Solutions Architect

Key Responsibilities:

Solution Design and Vendor Selection:

• Advise on the design of technology solutions that align with CDLE's strategic goals and objectives
• Develop high-level solution concepts, including system components, interfaces, and data flows
• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather and analyze requirements, ensuring solutions meet business needs
• Evaluate and recommend appropriate technologies and vendors for new initiatives
• Assist in the vendor selection process, including RFP development and proposal evaluation

System Integration Strategy:

• Advise on integration strategies between various internal and external systems
• Develop high-level integration plans that ensure seamless data exchange and process flow across different platforms
• Coordinate with vendors and partner agencies to facilitate smooth integrations

Information Security Guidance:

• Advise on comprehensive security strategies to protect CDLE's data and systems
• Recommend security assessments and risk analyses
• Provide guidance on security controls, including access management, encryption, and threat detection systems
• Ensure alignment with state and federal cybersecurity regulations and standards

Legislative and Regulatory Compliance:

• Develop strategies to ensure all systems and processes comply with applicable regulations
• Collaborate with legal and policy teams to interpret and apply new legislative requirements to technology systems
• Advise on documentation needs for demonstrating compliance during audits and reviews

Technology Governance:

• Recommend technology governance frameworks and policies
• Advise on technology standards, best practices, and procedures across the department
• Participate in steering committees and governance boards
• Provide guidance on project portfolio management to ensure alignment with departmental goals

Technology Roadmap:

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive technology roadmap that aligns with CDLE's long-term strategic plan
• Identify emerging technologies and trends that could benefit the department
• Collaborate with executive leadership to prioritize technology initiatives and investments
• Regularly review and update the roadmap to reflect changing needs and technological advancements

Project Oversight:

• Provide guidance and oversight for major technology projects and initiatives
• Advise on project charters, timelines, and resource plans
• Monitor project progress, risks, and issues, recommending mitigation strategies as needed
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meeting quality standards

Stakeholder Management and Communication:

• Serve as a liaison between technology vendors, implementation teams, and other departments within CDLE
• Communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders effectively
• Prepare and deliver presentations, reports, and recommendations to leadership
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, partners, and other government agencies

Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer:

• Advise on training programs to enhance the technological understanding of CDLE staff
• Recommend documentation and knowledge management strategies to capture and share best practices

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in technology consulting or advisory roles, with at least 10 years in a senior position
• Strong understanding of solution architecture, system integration, and IT security concepts
• Minimum of 5 years of unemployment insurance experience working with a state's department of labor.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant state and federal regulations affecting government technology systems
• Familiarity with technology governance frameworks and project management methodologies
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong leadership and advisory abilities
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience working with government agencies or non-technical organizations is highly desirable