IT Solution Architect

Department: Operations
Reports to: Director of Information Technology
Classification: Regular, full time, exempt
Supervisory responsibility: None
Work environment: Hybrid (3 days onsite, 2 days remote)

At Visit California, we are committed to leveraging technology to drive innovation and deliver exceptional value to our stakeholders. We are seeking a dynamic Solutions Architect who combines deep technical expertise with strong business acumen to lead enterprise architecture initiatives and foster impactful relationships across the organization.

As a Solution Architect, you will be instrumental in shaping our technology future by leading the architectural design and implementation of strategic IT initiatives while building and maintaining strong relationships across departments. You will orchestrate complex organizational architecture integrations, ensuring alignment with budget, timelines, and scope. Your role involves proactively identifying and mitigating technical risks, such as data silos and governance issues, and providing expert architectural guidance while ensuring alignment with business goals. You will also contribute to the development and maintenance of enterprise architecture standards and best practices.

Areas of responsibility

40% Strategic Leadership & Technical Solutioning

Evaluate and recommend scalable technology solutions aligned with organizational strategy. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business needs into architectural blueprints. Lead technical evaluations of vendor proposals and contribute to Scopes of Work, RFBs and RFPs. Architect solutions for complex, multi-domain projects and define architectural strategies and roadmaps. Govern the development and maintenance of enterprise architecture standards. Research and evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends. Ensure recommendations are business-driven, financially sound and timeline-conscious. Develop and articulate clear and concise architectural strategies that support business objectives and provide a roadmap for future technology initiatives.

30% Business Relationship Management & Strategic Alignment

Build and maintain strategic relationships with business units and external partners. Act as a liaison between IT and business stakeholders to align technology initiatives with business goals. Identify opportunities for innovation and growth through strategic partnerships. Facilitate conflict resolution and ensure stakeholder satisfaction. Promote a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

20% Governance & Project Oversight

Provide architectural oversight to ensure project objectives and timelines are met. Validate solution alignment with approved architecture and intended business value. Identify and mitigate architectural and relational risks impacting delivery or strategy. Document and communicate architectural decisions and standards. Lead architecture compliance reviews and participate in governance processes.

10% Other Duties as Assigned

Support additional responsibilities that contribute to organizational success.

Qualifications and experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or equivalent work experience in related field (Master's degree preferred)

Experience

• 7+ years of progressive experience in IT, with a strong focus on solution architecture and design
• Hands-on experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), specific programming languages, middleware technologies, databases, security frameworks

Specific job requirements

• Proven track record of developing and implementing enterprise-level architectural solutions
• Deep understanding of various architectural patterns, integration methodologies and data management principles
• Solid understanding of security best practices and architectural considerations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, presentation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate effectively
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment
• Business acumen
• Communication
• Organization and time management
• Technology: Mac OS and iOS, Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Skills

• TOGAF
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect
• Azure Solutions Architect Expert
• BRMP/PMP

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment characteristics are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Physical
Sitting for long periods of time working at the computer. Viewing of computer monitor. Keyboarding: use of fingers to make small movements such as typing and mouse usage. Position may require varied work hours that include early morning meetings, late event meetings and weekend work for upgrades and installations that must be performed outside of normal business hours. Position may require travel to industry conferences and training seminars as needed, as well as to disaster recovery site(s). Must be available to respond to on-call support requests received outside of normal IT business hours. Ability to lift materials, boxes and equipment up to 50 lbs.

Work Environment
Typical office environment with adequate temperatures and lighting, low levels of noise. Demands of meeting tight deadlines.

Salary and compensation

Salary Range: $122,000 to $180,000

The range displayed reflects the range the organization reasonably expects to pay for the position. The actual base salary is subject to variation due to the role, level, relevant education, training or experience, among other factors.

In addition to a competitive salary, Visit California offers an excellent health benefit package. We also offer a fantastic PTO and holiday leave package, a 401(k) plan, professional development, an employee discount network, an employee assistance program (EAP), fitness center access, parking, a hybrid work environment and much more!

How to apply

Please send your cover letter, resume, two writing samples and salary requirements via email to Visit California jobs at [email protected] .

Employer Disclosure Statement
The above statements and job description is intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed within this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and tasks. Other similar or additional duties are performed as assigned.

Notice to All Potential Job Candidates
Visit California has an organizational commitment to the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility. In that spirit, we welcome all qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, color, sex, ancestry, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, national origin, medical condition, U.S. veteran or military status, pregnancy or any other reasonable accommodation.