Executive Director, Enterprise Architecture

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

2d

About The Position

The System Offices is one of several system members within the Texas A&M University System representing one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a network of 12 universities, a comprehensive health science center, nine state agencies, and the RELLIS Campus. The Texas A&M University System mission is to provide education, conduct research, commercialize technology, offer training, and deliver services for the people of Texas and beyond. The System Offices, within the Texas A&M University System, provides an outstanding benefits package including, but not limited to: competitive health benefits; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; a defined benefit retirement plan to include an employer contribution through Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS); if applicable, a defined contribution retirement plan to include an employer contribution through an approved ORP vendor: additional voluntary tax deferred annuity (TDA) options; tuition assistance; and wellness programs to promote work/life balance. Salary: Commensurate with experience. Job Description Summary: The Executive Director, Enterprise Architecture, under general direction of the System CIO, provides strategic and operational leadership for the enterprise architecture function within the Office of Information Technology. Works closely with the Chief Information Officer, Chief Shared Services Officer, Chief Information Officer for the System Offices, and the Deputy Chief Information Officer on the research, selection, architecture, design, and cost-effectiveness of emerging technologies. Provides oversight of enterprise architecture activities, strategic planning and development, technology governance, and program administration across the System Office and its member institutions.

Requirements

• Masters Degree or Doctorate Degree in applicable field.
• Eight years of related experience (Masters degree).
• Seven years of related experience (Doctorate degree)
• Extensive knowledge of enterprise architecture principles, frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman), reference architectures, design patterns, and governance models, and the ability to apply these strategically across a complex, multi-institution public university system with diverse technical environments and institutional missions.
• Knowledge of current-state and target-state architecture modeling, including the development of multi-year technology roadmaps, tradeoff analyses, investment option frameworks, and portfolio rationalization strategies that connect business strategy to execution.
• Knowledge of artificial intelligence and machine learning concepts-including deep learning, natural language processing, generative Al, large language models, and agentic Al systems-sufficient to engage in substantive technical discussions with Al researchers, evaluate Al solution proposals, and provide architectural direction for Al initiatives across the System.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
• This is a security-sensitive position and is restricted to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents only.
• Only complete applications will be considered for employment at The Texas A&M System Offices.
• Incomplete job application data could result in your application being rejected without an option to reapply.
• A cover letter and resume may be required in addition to a completed employment application.
• All positions are security-sensitive.
• Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Responsibilities

• Enterprise Architecture Strategy, Governance, and Leadership - Working very closely with the OIT senior leadership team in advising and supporting them in their roles.
• Provides overall direction, guidance, and definition of enterprise architecture to support institutional strategy and digital transformation across the Texas A&M University System, translating strategic objectives and operating models into current-state and target-state architectures with clear roadmaps, tradeoff analyses, and investment options.
• Develops, maintains, and communicates a comprehensive enterprise architecture strategy and multi-year technology roadmap aligned with System priorities, ensuring IT projects, applications, and services are in alignment with the roadmap.
• Establishes and maintains enterprise architecture principles, standards, reference architectures, design patterns, and guardrails across all technology domains and for the Texas A&M System.
• Chairs architecture governance forums to ensure proposed solutions align with target-state architecture while providing delivery teams clear boundaries and autonomous decision-making within those boundaries.
• Emerging Technologies, Research, and Digital Transformation - Keeps abreast of industry trends, IT best practices, and new technologies impacting the A&M System.
• Reviews emerging technologies, tools, products, and IT services and oversees the selection process for acquisition of these technologies.
• Conducts research, development, and business assessment of new emerging technology products, platforms, and service models, including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, automation, and data-driven capabilities.
• Initiates proofs-of-concept (PoC), pilots, and prepares white papers and documentation of PoC results, recommendations, and operational support.
• Leads enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives by architecting solutions that modernize legacy systems, adopt cloud-native and hybrid cloud approaches, and leverage Al, automation, and modern development practices including DevOps, Cl/CD, and agile delivery.
• Cross-Institutional Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement - Serves as the primary enterprise architecture liaison across the System, collaborating with member institution CIOs, other institutions as needed in the state of Texas, IT leadership, entity architects, and functional stakeholders to develop shared technology strategies, common platforms, and reusable architectural assets.
• Works closely with the OIT leadership team and staff members to ensure enterprise architecture supports and enables the delivery of shared services, operational excellence, and institutional competitiveness across the System Office and its members.
• Meets with IT stakeholders to understand business requirements for IT solutions, assess feasibility, define scope, create project plans, and make architecture and design recommendations.
• Surfaces gaps in process, architecture, and roadmap and collaborates with System IT leadership to prioritize, evaluate, and adjust IT strategy.
• Team Leadership, Talent Development, and Capacity Building - Directly supervises and maintains responsibility for multiple positions within the enterprise architecture function, including directing the efforts of architects and other professional staff.
• Identifies and develops IT talent across the system within the architecture function.
• Provides mentorship, coaching, and technical guidance to enterprise architects and solution architects across the system, and OIT staff, elevating architectural thinking and practice across the organization.
• Professional Development and Other Duties - Participates in training and professional development with special emphasis on leadership development, industry and technology-related acumen, enterprise architecture frameworks, and project and operations management.
• Represents the Texas A&M University System in higher education technology forums, advisory boards, industry working groups, and professional organizations to share best practices and stay current with sector trends.
• Serves on various state, local, University, and System-wide committees, task forces, and initiatives related to information technology, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and enterprise architecture as directed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• competitive health benefits
• paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• a defined benefit retirement plan to include an employer contribution through Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• a defined contribution retirement plan to include an employer contribution through an approved ORP vendor
• additional voluntary tax deferred annuity (TDA) options
• tuition assistance
• wellness programs to promote work/life balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive