Job Details

M365 Architect

Position Number: 7059251
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Computing - Management/Director

M365 Architect

Job Summary

The Senior Microsoft 365 Architect is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing the institution's Microsoft 365 ecosystem. This role provides the architectural framework for M365 services, ensures alignment with business and security requirements, and leads the strategic evolution of collaboration, identity, security, analytics, and AI capabilities across the environment.

This position requires deep expertise in Microsoft 365 administration, Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft Purview, Microsoft Defender, Entra ID, and M365 reporting/analytics. The architect will serve as the subject matter expert for M365 services, governance, and security, operating with significant autonomy and technical authority.

Note: This role will not administer SharePoint but must understand SharePoint Online architecture and its integration points within the broader M365 ecosystem.

About UIT: University Information Technology (UIT), the central IT service provider for the University of Utah, reports to the U's Chief Information Officer and is responsible for many of the U's shared IT services including the wired and wireless network; Campus Information Services (CIS) portal; UMail, telephone, and online collaboration; digital learning technologies; information security; software licensing; and a host of other IT systems and services.

About the University of Utah: Located in Salt Lake City, the U is the flagship institution of the State of Utah's system of higher education, home to arts and museum venues and a member of the BIG-12 Conference. Skiing and snowboarding opportunities are a short distance from campus, and opportunities to pursue activities from biking to hiking to fishing abound. Salt Lake City is home to the Utah Symphony and Opera, Ballet West, professional sports teams, and a wide range of other cultural and recreational activities.

Responsibilities
Strategic Planning & Architecture

Develop and maintain the enterprise M365 architecture roadmap aligned with institutional strategy.
Evaluate and recommend new M365 capabilities, including AI and automation features.
Architect complex M365 solutions, integrations, and service enhancements.
Define and enforce governance policies for M365, Copilot, Purview, and Defender.
Apply enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman) to M365 planning.

Implementation & Operations

Oversee deployment, configuration, and lifecycle management of M365 services.
Serve as an escalation point for complex M365, identity, and security issues.
Maintain architectural documentation, diagrams, and operational standards.
Partner with engineering teams to ensure reliable, scalable service delivery.

Microsoft Copilot & AI Administration

Lead implementation and administration of Microsoft 365 Copilot and related agent capabilities.
Define access, data boundaries, and governance for AI features.
Ensure alignment with institutional policies, compliance requirements, and risk controls.

Security, Compliance & Identity

Architect and maintain security controls across Purview, Defender, and Entra ID.
Implement best practices for DLP, threat protection, conditional access, and identity governance.
Coordinate regular audits, assessments, and compliance reviews.
Evaluate the impact of new features or changes across interconnected systems.

Reporting, Analytics & Insights

Build and maintain Power BI dashboards for M365 usage, adoption, licensing, and security posture.
Leverage M365 Admin Center, Entra ID, Purview, and Defender reporting to produce actionable insights.
Develop automated reporting pipelines where appropriate (e.g., Graph API, PowerShell, Power Automate).
Provide executive level reporting on service health, risk, compliance, and user behavior trends.

Collaboration & Communication

Partner with IT operations, security, and business stakeholders to align solutions with needs.
Mentor technical staff and provide subject matter expertise across the organization.
Translate complex technical concepts into clear business language.
Lead training and enablement efforts for M365 best practices.

Continuous Improvement

Stay current with Microsoft 365 roadmap, AI advancements, and industry trends.
Proactively identify opportunities to improve performance, security, and user experience.
Recommend and implement enhancements to governance, automation, and service delivery.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Deep expertise in Microsoft 365 services: Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Teams, Entra ID, Purview, Defender, and related workloads.
Hands on experience administering and governing Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Strong understanding of identity, networking, and security principles.
Experience with M365 integrations, hybrid identity, and complex enterprise environments.
Experience building Power BI dashboards and reports, especially for M365 usage, adoption, licensing, and security.
Familiarity with M365 Admin Center reporting, including usage analytics, security insights, and compliance reporting.
Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
Preferred: Power Platform experience (Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI).
Preferred: Familiarity with enterprise architecture frameworks (TOGAF, Zachman).
Preferred: Experience with Dataverse.

Minimum Qualifications
Requires a bachelor's degree in area of specialty or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) and at least 6 - 7 years of experience in the field or in a related area.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences
Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree + 10 years of related experience, or master's degree + 8 years (education may substitute for experience).
Minimum 3+ years of hands-on Microsoft 365 administration and architecture experience.
Required Microsoft Certifications: MS 900: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals

Preferred Qualifications

Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert
Preferred: MD 101: Managing Modern Desktops
Preferred AB 900: Microsoft 365 Copilot & Agent Administration Fundamentals
Microsoft Entra ID Administrator or related identity/security certifications
Experience with Microsoft Copilot implementation and governance
Experience with Azure services and hybrid environments
Experience in regulated industries (e.g., HIPAA, FERPA, GDPR)
Experience with PowerShell automation
Project management experience

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN44634B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: Monday - Friday8am-5pmHybrid work schedule - work from home primarily but may require working in office as needed.
Department: 00428 - UIT - Network & Comm. Srvs
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $112,000-$135,000
Close Date: 4/30/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/199661