Salesforce Solution Architect

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); Remote; USD 103,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a Salesforce Solution Architect to design and implement enterprise Salesforce solutions across the university. This role leads technical direction, collaborates with stakeholders, and ensures alignment with business goals.

The position requires strong Salesforce architecture expertise, Apex and Visualforce skills, and a proven ability to guide cross-functional teams through complex deployments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of relevant experience or equivalent.
• Extensive Salesforce development and architecture experience.
• Certified Salesforce Administration and Advanced Administrator required.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Solution design of Salesforce solutions aligned to business needs.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements and validate solutions.
• Provide technical leadership to development teams and ensure best practices.
• Customize Salesforce using Apex, Visualforce, and Lightning components.
• Test and validate solutions to meet quality standards.
• Create and maintain design specs, architecture, and user guides.
• Train and support end-users and administrators for adoption.

Skills

Salesforce development

Salesforce architecture

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Apex

Visualforce

Lightning components

Integration tools

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State University is excited to announce an opportunity for a talented and experienced individual to join us as a Salesforce Solution Architect on the Enterprise Customer Relationship Management Program Team! As an enterprise implementation, this program is designed to advance engagement and service delivery for the entire university community, including faculty, students, staff, and alumni, ensuring integrated solutions that create value across all Penn State constituencies. This pivotal role is about designing and implementing Salesforce enterprise solutions that meet business requirements for units across the University.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Solution Design: Develop comprehensive Salesforce solutions that align with business objectives and technical requirements.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work with business leaders, project managers, business analysts, and other stakeholders to gather requirements and ensure solutions meet their needs.
• Technical Leadership: Provide technical guidance and leadership to development teams, ensuring best practices and standards are followed.
• Customization: Customize Salesforce applications using Apex, Visualforce, Lightning components, and other tools to meet specific business needs.
• Testing & Quality Assurance: Conduct thorough testing and validation of solutions to ensure they meet quality standards and perform as expected.
• Documentation: Create and maintain detailed documentation of solutions, including design specifications, technical architecture, and user guides.
• Training and Support: Provide training and support to end-users and administrators to ensure successful adoption and utilization of Salesforce solutions.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience: Extensive experience in Salesforce development and architecture, with a strong understanding of Salesforce products and features.
• Certifications: Salesforce Certified Administration and Advanced Administrator required.
  • Salesforce Certified Platform Architect and Platform Developer I preferred.
  • Certifications such as Salesforce Certified Application Architect, Salesforce Certified System Architect, Salesforce Certified Marketing Cloud Consultant, Data Cloud Consultant and Agentforce Specialist are highly desirable.
• Leadership Skills: Proven leadership abilities, including the capacity to collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor team members, and influence decisions that drive program and project success.
• Product Advocacy: Demonstrated understanding in providing viable solution options, industry best practices, and formulate and present solutions to stakeholders.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Apex, Visualforce, Lightning components, and other Salesforce development tools. Experience with integration tools and techniques. Where required, perform hands‑on application configuration (clicks not code) to meet customer needs. Assume end‑to‑end functional responsibility for all aspects of enterprise‑level solution implementation, from initial requirements gathering to release.
• Analytical Skills: Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills, with the ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Exceptional communication and presentation abilities, Strong interpersonal skills for stakeholder management.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree8+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

LOCATION

This position is open to a remote work arrangement (restrictions apply), the details of which can be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview process.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $102,936.00 - $154,452.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.