Principal Enterprise Architect

Workiva Inc.; Ames (IA); Remote; USD 177,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

Workiva seeks a Principal Enterprise Architect to design the core architectural framework and champion enterprise AI initiatives. You will report to the CIO, partnering with business technology, data, and security leaders to define standards and a baseline architecture for our AI-powered enterprise platform.

This builder role starts as individual contributor with a roadmap to recruit and lead an EA team as the function matures, shaping governance, cloud strategy, and system consolidation.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in IT with architecture leadership experience.
• Experience building or maturing an Enterprise Architecture function.
• Hands-on AI integration into enterprise systems and data platforms.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement the Enterprise Architecture operating model and roadmaps.
• Lead AI architecture strategy including models, copilots, and platform buildouts.
• Define data architecture standards and integration frameworks.
• Influence executive leadership and drive governance across security and cloud.

Skills

Enterprise architecture leadership

Strategic collaboration

Executive stakeholder communication

AI architecture & security

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/Engineering

Tools

TOGAF framework

Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP)

AI governance frameworks

Job description

We are establishing our Enterprise Architecture (EA) function and seeking a Principal Enterprise Architect. This individual is a collaborative, strategic leader to design and implement our core architectural framework. Reporting directly to the CIO of a $1B+ public software organization, you will partner closely with business technology, data, and security leaders to establish architectural standards and build the baseline architecture powering our enterprise AI initiatives. This role begins as an individual contributor with dedicated cross‑functional support, carrying a structured roadmap to recruit and lead a dedicated Enterprise Architecture team as the function matures. This is a "builder" role, not a maintainer role. You will define what doesn't yet exist and be the connective tissue between business strategy, systems architecture, data architecture, and emerging AI initiatives.

What You’ll Do

Enterprise Architecture Foundation & Strategy

• Define and implement the Enterprise Architecture operating model, principles, governance rhythm, and a pragmatic framework tailored to the company’s size and pace
• Develop, maintain, and present core technology standards, reference architectures, and multi‑year roadmaps across business systems and data platforms (partnering with consultants as needed for rapid current‑state assessment)
• Drive formal architecture review processes for major technology investments, ensuring strict alignment with enterprise standards, security, scalability, and cost efficiency

AI Architecture Strategy & Enablement

• Define and lead the enterprise AI architecture strategy—including model integration patterns, LLM/agentic frameworks, infrastructure choices (build vs. buy, cloud AI services), and internal AI platform buildouts
• Partner with security, legal, and data governance teams to establish responsible AI policies, data privacy standards, and architectural guardrails for deploying copilots, agents, and automation into core business systems
• Serve as the subject matter expert and advisor to executive leadership on emerging AI architecture trends, risks, and strategic implications

Business Systems, Data Architecture & Portfolio Rationalization

• Define data architecture standards (data governance, flow patterns, master data management) and API integration frameworks in close partnership with data and engineering teams
• Evaluate and rationalize the application portfolio across business systems to actively identify consolidation opportunities, reduce technical debt, and eliminate system duplication

Leadership & Influence

• Act as a trusted architectural authority across business, engineering, and security functions, building consensus around complex technology decisions without direct authority
• Build the business case for expanding the EA capability, taking ownership of hiring, mentoring, and managing future architects as the function matures

What You’ll Need

Minimum Qualifications

• 10+ years in progressively senior IT/technology roles with degree, 8+ years with an advanced degree, with 5+ years specifically in an enterprise architecture, solutions architecture, or architecture leadership capacity
• Demonstrated experience building or significantly maturing an Enterprise Architecture function, ideally in a mid‑size ($500M–$5B revenue) or high‑growth environment
• Deep knowledge of business systems architecture (ERP, CRM, financial systems) and data architecture principles
• Direct experience architecting or overseeing AI/ML integration into enterprise systems — including LLM‑based tools, AI copilots, or data platforms supporting AI use cases
• Foundational understanding of AI security, data privacy, and governance principles
• Strong understanding of cloud architecture (AWS, Azure, or GCP), integration patterns, and modern data platforms.
• Experience working with or managing external consultants/implementation partners
• Excellent communication skills—able to translate complex architecture concepts for both technical teams and executive stakeholders
• Comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy in a “team of one” environment while building toward a larger function

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in a publicly traded company, with awareness of SOX, audit, and compliance considerations affecting architecture decisions
• Familiarity with enterprise architecture frameworks (TOGAF, Zachman)—certification is a plus
• Direct experience standing up formal AI governance frameworks or responsible AI policies
• Advanced experience with agentic AI frameworks, MCP (Model Context Protocol), or specific enterprise AI platforms (e.g., Microsoft Copilot Studio, Anthropic Claude, OpenAI enterprise tools)
• Background in the software/SaaS industry, understanding both internal enterprise systems and product‑side architecture considerations

Working Conditions & Travel Requirements

Up to 20% travel Reliable internet access for any period of time working remotely, not in a Workiva office

How You’ll Be Rewarded

• Salary range in the US: $177,000.00 - $290,000.00
• A discretionary bonus typically paid annually
• Restricted Stock Units granted at time of hire
• 401(k) match and comprehensive employee benefits package

The salary range represents the low and high end of the salary range for this job in the US. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience and other relevant factors.

Why Join Workiva

Workiva is the platform designed to bring confidence, control, and a competitive edge to the world’s most complex organizations. Our AI-powered platform unifies finance, risk, and sustainability on a single, secure foundation—ensuring data is trusted, traceable, and ready to act on. With an unbroken path from source to output, leaders gain confidence in their numbers, visibility into current and emerging risks, and the ability to move with speed and precision in a constantly changing world. At Workiva, you’ll bring technology to market that executives, boards, and regulators depend on. The work you do here helps organizations navigate uncertainty, maintain trust, and make decisions that stand up to scrutiny. If you’re energized by meaningful challenges, inspired by collaborative teams, and motivated to help organizations turn uncertainty into advantage, we’d love to meet you.

Employment decisions are made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other protected characteristic.

Workiva is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. To request assistance with the application process, please email [e-mail].

Workiva employees are required to undergo comprehensive security and privacy training tailored to their roles, ensuring adherence to company policies and regulatory standards.

Workiva supports employees in working where they work best - either from an office or remotely from any location within their country of employment.