IT Architect

The University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kansas is seeking an IT Network Architect to serve as a senior technical leader responsible for the architecture, governance, and strategic direction of the university's enterprise network infrastructure. You will drive standards, roadmaps, and technology direction across KU IT teams and external partners.

You will mentor engineers, oversee major network initiatives, and ensure designs meet security, reliability, and performance goals in a large, complex environment.

Qualifications

• Ten years of relevant professional experience with networks (or six with a Bachelor's).
• Experience designing or leading complex network infrastructure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience collaborating across technical teams and with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture, design, standards, governance, and implementation of enterprise networking.
• Develop network architecture standards for reliability, scalability, security, and operability.
• Provide technical leadership for major network initiatives and complex solutions.
• Translate business/tech requirements into effective infrastructure designs.
• Review designs for alignment with enterprise architecture and long-term needs.
• Mentor IT engineers and provide guidance on complex infrastructure.
• Lead escalation for complex network issues and drive resolutions.
• Develop and review network operational procedures and documentation.
• Contribute to technology strategy, roadmaps, and capacity planning.

Skills

Enterprise network design

Technical leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Network governance

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Associate degree

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Position Overview

The IT Network Architect serves as a senior technical leader and subject-matter expert responsible for the architecture, design, governance, strategic direction, and technical oversight of enterprise network infrastructure supporting the University of Kansas.

Under general direction and with a high degree of autonomy, the IT Network Architect leads the development and implementation of network architecture and technology solutions for a large and complex enterprise environment.

The position provides architectural leadership for enterprise networking initiatives, develops network architecture standards, evaluates emerging technologies, and develops technical roadmaps. The position collaborates extensively with KU IT leadership, engineers, architects, security personnel, University stakeholders, vendors, and external partners to develop and implement technology solutions supporting University priorities.

KU does not provide H-1B sponsorship for this position.

Job Description

45% – Network Architecture, Design, and Technical Leadership

• Leads the architecture, design, technical standards, governance, coordination, and implementation of enterprise networking technologies supporting the University of Kansas.
• Develops network architecture and engineering standards that promote reliability, scalability, performance, security, supportability, and operational consistency.
• Provides technical leadership and oversight for the design and implementation of major network infrastructure initiatives and complex technology solutions.
• Consults with University stakeholders and KU IT teams to understand business and technology requirements and translate those requirements into effective infrastructure designs.
• Evaluates proposed network designs, technologies, and solutions for alignment with enterprise architecture, technical standards, and long-term University requirements.

25% – Infrastructure Standards, Engineering Oversight, and Technical Guidance

• Establishes, maintains, and improves standards, engineering practices, processes, and technical requirements for enterprise network infrastructure and related services.
• Provides advanced technical consultation on complex infrastructure designs and technology decisions.
• Mentors and provides technical guidance to IT Engineers and other technical professionals.
• Reviews major network changes, designs, and implementation plans and provides technical direction when architectural or engineering decisions are required.
• Identifies opportunities to improve the reliability, security, manageability, scalability, and efficiency of enterprise network services.

15% – Complex Problem Resolution and Operational Architecture

• Serves as a senior escalation point and technical authority for complex issues affecting enterprise network infrastructure and services.
• Leads diagnosis and resolution of complex network architecture, performance, availability, configuration, hardware, and service issues.
• Coordinates with engineers, other KU IT teams, technology vendors, and external partners to resolve incidents and problems requiring advanced technical expertise.
• Analyzes recurring or systemic issues and develops architectural, engineering, automation, or operational improvements to reduce risk and prevent recurrence.
• Provides technical oversight of network monitoring, capacity management, configuration management, lifecycle management, and other systems used to operate the enterprise network.
• Develops and reviews network operational procedures, technical documentation, and engineering standards.

10% – Technology Strategy and Roadmap Development

• Serves as an expert technical resource in the development of network infrastructure strategy and tactical plans aligned with University and KU IT objectives.
• Develops and maintains technology roadmaps addressing infrastructure lifecycle, capacity, resilience, security, automation, modernization, and emerging technology requirements.
• Evaluates new and emerging networking, cloud networking, automation, and security technologies and provides recommendations regarding adoption, standards, architecture, and long-term direction.
• Provides technical input into infrastructure planning, technology investments, vendor evaluations, and major technology initiatives.

5% – Other Duties

• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

1. High School Diploma/GED and ten years of relevant professional experience; OR an Associate degree and eight years of relevant professional experience; OR a Bachelor's degree and six years of relevant professional experience.
2. Three years of technical administration, engineering, or design experience with networks in a large enterprise-scale IT environment.
3. Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, or providing technical leadership for complex network infrastructure as shown in application materials.
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills as demonstrated through application materials and work experience.
5. Experience working collaboratively across technical teams and with customers, stakeholders, or technology vendors as shown in application materials.

Contact Information to Applicants

Raymond Wright
[e-mail]

Advertised Salary Range$100,000

Application Review BeginsMonday November 2, 2026

Anticipated Start DateMonday November 23, 2026