[Remote] Senior Solutions Architect (Systemwide/Ellucian SIS/Higher Education)

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Ellucian is a company that powers innovation for higher education, serving approximately 3,000 customers globally. They are seeking a Senior Solutions Architect to lead architectural delivery for complex higher education implementations, ensuring solutions are scalable and aligned with institutional outcomes.ResponsibilitiesServe as the lead architect for large-scale, system-wide implementations spanning multiple schools/campuses and complex stakeholder environmentsTranslate institutional goals into an executable architecture approach that balances outcomes, risk, cost, timeline, and long-term operabilityEstablish architectural guardrails and decision frameworks; drive alignment across functional, technical, data, integration, reporting, and security workstreamsAct as the architectural escalation point for complex delivery challenges and competing prioritiesDesign and guide delivery of scalable end-to-end solutions across Ellucian products and platforms, maximizing configuration, extensibility, and SaaS best practicesEnsure solution architecture aligns with customer goals, Ellucian product direction, and delivery standards—while remaining realistic and implementableLead/guide architecture artifacts and reviews (e.g., solution architecture, integration architecture, environment approach, data and reporting strategy)Drive consistent adoption of delivery methodologies (Agile), tooling, and governance practices that improve predictability and qualityPartner with Project Managers, delivery leaders, Product Owners, and Enterprise Architects to align plan, dependencies, resourcing, and execution approachLead discovery and architecture design activities (including workshops), ensuring requirements, process alignment, and solution fit are fully understoodIdentify and mitigate delivery risks early (scope, complexity, integration, data readiness, change impacts), and support strong governance and decision-makingEnsure solutions are implemented as designed, with appropriate traceability, quality controls, and readiness for go-live and sustained supportLead and coordinate a team of Solutions Architects on large programs, setting architectural direction, reviewing work products, and ensuring consistencyMentor and coach architects and cross-functional team members on standards, patterns, and delivery practices to raise overall capability and qualityPromote a culture of collaboration, clarity, and accountability across distributed teams and stakeholdersProvide strategic solutioning support during presales, including discovery, scoping, estimating, and solution approach input for proposals and statements of workHelp articulate value, trade-offs, and ROI to executive stakeholders, grounding recommendations in institutional outcomes and delivery realityContribute to and help evolve Ellucian’s global architecture repository through reference architectures, patterns, templates, playbooks, and governance frameworksIdentify repeatable delivery improvements and create reusable assets that accelerate execution, reduce risk, and improve client experienceShare lessons learned and best practices through communities of practice, enablement content, and coaching—scaling impact beyond individual projectsSkills10+ years of solution architecture and delivery experience in consulting or professional services, including leadership on large, complex programsDemonstrated success leading enterprise or system-wide higher education implementations across multiple schools/campuses or complex governance structuresDeep expertise across higher education enterprise domains (preferably Ellucian), such as Student Information Systems (SIS), Finance, HR, and adjacent ecosystemsStrong technical and functional fluency in SaaS architectures, ERP ecosystems, integrations, data migration, reporting/analytics, and security considerationsProven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive alignment across stakeholders with competing priorities—while maintaining delivery momentumExceptional communication skills with the ability to convey complex concepts to technical teams and executive audiences with clarity and confidenceStrong customer presence; skilled at building trust, facilitating workshops, driving decisions, and navigating ambiguity in high-visibility programsA practical, outcomes-oriented approach to architecture—balancing 'what's ideal' with 'what will work' to deliver measurable resultsBenefitsComprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, and visionFlexible time offThrive Flex Lifestyle Account (LSA) that allows you to contribute towards your health, financial or learning interests401k w/ match & BrightPlan - to help you save for the futureParental Leave5 charitable days to support the community that supports usTelemedicineWellnessHeadspace Care (mental health)Wellbeats (virtual fitness classes)RethinkCare & Wellthy– caregiver supportDiversity and inclusion programs which provide access to internal employee resource groupsEmployee referral bonuses to encourage the addition of great new people to the teamWe Foster a learning culture with:Education Assistance ProgramProfessional development opportunitiesLinkedIn LearningCompany OverviewEllucian delivers the software, services, and insights that help your institution thrive. It was founded in 1968, and is headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, USA, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. Its website is http://www.ellucian.com.Company H1B SponsorshipEllucian has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 2 in 2026, 31 in 2025, 27 in 2024, 28 in 2023, 31 in 2022, 33 in 2021, 30 in 2020. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role.