Information Systems Architect - Project Lead

Position: Information Systems Architect - Project Lead

Duration:12 Months with Extension

Location: Columbia, South Carolina. Hybrid (2 days onsite per week)

Need Only Local to South Carolina

Information Systems Architect - Project Lead

Scope Of The Project

The Division of Technology Services is responsible for developing, implementing, maintaining, and obtaining multiple mission critical applications for the Department of Social Services. The Department seeks a highly motivated individual who has extensive technical project lead experience and SDLC to head the Web Application Development team that will deliver new DSS Re-Engineering projects and maintain and support IT systems in the Economic Services program area.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design and architecture of modernized IT systems supporting SNAP and TANF programs.
• Oversee technical planning, system integration, and development lifecycle for Economic Services modernization efforts.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including business analysts, developers, QA, and federal partners (e.g., FNS)
• Ensure compliance with federal APD (Advance Planning Document) requirements and security standards.
• Provide technical leadership in coordination and project implantation with 3rd party vendors.
• Mentor Business Analysts, and developers and ensure adherence to architectural standards and best practices.
• Leads team effort to supply new user stories or use cases by analyzing requirements; constructing workflow charts and diagrams; studying system capabilities; writing specifications.
• Assist in the design or review of test cases, process change requests and manage project scope through requirements.
  
  

Key Projects

• SNAP/TANF Systems Integration: Lead efforts to align new development with federal reporting and performance tracking.
• API Modernization & UAT: Oversee testing and integration of third-party APIs.
• ESSAM (Economic Services System Application Modernization): Core modernization of eligibility and case management systems.
  
  

Desired Qualifications

• Leadership ability
• Understanding of system engineering concepts; modeling techniques and methods
• Demonstrate strong ability to take initiative and the ability to work with minimal guidance.
• Written and verbal communication, including technical writing skills, to communicate effectively with technical, non-technical staff, and customers/ stakeholders as needed or directed.
• Ability to communicate effectively with SCDSS and other state information technology staff.
  
  

Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.
• 8 years of experience in enterprise software architecture and project leadership.
• 8 years of experience in project leadership
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with State and/or federal compliance requirements (NIST, FISMA, or similar)
• Experience with Human Services Systems like Child welfare, SNAP, or TANF
• Understanding of Data Privacy Laws (PII, PHI)
• Prior work experience with public sector agencies or government contracts