Microsoft Cloud Architect

LingaTech; Herndon (VA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Cloud Architect to lead cloud modernization initiatives. This role involves collaborating with various stakeholders to implement Microsoft 365 solutions, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. You'll be responsible for developing clear communication strategies, managing change, and delivering impactful training sessions. This position offers a unique opportunity to drive significant technological advancements within the organization while fostering a culture of user adoption and continuous improvement. If you're passionate about cloud technologies and thrive in a dynamic environment, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in designing Microsoft 365 cloud solutions.
• Expertise in configuring Entra ID and managing Zero Trust security controls.
• Strong skills in developing visual presentations for leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead cloud modernization efforts and align initiatives with organizational goals.
• Develop project timelines and coordinate across vendors and IT staff.
• Deliver training and support during key rollouts and transitions.

Skills

Microsoft 365 cloud solutions

Entra ID configuration

Zero Trust security controls

Visual presentation skills

Organizational change management

User adoption strategies

Device compliance management

Collaboration platforms management

Tools

Microsoft Intune

SharePoint Online

Microsoft Defender for Office 365

Active Directory

Job description

Location: Herndon VA
Position Type: Onsite
Hybrid/Onsite Schedule: 5 days on-site with some flexibility to remote in the future
Contract Length: 6 months + possible extension

Position Overview:

The Cloud Architect will lead cloud modernization efforts by collaborating with vendors and stakeholders to implement solutions such as SharePoint Online, Microsoft Intune, Entra ID integration, and Zero Trust security. A key responsibility is translating complex initiatives into clear language and visuals to ensure understanding and alignment among non-technical leadership.

Duties:

Leadership Communication & Strategic Alignment

• Develop and deliver clear, visual presentations (e.g., roadmaps, dashboards, milestone charts) tailored to leadership and non-technical stakeholders

• Present project updates and recommendations in IT Steering Committee and leadership strategy sessions

• Align cloud modernization initiatives with organizational goals, budget planning, staffing readiness, and change management strategies

Technology Implementation & Execution

• Configure and manage Microsoft Entra ID, Active Directory synchronization, and Intune for full MDM/MAM lifecycle

• Lead hands-on deployment and governance of Zero Trust security controls (MFA, Conditional Access, DLP, protocol blocking), Microsoft Defender for Office 365, and SharePoint Online/Microsoft Teams (migration, permissions, governance, onboarding)

• Perform root cause analysis, system remediation, and ongoing optimization of cloud platforms

• Collaborate with vendors to ensure technical deliverables align with Microsoft best practices and organizational architecture standards

Change Management & Adoption Enablement

• Lead change management efforts including communication planning, training sessions, user readiness assessments, and support resources

• Work with departments to address training gaps, develop materials, and sustain adoption momentum

• Monitor user adoption, usage trends, and feedback to adjust rollout strategies and mitigate resistance

Project Coordination & Risk Management

• Develop project timelines, interdependency maps, and resource forecasts

• Coordinate across vendors, IT staff, and departments to ensure smooth implementation with minimal disruption

• Track milestones, risks, blockers, and scope issues, escalating as needed to maintain momentum and transparency

Training, Documentation & Support

• Deliver organization-wide training, onboarding, and department-specific Q&A forums during key rollouts

• Create and maintain training guides, job aids, knowledge base content, and technical runbooks

• Provide Tier 2/3 support during transitions such as migrations, cutovers, and policy changes

Required Skills:

• 5 years of experience in designing and implementing Microsoft 365 cloud solutions aligned with strategic IT goals

• 5 years of hands-on technical configuration and deployment of Entra ID, Intune, and Zero Trust security controls

• 2 years of experience preparing and delivering compelling visual presentations for non-technical leadership audiences

• 4 years of experience leading organizational change initiatives focused on user adoption and communication planning

• 3 years of experience implementing and managing MFA, Conditional Access, and DLP policies in a Microsoft 365 environment

• 5 years of experience creating and maintaining technical roadmaps, timelines, and milestone charts for cloud modernization projects

• 5 years of experience configuring and supporting Microsoft Entra ID and Active Directory synchronization

• 3 years of experience deploying, governing, and supporting collaboration platforms such as SharePoint Online and Teams

• 3 years of experience managing device compliance, policies, and enrollment across hybrid and BYOD environments using Microsoft Intune

• 4 years of experience collaborating with vendors, IT staff, and business units to ensure smooth project execution

• 4 years of experience developing runbooks, SOPs, and support documentation for ongoing cloud operations

• 4 years of experience communicating IT strategy and project outcomes clearly to executive and steering committee stakeholders

• 4 years of experience designing and delivering user training, guides, and onboarding content tailored to department needs

• 4 years of experience configuring and reporting on Microsoft Defender for Office 365 and Secure Score

• 4 years of experience identifying, tracking, and mitigating risks and blockers to maintain project timelines and quality

• 5 years of experience evaluating technical solutions for alignment with business needs and continuously optimizing configurations based on feedback

• 4 years of experience in leadership communication and strategic alignment to drive successful project outcomes