IT INFRASTRUCTURE ARCHITECT

Position Summary

The IT Infrastructure Architect (Deputy Director) will function as the Broadband Grant Program Manager. This role will be responsible for ensuring seamless workflow of all pre- and post-award broadband infrastructure grant activities for the Arkansas State Broadband Office. The role will effectively manage broadband grant programs in order to ensure a dependable framework of tracking, reporting, and processing all grants and subgrants for the State.

This position requires on-site employment with no remote or hybrid options available.

Education And Professional Work Experience

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Network Engineering, or a related field is required, plus seven (7) years of experience in IT infrastructure design, management, and implementation, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong organization and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple grant and project portfolios.
• Excellent communication skills and an ability to prepare clear, informative, and concise written materials. Must be able to communicate effectively across multiple stakeholder and partner groups such as federal, state, and local government; philanthropy and nonprofit, and industry sectors.
• An understanding of state government processes and basic broadband deployment and adoption concepts.
• Experience in public administration, information technology, and telecommunications.
• Program and project management experience
• Data and analytics abilities
• Government procurement practices
• Vendor management – extensive experience in managing multiple vendor partners and keeping them successfully engaged in highly complex projects and programs
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure design and implementation, including systems architecture, networking, storage solutions, and cloud services.
• In-depth understanding of both on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure.
• Able to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and work collaboratively with other IT professionals, department heads, and external vendors.
• Excellent analytical and troubleshooting abilities, with a strong capacity to diagnose and resolve complex infrastructure issues.
• Strong understanding of IT security practices and regulations.
• Ability to design infrastructure systems with security as a core consideration, ensuring that all infrastructure components meet compliance standards and are protected from cyber threats.
• Ability to anticipate potential infrastructure problems and proactively implement solutions.
• Experience managing large-scale IT infrastructure projects, from conception to completion.
• Skilled in resource allocation, timeline management, and ensuring that projects are delivered within budget and on schedule.
  
  

Job Responsibilities And Expected Results

• Facilitate existing and future broadband grant programs, inclusive of communicating with applicants, program evaluation, reporting, and payment, and other close out activities.
• Collect, analyze, and report on both qualitative and quantitative data related to grant project performance, contributing to agency and other periodic reports as well as future program designs.
• Ensure the efficient, cost-effective administration and financial management of grants and contracts throughout the ASBO in compliance with State and Federal policies and procedures.
• Maintain and update all pertinent records, files and documents, and ensure completeness of all research accounts, files and submissions in accordance with State and Federal policies.
• Compile financial reports that reflect the disbursement status of funding.
• Streamline processes for payments, monitoring, and reporting that reduce administrative burden and accelerate program impact.
• Work with other departments to tie broadband efforts directly to broader state goals in economic development, workforce, healthcare access, and education.
• Coordinating and directing subordinates and teams, as needed.
• Other job duties as required.
  
  

Position Information

Job Series: Infrastructure Support

Classification: IT Infrastructure Architect – Competitive

Class Code: IIS05C

Pay Grade: IST11

Salary Range: $107,031 - $174,628

Job Summary

The IT Infrastructure Architect is a senior-level position, responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing the state's IT infrastructure. This includes managing the design and integration of hardware, software, networks, and data systems that support the state's technology initiatives. The role requires expertise in systems architecture, networking, cloud technologies, and enterprise-level infrastructure solutions. The IT Infrastructure Architect will work closely with other IT leaders, departments, and stakeholders to ensure that the infrastructure aligns with state goals, enhances operational efficiency, and meets security, compliance, and performance standards.

Primary Responsibilities

Design, plan, and implement scalable, secure, and efficient IT infrastructure systems for the state of Arkansas, including hardware, software, cloud solutions, networks, and storage systems. Ensure that the infrastructure is robust, resilient, and able to support state operations and data security requirements. Collaborate with various state agencies and departments to integrate new technologies and systems into existing infrastructure. Ensure seamless interoperability and compatibility across multiple platforms and systems, both on-premises and in the cloud. Continuously assess and optimize the performance of state IT infrastructure. Identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance system reliability, speed, and efficiency while minimizing downtime. Ensure that the state’s infrastructure adheres to IT security best practices and complies with all relevant state, federal, and industry regulations (e.g., HIPAA, FISMA, PCI-DSS). Design infrastructure solutions with built-in security features, and monitor for potential vulnerabilities and security risks. Lead the strategy, design, and implementation of cloud infrastructure solutions, ensuring that cloud resources are effectively managed and aligned with the state’s broader IT goals. Manage the migration of on-premise infrastructure to cloud environments, optimizing costs and scalability. Design and implement disaster recovery and business continuity plans to ensure the state’s infrastructure can recover quickly from unexpected events. Regularly test and update plans to minimize downtime and data loss. Serve as a key advisor to senior leadership, government officials, and other stakeholders on infrastructure-related matters. Communicate complex technical information in a clear, concise manner to ensure alignment between infrastructure initiatives and state priorities. Lead the planning, execution, and management of infrastructure-related projects, including overseeing the installation, configuration, and maintenance of systems. Ensure projects are completed on time, within scope, and on budget.

Knowledge And Skills

Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure design and implementation, including systems architecture, networking, storage solutions, and cloud services. In-depth understanding of both on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure. Able to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and work collaboratively with other IT professionals, department heads, and external vendors. Excellent analytical and troubleshooting abilities, with a strong capacity to diagnose and resolve complex infrastructure issues. Strong understanding of IT security practices and regulations. Ability to design infrastructure systems with security as a core consideration, ensuring that all infrastructure components meet compliance standards and are protected from cyber threats. Ability to anticipate potential infrastructure problems and proactively implement solutions. Experience managing large-scale IT infrastructure projects, from conception to completion. Skilled in resource allocation, timeline management, and ensuring that projects are delivered within budget and on schedule.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Network Engineering, or a related field is required, plus seven (7) years of experience in IT infrastructure design, management, and implementation, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.

Licensure/Certifications

N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.