Freelance - Principal Data Architect

RAPP Chicago is looking for a Freelance - Principal Data Architect to join our award-winning Technology team.

WHO WE ARE:

We are RAPP – world leaders in activating growth with precision and empathy at scale.

As a global, next-generation precision marketing agency we leverage data, creativity, technology, and empathy to foster client growth. We champion individuality in the marketing solutions we create, and in our workplace. We fight for solutions that adapt to the individual’s needs, beliefs, behaviors, and aspirations.



We foster an inclusive workplace that emphasizes personal well-being.

HOW WE DO IT:

At RAPP, our fearless superconnectors help to create value from personal brand experiences by focusing on three key areas: connected data, connected content and connected decisioning.


Our data analysts identify who that person is, our strategists understand what they want, and our award-winning technologists and creatives know how to deliver it – ensuring we’re able to activate authentic customer connections for our clients.


Part of Omnicom’s Precision Marketing Group, RAPP is comprised of 2,000+ creatives, technologists, strategists, and data and marketing scientists across 15+ global markets.

YOUR ROLE:

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Data Architect (Consultant) to guide our organization in designing, implementing, and optimizing enterprise data architecture. This role is critical in shaping data strategy, ensuring scalability, and enabling advanced analytics and AI-driven solutions. As a consultant, you will provide thought leadership, evaluate current systems, and recommend best practices to maximize the value of data assets.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategic Data Architecture
  • Define and implement enterprise-wide data architecture strategy aligned with business goals.
  • Develop and maintain data models (conceptual, logical, physical) that support operational and analytical needs.
  • Evaluate emerging data technologies and recommend adoption strategies.
• Consulting & Advisory
  • Assess current state of data platforms, pipelines, and governance frameworks.
  • Provide expert recommendations to improve scalability, security, and performance.
  • Advise executives and stakeholders on data modernization initiatives (e.g., cloud migration, data mesh, data fabric).
• Data Management & Governance
  • Establish standards for data quality, metadata management, lineage, and master data.
  • Partner with data governance teams to ensure compliance with regulatory and security requirements (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA).
• Solution Design & Delivery
  • Design and oversee implementation of data warehouses, data lakes, and streaming platforms.
  • Ensure integration across structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data sources.
  • Define reference architectures and reusable frameworks for data pipelines and APIs.
• Collaboration & Leadership
  • Partner with business units, engineering teams, and analytics teams to ensure solutions meet requirements.
  • Mentor and guide data engineers, analysts, and architects on best practices.
  • Act as a trusted advisor to CDOs, CIOs, and other senior leaders.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• 7+ years of experience in data architecture, data engineering, or related fields.
• Proven consulting experience with enterprise clients across industries.
• Deep expertise in modern data platforms (Snowflake, Databricks, Redshift, BigQuery, Synapse).
• Strong knowledge of data modeling, ETL/ELT, streaming technologies (Airflow, Kafka, Kinesis), and API-based integrations.
• Experience with cloud ecosystems (AWS, Azure, GCP) and hybrid data architectures.
• Solid understanding of data governance, security, and compliance frameworks.
• Strong communication skills to translate complex data concepts into business terms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AI/ML data readiness and MLOps integration.
• Familiarity with data mesh, data fabric, or distributed data architectures.
• Certifications in cloud platforms or data management frameworks.

Engagement Type

• Consulting role: Project-based or retainer engagement depending on client needs.
• Remote and onsite collaboration options available.

Our hybrid work model:

RAPP's current hybrid model is designed to enable in-person connections and collaboration that is core to our culture, while also supporting flexibility for all employees. As such, we have the option to work from home two days per week, if we'd like.

RAPP provides a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits plan. Benefits for this role include health/vision/dental insurance, 401(k), stock options, Healthcare & Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts, vacation, sick, and personal days and positive activism days, paid parental leave and disability benefits. For more information regarding Omnicom benefits, please visit www.omnicombenefits.com. A reasonable estimate of the salary for this role, at the time of posting, is $81 - $101/hr. This range is specific to Chicago and multiple factors are considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to: skill set, experience and training, certifications; etc. This is an exempt position. If your requirements fall outside of this range, you are still welcome to apply.

“As an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status.”

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.