Director, Architecture

Western Governors University • Full-time • Hybrid in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States • $185,500 - $333,900 / year • 3h ago

Fast Facts

The Director of Architecture at WGU will be responsible for defining technology strategy and leading architecture governance while inspiring a high-performing team. This leadership role focuses on transforming the educational experience by leveraging innovative technology solutions.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include evolving the enterprise architecture strategy, driving digital transformation initiatives, collaborating cross-functionally, and mentoring the architecture team.

Skills: Required skills include deep expertise in enterprise architecture, SOA, microservices, API design, and strong leadership and communication abilities.

Qualifications: Preferred qualifications include certifications in Enterprise or Cloud Architecture and experience with DevOps, CI/CD practices, and agile methodologies.

Location: This position is located in Salt Lake City, USA, with occasional travel required.

Compensation: $185500 - $333900 / Annually

If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:

Grade: Executive Technical 716Pay Range: $185,500.00 - $333,900.00

Job Description

The Director of Architecture is part of a forward-thinking team that leverages innovative technology, data-driven insights, and personalized learning pathways to create a truly life-changing educational experience. This leader will use their proven expertise to drive technology strategy and deliver microservices and event-based architecture while leading our Solutions Architecture team.

In this role, you will be a strategic, innovative thinker who can align technology solutions with business goals, drive innovation, and set the vision for long-term technology transformation. You will play a key role in shaping our technology landscape, leading architecture governance, and collaborating with senior leadership to ensure our architecture supports the organization’s strategic objectives.

This individual will develop deep expertise across the domains that EdTech supports—Pre (enrollment), Intake, Learn, Assess, and Post (graduation or completion). They will skillfully balance when to dive deep and provide hands-on technical guidance versus when to operate at a higher, strategic level.

What You’ll Do

Define and evolve the enterprise architecture strategy to support business agility, scalability, and growth
Lead technology strategy, driving modern microservices, event-driven, and SOA-based architecture
Establish and oversee architecture governance, standards, and best practices across the organization
Partner with senior leadership to align technology investments with long-term business objectives
Drive digital transformation initiatives, including modernization, API strategy, data, and automation
Collaborate cross-functionally with Product, Engineering, Infrastructure, and Security to deliver integrated solutions
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing architecture team while fostering innovation and accountability

What You’ll Bring

15+ years in technology delivery, including 8+ years in leadership and 5+ years in enterprise architecture
Proven experience defining and executing enterprise-wide technology strategy in complex organizations
Deep expertise in SOA, microservices, API design, and enterprise integration patterns
Strong background in architecture governance, frameworks (e.g., TOGAF), and technology standards
Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and modern distributed systems
Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and translate complex technical concepts into business value
Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, with experience managing teams and vendors

Bonus Points if you have

Certifications in Enterprise Architecture (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman) or Cloud Architecture
Experience with DevOps, CI/CD practices, and agile methodologies.
Familiarity with data governance, security frameworks, and compliance standards.

This position requires occasional travel of up to 20%, including required attendance at designated company summits (typically one to two per year). Additional travel may include conferences, visits to company locations, and other business-related events as needed. Additional travel may be assigned as needed to support business requirements.

Position & Application Details

Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

Additional Information

Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive.

Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruiting@wgu.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.