Cloud Solutions Architect

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Information Services Division (ISD) is looking for a highly motivated individual to join our team as a Cloud Solutions Architect. The Cloud Solutions Architect is responsible for leading the architecture, governance, implementation, modernization, and support of enterprise cloud solutions and cloud platforms. This position develops and implements enterprise cloud strategy, establishes cloud architecture standards, policies, and governance frameworks, and provides expert guidance on cloud adoption, migration, and optimization initiatives. The incumbent serves as the agency's lead advisor on cloud technologies, infrastructure modernization, security, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and emerging technology solutions. The position collaborates with business and technology stakeholders, evaluates vendor-delivered solutions, and ensures cloud services align with enterprise architecture, security requirements, operational objectives, and long-term technology roadmaps. In addition, the position supervises professional and technical staff, providing leadership, direction, mentoring, training, and performance management while fostering innovation and continuous improvement. This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures. The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in Cloud Solutions including Architecture, developing and deploying Applications and Platforms to the Public Cloud.
• Experience with cloud computing technologies and current computing trends.
• Demonstrated experience communicating complex cloud architecture, infrastructure, security, and technology concepts to technical and non-technical audiences, including management, executives, and IT stakeholders.
• Knowledge of enterprise cloud architecture principles, methodologies, and industry best practices
• Knowledge of public cloud platforms, services, and technologies (Azure, AWS, and/or Google Cloud Platform)
• Knowledge of cloud migration strategies, modernization approaches, and cloud adoption frameworks
• Knowledge of enterprise application, infrastructure, integration, and data architecture
• Knowledge of cloud governance, policy development, and operational management frameworks.
• Knowledge of information security principles, identity management, regulatory compliance requirements, and risk management practices related to cloud environments
• Knowledge of artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, and emerging cloud technologies
• Knowledge of capacity planning, performance optimization, business continuity, and disaster recovery principles
• Knowledge of IT Service Management (ITSM), IT Operations Management (ITOM), and technology lifecycle management practices
• Knowledge of vendor management, cloud service procurement processes, and contract administration principles
• Knowledge of principles and practices of employee supervision, performance management, training, coaching, and staff development
• Skill in designing, implementing, and governing complex enterprise cloud solutions and architectures
• Skill in leading cross-functional cloud modernization, migration, and technology transformation initiatives
• Skill in developing cloud strategies, standards, roadmaps, and governance models
• Skill in evaluating cloud technologies and recommending solutions that align with business and technical objectives
• Skill in providing technical leadership, architectural guidance, and mentorship to technical teams
• Skill in reviewing solution designs and technical deliverables to ensure compliance with architectural and security standards
• Skill in preparing and delivering technical, operational, and budgetary presentations to executive leadership
• Skill in creating and maintaining architectural documentation, diagrams, standards, and technical artifacts
• Skill in building collaborative relationships with executives, stakeholders, vendors, and technical teams
• Skill in supervising professional staff, assigning work, establishing priorities, conducting performance evaluations, and developing employee capabilities.
• Skill in communicating complex technical concepts effectively through written, verbal, and presentation formats.
• Ability to develop and implement enterprise cloud strategies that support organizational goals and business needs
• Ability to lead the adoption of cloud technologies and drive organizational change associated with cloud transformation initiatives
• Ability to balance business requirements, security requirements, operational considerations, and architectural integrity when making technology decisions
• Ability to analyze complex technical problems and develop effective, scalable, and resilient cloud solutions
• Ability to establish and enforce cloud governance standards, policies, and best practices
• Ability to evaluate emerging technologies and determine their applicability to business and operational objectives
• Ability to collaborate effectively with executives, business stakeholders, architects, engineers, vendors, and external partners
• Ability to lead, motivate, mentor, and develop a high-performing technical team
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and strategic initiatives in a dynamic environment
• Ability to influence decision-making and provide trusted technical advice to executive leadership regarding cloud investments and modernization efforts.

Nice To Haves

• Current certification in one of the following Public Cloud Architectures: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect, Azure Solutions Architect

Responsibilities

• Manage and direct subordinate staff, including assigning work, establishing priorities, coaching and mentoring employees, conducting performance evaluations, approving leave, developing staff capabilities, participating in hiring and disciplinary actions, and ensuring successful completion of team objectives.
• Lead the design, development, implementation, and modernization of enterprise cloud architectures, platforms, and services that support agency business goals and technology roadmaps. Develop cloud reference architectures, technology standards, architectural principles, and best practices that promote scalability, resiliency, security, and cost efficiency.
• Provide enterprise architectural leadership and technical governance for internally developed and vendor-delivered cloud solutions. Conduct architecture reviews, evaluate solution designs, review technical deliverables, establish cloud development standards, and ensure compliance with enterprise architecture, security, regulatory, and operational requirements.
• Develop and organize cloud systems with a focus on enabling artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, and advanced analytics capabilities. Evaluate emerging cloud technologies, applications, platforms, hardware, and software solutions to identify opportunities for innovation and operational improvement. Provide technical guidance to cloud developers and implementation teams regarding cloud solution design and deployment best practices.
• Develop and implement enterprise cloud strategy and cloud adoption initiatives. Lead efforts to migrate applications and infrastructure to cloud environments, identify optimal cloud architecture solutions, and balance business functionality requirements with platform performance, maintainability, and engineering health. Participate in cloud provider evaluations, procurement activities, and vendor selection processes.
• Perform cloud capacity planning and forecasting activities. Develop cloud policies, operating standards, and governance frameworks for the operation and management of cloud services. Create and maintain architecture documentation, including cloud roadmaps, design diagrams, infrastructure diagrams, deployment diagrams, and data flow diagrams. Develop and present technical, strategic, and budgetary recommendations to executive leadership regarding cloud technologies, investments, and modernization initiatives.

Benefits

• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Vacation and Sick time off (13 and 12 days per year respectively) - start earning it your 1st day (prorated for part-time employees)
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
• Other Leaves - Bereavement, civic duty, and military.
• A top-ranked retirement program with lifetime pension benefits
• A robust and affordable insurance plan, including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance
• Participation eligibility in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (must meet qualifications)
• RideShare and Public Transit Subsidy
• A variety of learning and career development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed