Solutions Architect

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

The Solutions Architect is responsible for overseeing the management of the organization's technological landscape that supports the development and digital delivery of high-stakes assessment products and services to an international clientele. They will play a pivotal role in shaping our digital future by monitoring emerging technologies, identifying digital opportunities, and leading in the planning, implementation, and management of secure, scalable, reliable solutions that align with the organization's business requirements and long-term strategic goals. The Solutions Architect will use their broad range of experience and skills to assess and mitigate risk, ensure compliance with security, privacy, and regulatory requirements, and provide technical leadership and guidance to internal teams as well as vendors and business stakeholders.

As a member of the management team, this role will contribute to the development and management of the technology budget and will continually foster an environment of trust and teamwork in the assessment and operations department.

Responsibilities*

1. Lead the definition and development of the technology strategy so that it aligns with the long-term strategic business plan and enables the delivery of business objectives. Manage the technology roadmap to effectively utilize current and emerging technology capabilities to continually enhance technology-enabled business processes from end-to-end.
2. Provide technical guidance and governance on solution development and integration taking account of competitor/supplier/partner capabilities. Conduct feasibility assessments on proposed solutions. Prepare business cases, including cost/benefit, impact, and risk analysis for each option.
3. Maintain a stable, viable architecture and ensure consistency of design and adherence to appropriate standards. Develop, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPI) for technology. Ensure optimal performance and effective risk management in all areas related to technology infrastructure. Be responsible for the coordination and management of approved technology projects and initiatives supporting the target architecture. Negotiate trade-offs that balance stakeholder preferences with budgetary, technological, and other constraints. Ensure performance of third-party technology partners in delivering on agreed-upon scope through monitoring of task completion and conducting quality assurance.
4. Manage the technology team. Continually build and enhance communication, teamwork, professional development, and core skills among the team. Contribute to the general management of the assessment and operations team by serving as an advocate for technology-related best practices, mentor colleagues across the business on technology topics, and act as a change agent in adopting new technology-enabled business processes. Continually enhance communication among peers and foster an environment of trust and teamwork.
5. Monitor new technologies and assess their potential for new products or services or other applications for the business. Identify digital opportunities and risks, and educate the organization on digital best practices in the industry.
6. Build productive partnerships with joint venture partners, key stakeholders, and vendors, to enable digital strategy execution. Facilitate open communication and discussion between stakeholders, providing informed feedback to assess and promote understanding and cooperation, including the transfer of information and intelligence.
7. Contribute to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the long-term strategic business plan, including budgeting and resource management.

Required Qualifications*

1. Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field, or the equivalent years of experience managing enterprise IT functions
2. Strong understanding of information architecture and design principles, including knowledge of design patterns, best practices, and industry standards
3. An all-rounder with broad knowledge across all technical and non-technical aspects of technology architecture and design, including maintaining an awareness of wider industry trends
4. Strong understanding of digital strategy, emerging technologies, and their application in a business context
5. Strong knowledge of cloud computing systems and technologies, preferably Microsoft Azure
6. Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
7. Proficient in managing multiple stakeholders and balancing diverse requirements
8. Strong leadership skills; ability to influence and guide the team toward a common goal
9. Able to work with cross-functional teams and communicate technical concepts to a nontechnical audience
10. Strong attention to detail, with a commitment to quality and continuous improvement
11. Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
12. Experience working as part of an architecture team to develop and improve architectural framework, practice, and governance process
13. Significant experience in software development, systems engineering, or a similar role
14. Proven experience managing enterprise and solution-level architectures in a small to mid-sized organization
15. Experience managing staff that report directly to you
16. Experience managing complex business change projects involving third-party vendors
17. Experience in database management
18. Some experience in cyber security risk management

Desired Qualifications*

1. Master's degree in computer science or a related field
2. Cloud practitioner certification, The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) certification, or related technical certification(s)
3. Prince2 or PMP project management qualification, and/or Agile project management qualification
4. Understanding of assessment
5. Knowledge of educational technology
6. Some experience managing solutions architecture within the high-stakes assessment industry
7. Some experience managing a budget
8. Experience recruiting and managing strong technical teams

Work Locations

Michigan Language Assessment is seeking candidates located in or around Ann Arbor and supports a fully remote work from home schedule with occasionally scheduled in person activities. Upon request, qualified candidates outside of the Ann Arbor commuting area may be considered.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment.

Additional Information

For additional information, please visit our website.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.