Cloud Architect

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Network Manager, the Cloud Architect serves as the agency's lead cloud architecture professional responsible for the strategic design, governance, and optimization of the Ohio Secretary of State's Microsoft Azure environment. Develops and maintains cloud architecture standards, evaluates emerging technologies, establishes governance and security frameworks, and provides technical leadership for cloud migration, modernization, and operational initiatives. Ensures cloud solutions are scalable, secure, resilient, compliant, and cost-effective while supporting agency business objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Cloud Strategy and Architecture

• Develops and maintains enterprise cloud architecture standards, principles, and roadmaps.
• Designs scalable, secure, highly available, and cost-effective cloud solutions.
• Evaluates existing and proposed applications for cloud suitability and deployment models.
• Establishes Azure landing zones, tenant structures, subscription strategies, and resource governance models.
• Provides architectural direction regarding cloud migration, modernization, and application hosting strategies.
• Reviews and approves cloud solution designs and implementation plans.

Cloud Governance and Risk Management

• Establishes cloud governance policies, standards, and best practices.
• Ensures cloud environments comply with applicable security, regulatory, and operational requirements.
• Conducts architecture reviews, risk assessments, and technical evaluations.
• Collaborates with Cyber Defense Team and infrastructure staff to ensure appropriate cloud security controls are incorporated into designs.
• Serves as a technical advisor during cloud-related incidents, outages, and recovery efforts.

Cloud Program Leadership

• Collaborates with business stakeholders, project teams, vendors, and technical staff to develop cloud solutions that meet operational requirements.
• Participates in RFP development, vendor evaluations, and technical solution reviews.
• Develops cloud adoption strategies and implementation roadmaps.
• Provides mentorship and technical guidance to engineering and operational staff.
• Facilitates knowledge transfer and documentation to reduce operational dependency on individual resources.

Cost Optimization and Operational Excellence

• Monitors cloud utilization and recommends cost-saving opportunities.
• Reviews Azure Advisor recommendations and other optimization tools.
• Develops standards for resource utilization, reservation strategies, storage selection, and performance optimization.
• Ensures disaster recovery, business continuity, and resiliency requirements are incorporated into cloud architecture.
• Maintains architecture documentation, diagrams, standards, and technical procedures

Unusual Working Conditions

• Unclassified per ORC 124.14(A)(9)
• May require evening and weekend hours, particularly during elections, special events, and major initiatives.
• Occasional statewide travel with possible overnight stays.
• Must possess a valid driver's license or reliable transportation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience

• Required:

o Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field, and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in cloud architecture, systems engineering, infrastructure engineering, or related technology disciplines;

o OR any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Preferred:

o Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert

o Experience designing enterprise-scale Azure environments.

o Experience with cloud governance, security, compliance, and cost management.

o Experience supporting hybrid cloud and on-premises infrastructure environments.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge of cloud computing principles, architecture frameworks, and enterprise technology design.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Azure Application Services, Storage, Azure SQL, Synapse, Backup, Site Recovery, and Key Vault.
• Knowledge CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions.
• Knowledge of cloud security principles, cybersecurity frameworks, and risk management practices.
• Knowledge of business continuity planning, high availability, and resiliency strategies.
• Knowledge of technology project management principles and systems development methodologies.
• Knowledge of cloud cost management, budgeting, and resource optimization practices.
• Knowledge of procurement processes, vendor management, and technical evaluation methods.

Skills

• Skilled in designing scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud solutions.
• Skilled in using scripting languages like PowerShell and Infrastructure as code languages like Bicep, Azure CLI, and Terraform.
• Skilled in evaluating complex technical environments and developing architectural recommendations.
• Skilled in conducting technical research, analysis, and solution assessments.
• Skilled in developing technical standards, policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Skilled in analyzing cloud utilization and identifying optimization opportunities.
• Skilled in facilitating technical discussions and providing strategic guidance.
• Skilled in communicating technical information to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Skilled in preparing reports, presentations, and recommendations for leadership.

Abilities

• Ability to translate business requirements into cloud architecture solutions.
• Ability to evaluate risks and develop effective mitigation strategies.
• Ability to establish long-term cloud roadmaps and technology strategies.
• Ability to lead cross-functional technical initiatives and collaborate with stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating complex technical issues.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Ability to interpret and apply security, governance, and compliance requirements.
• Ability to mentor staff and facilitate knowledge transfer across technical teams.

Technology

• Personal computing; Microsoft Office 365 - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook; collaborative technology like Teams, SharePoint.