Job Description
The Senior Architect - Enterprise Innovation Lab leads the design and development of technical solutions that modernize Houston ISD's business and student-facing platforms. This role guides architectural strategy for new applications, integrations, and platform extensions - particularly in support of the district's transition from legacy SAP to Oracle Fusion Cloud. The Senior Architect ensures that solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned with long-term district technology goals. As a technical leader, this role also mentors junior architects and contributes to cross-platform governance and innovation.
Responsibilities Senior Architect – Enterprise Innovation Lab - Responsibilities body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: #333; margin: 16px; } .section-label { font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 16px; } ol { margin-top: 0; padding-left: 24px; } li { margin-bottom: 4px; line-height: 1.5; }Responsibilities
- Design technical architecture for new custom applications, cloud integrations, and system extensions.
- Provide leadership on integration strategies between Oracle Fusion, Microsoft systems, and other platforms.
- Guide best practices for secure, scalable software design across the Innovation Lab portfolio.
- Collaborate with functional teams to translate user needs into technical architecture.
- Conduct code reviews, architecture reviews, and risk assessments for in-house development projects.
- Lead proof-of-concept efforts for new technologies, frameworks, or integration approaches.
- Ensure technical solutions meet district security, data governance, and interoperability standards.
- Contribute to DevOps maturity, CI/CD pipeline improvement, and API management strategies.
- Mentor architects and developers, supporting technical growth and solution consistency.
- Other duties as assigned.
Job Qualifications
EDUCATION
Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related field required. Master's degree preferred. Applicants who do not meet these education qualifications may be considered if they have a unique combination of education and work experiences that indicate potential for success in this role.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 7 years in enterprise software architecture or application development, with at least 3 years in a leadership role. Experience with ERP system integration and public sector applications preferred.
TYPE OF SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION
Software Expert-level understanding of application design, microservices, and RESTful APIs Familiarity with Oracle Fusion, Azure, and Microsoft Power Platform Strong knowledge of authentication, data flows, and application security Experience with agile development and software lifecycle tools (e.g., GitHub, Azure DevOps) Certifications/Licensure Preferred certifications: TOGAF, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect, or equivalent Excellent communication skills with ability to convey complex solutions to business leaders
LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
-Provides technical leadership across cross-functional teams. Guides solution architecture strategy and mentors Innovation Lab staff.
WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT
-Designs highly complex systems. Evaluates multiple solution paths, balancing risk, cost, and performance. Exercises independent technical authority.
BUDGET AUTHORITY
-Advises on software tools, cloud consumption, and architectural investments. May contribute to project budgeting and tool selection.
PROBLEM SOLVING
-Solves architecture challenges across new and legacy systems. Ensures interoperability, performance, and maintainability of technical designs.
IMPACT OF DECISIONS
-Solutions affect enterprise reliability, user experience, and long-term sustainability. Architecture flaws can increase technical debt or risk.
COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS
-Communicates frequently with IT directors, developers, and business stakeholders. Translates complex technical decisions into actionable guidance.
CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS
-Enables business and instructional innovation by delivering reliable, modern platform solutions that reduce friction for end users.
WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
-Office environment. May require extended hours for project launches, platform upgrades, or critical deployments.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field
- At least 7 years of experience in enterprise software architecture or application development
- At least 3 years of experience in a leadership role
- Expert-level understanding of application design, microservices, and RESTful APIs
- Strong knowledge of authentication, data flows, and application security
- Experience with agile development and software lifecycle tools
- Excellent communication skills and ability to explain complex technical solutions to business leaders
- Master's degree
- Experience with ERP system integration and public sector applications
- Familiarity with Oracle Fusion, Azure, and Microsoft Power Platform
- TOGAF, Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect, or equivalent certification
What We Do
Houston Independent School District (HISD) is a public school district serving students from prekindergarten through grade 12 in Houston, Texas. As the largest public school system in Texas, it provides comprehensive K–12 education and works to prepare students for life beyond the classroom. Its mission emphasizes high-quality, student-centered education, critical thinking, leadership, community participation, and equitable opportunities for success.
