SUNY Applications Architect for Student Systems

Position Overview

The State University of New York (SUNY) seeks to award a single contract to fulfill the role of Application Architect - Student Systems. This role will focus on supporting the technical and engineering needs of student systems, with the Unified Student Information Management (SIM) System being a critical priority. Additionally, the architect will support other student systems across the SUNY network. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and maintaining data pipelines, managing Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) processes, and ensuring efficient data integration and functionality. They will collaborate with the Project Management Office (PMO) and project leaders to enhance workflows and leverage project management tools, contributing to the success of both the Unified SIM System and other initiatives.

Contract Term

Two years with an option for a one-year extension.

Scope of Services

The Applications Architect for Student Systems will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing software solutions to support student management and educational technologies. This role requires expertise in software architecture and a commitment to enhancing the student experience through innovative solutions. The architect will provide strategic guidance and advice to the Project Director, Implementation Leads, DTP Teams, and Division Directors on business and functional matters. Additionally, the role involves collaborating with the Project Management Office (PMO) to identify areas for improvement and ensure adherence to project management tools and processes.

Key responsibilities:

• Design and develop application architecture for student systems, aligning with institutional goals.

• Collaborate with business analysts, developers, educators, and stakeholders to ensure technical solutions meet business needs.

• Evaluate and recommend tools, technologies, and processes for high-quality solutions.

• Create and maintain architectural documentation, including system diagrams and design specifications.

• Conduct code reviews and guide development teams to adhere to architectural standards.

• Identify and mitigate risks in the design and implementation of software solutions.

• Ensure application architecture is secure, scalable, and maintainable.

• Support integration of new systems with existing infrastructure, including SIS and LMS.

• Design solutions to enhance the student experience, streamline administrative processes, and improve educational outcomes.

• Lead the development of software solutions that drive innovation and enhance the overall technology landscape of student systems.

• Establish and enforce software development best practices, ensuring the alignment of development efforts with architectural vision.

• Provide expertise in troubleshooting complex technical issues, offering solutions that ensure continuity and performance.

• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and educational technology developments to propose relevant improvements.

• Foster a collaborative and agile development environment by actively mentoring team members and promoting knowledge sharing.

• Ensure compliance with data privacy and security regulations, particularly regarding student data management.

• Monitor and optimize system performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes.

Mandatory Qualifications:

• 7 years of experience managing education, government, or corporate projects, with expertise in application design, development, and architecture.

• Proven ability to provide strategic advice to senior management on business and functional matters.

• Experience in evaluating and improving business processes and systems for increased efficiency.

• Experience with cloud-based architectures and services, particularly in an educational or enterprise setting.

• Familiarity with Agile, Scrum, or other project management methodologies to manage project timelines and deliverables effectively.

• Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams to deliver large-scale projects within set deadlines and budgets.

• Experience working in higher education or similar environments, understanding the unique challenges and needs of student systems.

• Strong problem-solving skills, particularly in large, complex system integrations and data migrations.

• Experience with data governance and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of student data across systems.