Enterprise Architect Senior Director

Sidley Austin•Dallas, TX

1d•$273,000 - $409,500•Hybrid

About The Position

The Enterprise Architecture Senior Director provides strategic leadership for the firm's enterprise architecture, technology standards, and architecture governance. Reporting to the CIO, this role is responsible for developing and governing the firm's enterprise architecture blueprint, defining technology standards across infrastructure, applications, data, and AI, and establishing the governance processes that ensure technology investments align with business strategy. The Senior Director partners closely with business and technology leaders to shape the enterprise technology roadmap, evaluate emerging technologies, and lead a high-performing architecture organization that enables innovation while managing technology risk.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, MIS or other relevant degree.
Experience building or establishing an enterprise architecture blueprint/inventory from limited or fragmented documentation, including asset cataloging, integration mapping, and maturity assessment.
A minimum of 15 years of experience in enterprise architecture roles spanning infrastructure, applications, and data — not limited to a single domain.
Advanced enterprise architecture certification (e.g., Master Architect, Open Group Certified Architect, or equivalent).
Demonstrated experience leading enterprise architecture functions, including developing teams, managing budgets, and influencing executive stakeholders.
Strong, current knowledge of AI and data technologies, architectural patterns, and principles, with the ability to evaluate emerging tools critically.
Proven ability to engage with business and functional stakeholders to understand needs and translate them into technical strategy.
Proven experience developing and executing enterprise technology strategy and multi-year technology roadmaps aligned to business objectives.
Experience building, certifying, or governing technology patterns, standards, or reusable templates adopted across multiple teams.
Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and technical teams alike.
Experience managing or mentoring a team of architects or technical leads.
Strong organizational skills
Strong attention to detail
Good judgment
Strong interpersonal communication skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
Able to work under pressure
Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

Nice To Haves

Experience in a professional service, legal, or other environment with strict confidentiality and data governance requirements.
Relevant architecture certification (e.g., TOGAF) or equivalent demonstrated experience.
Demonstrated success leading organizational and technology transformation initiatives.

Responsibilities

Develop, maintain, and govern the firm's enterprise architecture blueprint, including the inventory of technology assets, application integrations, and architecture maturity assessments.
Define and enforce enterprise architecture standards across applications, infrastructure, data, and integration platforms.
Establish and lead the Architecture Review Board (ARB), Solution Review Board (SRB), and Change Review Board (CRB) to ensure governance, consistency, and risk management.
Build and lead the Patterns & Practices function, establishing approved technology standards, reference architectures, templates, and reusable patterns across IT, Data, and AI.
Develop and maintain the enterprise technology strategy and roadmap in partnership with the CIO and business leaders.
Evaluate emerging technologies—including AI, data, and cloud platforms—and provide recommendations for enterprise adoption and governance.
Partner with business and technology leaders to translate strategic objectives into enterprise architecture and technology solutions.
Provide architectural oversight for major initiatives, ensuring alignment with enterprise standards, target architecture, and long-term technology strategy.
Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing team of enterprise architects and technical leaders, providing strategic direction, performance management, and talent development for direct reports.
Oversee architectural risk associated with significant technology changes through the Change Review Board process.
Serve as the CIO's trusted advisor on enterprise architecture, technology strategy, and emerging industry trends.