M365 Architect

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

• 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

• 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

Type

Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.

Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Do you have a related Bachelor's degree or equivalency? (2 years related work experience may be substituted for 1 year of education)

• Yes

• No

• Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B status)?

• Yes

• No

• Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

• Yes

• No

• This is a remote/hybrid position in the Salt Lake City, UT area. Are you either local to area, or willing to relocate?

(Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter

• List of References

Open Date

09/30/2026

Requisition Number

PRN46359B

Job Title

IT Architect Sr.

Working Title

M365 Architect

Career Progression Track

H

Track Level

FLSA Code

Computer Employee

Patient Sensitive Job Code?

No

Standard Hours per Week

40

Full Time or Part Time?

Full Time

Shift

Day

Work Schedule Summary

Monday – Friday, 8am-5pm, Hybrid work schedule

VP Area

President

Department

00428 - UIT - Network & Comm. Srvs

Location

Campus

City

Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment

External Posting

Pay Rate Range

$112,000-$135,000

Close Date

12/31/2026

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)