Principal Architecture & Risk Lead

University of Virginia

1d•$125,000 - $140,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and influential professional to lead critical initiatives in IT architecture governance and audit mitigation as a Principal Architecture & Risk Lead within ITS at UVA. Reporting directly to the Deputy CIO, this role serves as both a trusted partner and a structured driver of execution — blending technical acumen, process rigor, and a focus on building partnerships across the division. The position will facilitate a new ITS architectural review process, bringing groups together and producing clear, actionable artifacts to help ensure we produce innovative, secure, and resilient services. It will also ensure high-quality engagement and effective follow-through on audit remediation. This is a high-visibility role that requires strong communication skills, the ability to influence diverse stakeholders, and a structured approach to solving complex challenges.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent technical experience).
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical process and audit response writing and the ability to develop visual mapping and presentation materials.
Five or more years of experience working within IT organizations, demonstrating progressive technical expertise and cross-functional collaboration.
Demonstrated ability to influence across an organization and collaborate with both technical and managerial stakeholders.
Strong organizational skills with a structured approach to planning and execution.
Ability to analyze data, processes, and systems to identify gaps and recommend solutions.
Experience with IT audit, compliance, or governance processes.
Prior experience facilitating cross-functional review processes.
Strong consulting or advisory background.

Nice To Haves

Ten or more years of experience.
Depth of experience in roles requiring technical judgment and stakeholder engagement (e.g., technical architecture, systems engineering, IT project/program management, infrastructure, or IT governance).
Technical background demonstrated in prior roles or project experience.
Experience with IT audit, compliance, or governance processes.
Prior experience facilitating cross-functional review processes.
Strong consulting or advisory background.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and facilitation of the ITS Architecture Review process, ensuring structured, transparent, and effective evaluations.
Partner closely with technical teams to frame and position proposed solutions for review, emphasizing clarity, completeness, and strategic alignment.
Serve as a consulting resource and trusted advisor, guiding project teams through the governance process and preparing them for successful review outcomes.
Define, produce, and maintain authoritative artifacts that document architectural decisions and promote knowledge sharing.
Champion consistency, transparency, and alignment in architectural practices across ITS, reinforcing architecture as a value-added discipline.
Act as the initial point of contact (“front door”) for all ITS audit activity, representing the division with professionalism and authority.
Build and maintain a deep understanding of the audit landscape, including evolving requirements, recurring themes, and regulatory expectations.
Partner with teams across ITS to craft technically sound and context-appropriate responses to audit findings, ensuring solutions reflect both compliance needs and organizational realities.
Coordinate and unify ITS responses to audit inquiries, ensuring they are consistent, accurate, and aligned with institutional priorities.
Develop and sustain clear, actionable process documentation and mappings to support ongoing compliance efforts in close collaboration with the Deputy CIO.