theory of Change (TOC) and partner requirements
Team Enablement & Capacity Building
Build, mentor, and scale a globally distributed data operations team
Design and deliver onboarding programs and continuous training for new and existing staff
Strengthen data literacy and confidence across non-technical stakeholders
Develop regional capabilities for data entry, management, analysis, and reporting
Identify capability gaps, staffing needs, and structural improvements within the data function
Contribute to strategic planning, prioritization, and budgeting of data systems initiatives
Foster a culture of data ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement across teams.
Requirements and competencies to work with us
Education
Degree in a technical, quantitative, or related field (preferred)
Experience
8–10+ years of experience in data systems, data architecture, or related roles
Proven experience leading end-to-end data system audits, redesign, and implementation in complex or evolving environments
Experience working with fragmented or multi-platform ecosystems, integrating tools and workflows
Demonstrated ability to operate in lean or resource-constrained environments, ideally as a standalone or early-stage function
Experience working in cross-functional and global environments, collaborating with diverse stakeholders
Experience in nonprofits, INGOs, impact organizations, or startups is highly desirable
Knowledge and Skills
Strong hands-on experience with CRM systems (Salesforce strongly preferred, but not exclusive)
Experience integrating and managing tools such as Airtable, HubSpot, Form Assembly, or similar platforms
Data analysis and visualization capabilities (tools may vary; adaptability is key)
Understanding of data governance, data quality, and ethical data practices
Ability to quickly learn and evaluate new tools and systems
English and Spanish are a must.
Competencies
Strong systems thinking with the ability to connect data, processes, and user needs
High execution capacity: ability to move from idea to implementation quickly
Strong prioritization skills in high-demand, multi-stakeholder environments
Ability to translate technical concepts into actionable insights for non-technical teams
Proactive problem-solving and a continuous improvement mindset
Comfort working autonomously in ambiguous and evolving environments
We need someone who can enter chaos, understand it, fix it, and build structure while operating
Our team profile
Strong alignment with mission and values-driven work
High levels of trust, autonomy, and accountability
Collaborative, globally distributed team environment
Emphasis on continuous learning and capacity building
Commitment to ethical, responsible, and impactful use of data.
Key interests for working with us
Poverty alleviation and social impact
Building inclusive and sustainable systems
Leadership development for systemic change
Ethical technology and data use
Climate impact and resilience, Housing, Education, Workforce Development, Agriculture
Reasons to join our team
Opportunity to contribute to global, large-scale social impact
Remote-first, flexible work environment
High ownership and autonomy in role execution
Collaboration with diverse team members across various geographies
Purpose-driven work with tangible, real-world outcomes
Relevant details before applying for this vacancy
Role starts with high ambiguity and lack of structured systems
Requires building while operating (not maintaining existing systems)
Requires both technical and operational skills.
High exposure to multiple stakeholders and requests simultaneously
Requires strong prioritization and an internal “customer service” mindset
Initial phase may feel overwhelming due to system complexity; however, there are peers and documentation to support the onboarding phase.
English is a must
- Category
- Data, Engineering, and Technology
- Locations
- Colombia
- Remote status
- Fully Remote