Rate: 75/hr Need 10+ Enterprise Solutions Architect - Washington DC Hybrid (4Days Onsite)
Mohan Sai Ram Gurram
Job Title: Enterprise Solutions Architect
Department: Enterprise Technology
Location: Washington DC Hybrid (4Days Onsite)
Reports To: Director of Cybersecurity
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Enterprise Solutions Architect (ESA) at UNCF will report to the Director of Security/Cybersecurity. The Director is responsible for supervising all technical and information security endeavors within the Enterprise Technology function. In this role, the incumbent will have the opportunity for collaboration across the enterprise portfolio with key partners and exposure to key senior stakeholders. The department's primary objectives include embracing "As-a-Service" models/technologies, developing shared services offerings, and exploring innovative solutions with emerging technologies.
This is an intermediate ESA role that will play a vital role in focusing on architecture and integration demands while upholding cybersecurity standards for our programs and business critical assets. You will be responsible for delivering technical consulting and implementation engagements across UNCF. This role is deeply technical, and hands-on—ideal for professionals with a strong background in API design, governance, development, and solution architecture.
ABOUT UNCF
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) has been an engine of educational achievement for more than 80 years. UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally recognized pipeline of HBCU students who, because of UNCF support, become highly qualified college graduates. In addition, UNCF ensures that its member institutions remain respected models of best practices in moving students to and through college. Since its inception in 1944, UNCF has raised over $6 billion in private support, distributed scholarships to help students attend school, and enabled more than 500,000 scholars and low-income students to graduate from UNCF’s member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and launch professional careers. UNCF is committed to closing the educational attainment gap by increasing postsecondary access and success for student groups, particularly low-income and first-generation students.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
- Proven expertise in cloud platforms, with hands-on experience in Azure (preferred), AWS, and/or Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
- Implement best practices across API design, mocking, testing, governance, security, and lifecycle management.
- Identify and escalate technical roadblocks early, proposing alternative solutions to keep projects on track.
- Proactively suggest architectural or process improvements to ensure long-term success and scalability of the solution.
- Strong hands-on experience with API design (OpenAPI/Swagger), REST/GraphQL, API management platforms, and modern development practices.
- Strong understanding of API governance, versioning strategies, and security models (OAuth, JWT, API keys) in enterprise environments.
- Solid development background (e.g., JavaScript, Python, Node.js, or Java) with experience in CI/CD, scripting, and integrations.
- Perform incident response and handling methodologies, including the supervision of protective or corrective measures when cybersecurity incidents or vulnerabilities are discovered.
- Proven track record in application testing, QA, or DevOps environments strongly preferred
- Participate in security assessments of vendors as a part of due diligence to determine risk Fand alignment with organizations minimum security standards established contracts for service.
- Define and oversee the implementation of security policy configurations and procedures to safeguard critical infrastructure.
- Provide system-related input on cybersecurity requirements to be integrated into statements of work and procurement documents.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and/or Experience
- Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems or a related field.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in technical roles such as Solutions Architect, Professional Services Engineer, API Consultant, or similar.
- Certifications such as COMPTIA Security +, Network +, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), or Certified Information Systems Manager (CISA) are highly desirable.
Other Skills and Abilities
- Experience integrating with Cloud/SaaS applications, API’s, SDK of packaged applications and legacy applications.
- In-depth knowledge of computer networking concepts, protocols, risk management processes, cybersecurity and privacy principles, cyber threats, and vulnerabilities.
- Strong understanding of security architecture, risk assessment, and security controls.
- Experience of successfully contributing to enterprise portfolios and delivering technical initiatives on time.
- Excellent project management discipline—ability to scope work, manage timelines, and communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to make data-driven decisions and drive process improvements.