Solutions Architect

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment is seeking an experienced Senior Solutions Consultant to provide strategic guidance on technology-related initiatives.

This role will be responsible for advising on various aspects of our technology infrastructure, including solution design, vendor selection, integrations, security, compliance, and strategic planning.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in consulting, with expertise in government systems and regulatory compliance, and the ability to bridge the gap between business needs and technology solutions.

Key Responsibilities :

• Solution Design and Vendor Selection :
• Advise on the design of technology solutions that align with CDLE's strategic goals and objectives
• Develop high-level solution concepts, including system components, interfaces, and data flows
• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather and analyze requirements, ensuring solutions meet business needs
• Evaluate and recommend appropriate technologies and vendors for new initiatives
• Assist in the vendor selection process, including RFP development and proposal evaluation
• System Integration Strategy :
• Advise on integration strategies between various internal and external systems
• Develop high-level integration plans that ensure seamless data exchange and process flow across different platforms
• Coordinate with vendors and partner agencies to facilitate smooth integrations
• Information Security Guidance :
• Advise on comprehensive security strategies to protect CDLE's data and systems
• Recommend security assessments and risk analyses
• Provide guidance on security controls, including access management, encryption, and threat detection systems
• Ensure alignment with state and federal cybersecurity regulations and standards
• Legislative and Regulatory Compliance :
• Stay current with relevant state and federal laws and regulations affecting CDLE's technology operations
• Develop strategies to ensure all systems and processes comply with applicable regulations
• Collaborate with legal and policy teams to interpret and apply new legislative requirements to technology systems
• Advise on documentation needs for demonstrating compliance during audits and reviews
• Technology Governance :
• Recommend technology governance frameworks and policies
• Advise on technology standards, best practices, and procedures across the department
• Participate in steering committees and governance boards
• Provide guidance on project portfolio management to ensure alignment with departmental goals
• Technology Roadmap :
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive technology roadmap that aligns with CDLE's long-term strategic plan
• Identify emerging technologies and trends that could benefit the department
• Collaborate with executive leadership to prioritize technology initiatives and investments
• Regularly review and update the roadmap to reflect changing needs and technological advancements
• Project Oversight :
• Provide guidance and oversight for major technology projects and initiatives
• Advise on project charters, timelines, and resource plans
• Monitor project progress, risks, and issues, recommending mitigation strategies as needed
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meeting quality standards
• Stakeholder Management and Communication :
• Serve as a liaison between technology vendors, implementation teams, and other departments within CDLE
• Communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders effectively
• Prepare and deliver presentations, reports, and recommendations to leadership
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, partners, and other government agencies
• Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer :
• Advise on training programs to enhance the technological understanding of CDLE staff
• Recommend documentation and knowledge management strategies to capture and share best practices

Requirements

Qualifications :

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in technology consulting or advisory roles, with at least 10 years in a senior position
• Strong understanding of solution architecture, system integration, and IT security concepts
• Minimum of 5 years of unemployment insurance experience working with a state’s department of labor.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant state and federal regulations affecting government technology systems
• Familiarity with technology governance frameworks and project management methodologies
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong leadership and advisory abilities
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience working with government agencies or non-technical organizations is highly desirable

This position offers a unique opportunity to guide the technological future of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, ensuring that our systems and processes effectively support the department's mission to promote and support a thriving employment environment for the people of Colorado.

Estimated Duration

11 / 01 / 2024 - 12 / 31 / 2025