IT Architect Sr

Position: IT Architect Sr. Job SummaryThe Senior Microsoft 365 Architect is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing the institution’s Microsoft 365 ecosystem. This role provides the architectural framework for M365 services, ensures alignment with business and security requirements, and leads the strategic evolution of collaboration, identity, security, analytics, and AI capabilities across the environment. This position requires deep expertise in Microsoft 365 administration, Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft Purview, Microsoft Defender, Entra , and M365 reporting/analytics. The architect will serve as the subject matter expert for M365 services, governance, and security, operating with significant autonomy and technical authority. Note: This role will not administer SharePoint but must understand SharePoint Online architecture and its integration points within the broader M365 ecosystem.ResponsibilitiesStrategic Planning & Architecture Develop and maintain the enterprise M365 architecture roadmap aligned with institutional strategy. Evaluate and recommend new M365 capabilities, including AI and automation features. Architect complex M365 solutions, integrations, and service enhancements. Define and enforce governance policies for M365, Copilot, Purview, and Defender. Apply enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman) to M365 planning.Implementation & Operations Oversee deployment, configuration, and lifecycle management of M365 services. Serve as an escalation point for complex M365, identity, and security issues. Maintain architectural documentation, diagrams, and operational standards. Partner with engineering teams to ensure reliable, scalable service delivery.Microsoft Copilot & AI Administration Lead implementation and administration of Microsoft 365 Copilot and related agent capabilities. Define access, data boundaries, and governance for AI features. Ensure alignment with institutional policies, compliance requirements, and risk controls.Security, Compliance & Identity Architect and maintain security controls across Purview, Defender, and Entra best practices for DLP, threat protection, conditional access, and identity governance. Coordinate regular audits, assessments, and compliance reviews. Evaluate the impact of new features or changes across interconnected systems.Reporting, Analytics & Insights Build and maintain Power BI dashboards for M365 usage, adoption, licensing, and security posture. Leverage M365 Admin Center, Entra , Purview, and Defender reporting to produce actionable insights. Develop automated reporting pipelines where appropriate (Graph API, Power Shell, Power Automate). Provide executive level reporting on service health, risk, compliance, and user behavior trends.Collaboration & Communication Partner with IT operations, security, and business stakeholders to align solutions with needs. Mentor technical staff and provide subject matter expertise across the organization. Translate complex technical concepts into clear business language. Lead training and enablement efforts for M365 best practices.Continuous Improvement Stay current with Microsoft 365 roadmap, AI advancements, and industry trends. Proactively identify opportunities to improve performance, security, and user experience. Recommend and implement enhancements to governance, automation, and service delivery.Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Deep expertise in Microsoft 365 services: Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Teams, Entra , Purview, Defender, and related workloads. Hands‑on experience administering and governing Microsoft 365 Copilot. Strong understanding of identity, networking, and security principles. Experience with M365 integrations, hybrid identity, and complex enterprise environments. Experience building Power BI dashboards and reports, especially for M365 usage, adoption, licensing, and security. Familiarity with M365 Admin Center reporting, including usage analytics, security insights, and compliance reporting. Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills. Preferred: Power Platform experience (Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI). Preferred: Familiarity with enterprise architecture frameworks (TOGAF, Zachman). Preferred: Experience with Dataverse.Minimum Qualifications Requires a bachelor’s degree in area of specialty or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) and at least 6–7 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.#J-18808-Ljbffr