Chief Enterprise Architect

Brief Job Description:

The Chief Enterprise Architect will be responsible for setting the technical direction and technology standards for the agency by implementing the enterprise architecture practice for a team of architects. This includes aligning technology spending with business objectives, leading the development of reference architectures, implementing technology governance, and introducing emerging technologies.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Plays a critical role in translating business strategy into technical strategy and defines end-to-end technology architectures that support the strategy. Provides architectural expertise on strategic planning actions and policy decisions related to the agency’s systems and makes recommendations concerning the direction of the agency’s computer and management information systems. Develops standards and requirements for the IT department to follow in their implementation of projects. Recommends and participates in the analysis, evaluation and development of enterprise long-term strategic and operating plans to ensure that the EA objectives are consistent with the enterprise’s long-term business objectives. (35%)

Conducts and oversees research and the analysis needed to set the technical direction for the agency. Performs highly advanced and/or managerial (senior level) computer systems analysis work. Provides oversight to many projects ensuring that the technical system architecture design is being developed properly. (25%)

Applies industry best practices for IT systems to perform strategy planning work, alternatives analysis, risk analysis/management, change management, project quality oversight, progress tracking, project reporting, and preparation of strategy document archives. Provides leadership to matrix or multi-discipline teams across the enterprise. Oversees projects, program, product strategy that cross functional agency systems and other state agencies or entities that require coordinating, planning, and scheduling technology standards and innovations during strategy and project development and implementation. Consults and negotiates with customers in providing system design and architecture services, system integration and innovation, rapid solution development and implementation to meet customer needs with automated or business improvement solutions consistent with HHS and Department of Information Resources (DIR) plans, standards, and guidelines. Works with external entities to develop common technologies. (20%)

Hires and manages staff and recommends appropriate personnel actions. Provides direct reports with work assignments, clear direction on responsibilities and performance expectations. Conducts performance evaluations. (20%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of databases, including SQL and NoSQL data stores, e.g. Postgres.
• Knowledge of scripting, such as PowerShell, Python, or Perl.
• Knowledge of cloud delivery models: PaaS, SaaS, IaaS.
• Knowledge of automation of CI/CD and DevOps environment.
• Knowledge of agile (scrum) methodology and scrum ceremonies.
• Knowledge of open-source technology, software development and systems engineering.
• Knowledge of cloud-based services for AWS, Microsoft Azure or GCP.
• Knowledge of OpenStack, Linux/UNIX, Docker, etc.
• Knowledge of declarative languages (e.g., yaml, json, etc.).
• Knowledge of architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF)
• Skill in architecting services, including APIs and Web Services.
• Skill in systems design, programming, implementation and integration of complex distributed IT solutions (e.g. cloud, distributed systems or high-performance computing experience).
• Skill in architecting modern web applications using one or more of the following: Node, Python, Java, Spring, Spring Boot, RDBMS.
• Ability to be adaptable and learn quickly.
• Ability to deliver work within defined schedules, cost and quality.
• Ability to coordinate multiple assignments, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate with a high level of effectiveness both verbally and in written formats.
• Ability to adapt and learn quickly.
• Ability to lead and provide direction to team members.
• Ability to lead the creation of best practices and procedures.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation with major coursework in Information Technology, Computer Science, business administration, management information systems, or a related field is generally preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another up to 4 years.

At least 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in IT, with at least 3-5 years of experience in managing software development and/or software quality assurance teams is required.

Experience in program/portfolio management, IT operational support, project delivery, IT Governance is preferred.

Experience in strategic planning and working with senior and executive level experience.

Additional Information:

Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual.

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