The Solutions Architect provides strategic leadership for the design, integration, and governance of enterprise-wide technology solutions that drive organizational excellence and mission success. This role oversees the architecture of systems, data, and infrastructure to ensure alignment with organizational strategy, operational efficiency, and compliance with regulatory standards.
The Solutions Architect acts as the bridge between business and technology, translating complex needs into scalable, secure, and innovative solutions that support the organization’s long-term digital strategy.
Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Leads the enterprise solution architecture strategy, integrating applications, infrastructure, and data systems to align with organizational goals.
- Oversees data governance and analytics platforms, ensuring data quality, accessibility, and security across departments.
- Directs system integration projects across HRIS, CRM, ERP, and ticketing platforms to ensure interoperability and seamless user experience.
- Partners with IT security to maintain compliance with cybersecurity, data privacy, and accessibility standards.
- Drives innovation initiatives, identifying and piloting emerging technologies that enhance staff efficiency and guest experience.
- Establishes and enforces enterprise technology standards, governance processes, and architecture documentation.
- Manages vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and technology procurement with a focus on cost optimization and sustainability.
- Develops annual technology budgets and track project costs, timelines, and ROI.
- Partners with senior leaders across the Zoo to align technology initiatives with strategic goals, operations, and conservation outcomes.
- Contributes to saving animals in the wild through reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.
- Minimum of ten (10) years progressive technology leadership experience, including at least 5 years in enterprise or solutions architecture.
- Technical certification(s) in at least one relevant technical domain (ex. CCNP, Project+, Security+, VMware-VCP. etc.) Familiarity with networking concepts, technologies and protocols.
- Proven success in designing and implementing integrated technology ecosystems (e.g., Microsoft 365, Azure, Salesforce, or similar).
- Strong knowledge of system integration, data management, and cybersecurity frameworks.
- Demonstrated success leading digital transformation or modernization initiatives.
- Strong background in strategic planning, budgeting, and aligning technology with organizational goals.
- Demonstrated experience with digital transformation, cloud migration, data governance, and system integration.
ABOUT HOUSTON ZOO
The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.
Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Disclaimer
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.
Benefits
Full-time, regular positions are offered the following benefits.
- Medical and Prescription Drug
- Vision
- Dental
- Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)
- Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
- Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
- Supplemental Life
- Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account
- 401k, with employer match
Full-time and Part-Time, regular positions are offered the following additional benefits.
- Free Zoo Membership
- Free Guest Passes
- Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs
- Free parking
Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.