"Senior Virtualization IT Architect (IT Architect 3) - Provisional (Revised)"

GENERAL DUTIES

This position encompasses professional and responsible technical consultative responsibilities unique to the architecture of enterprise applications and infrastructure solutions with a special emphasis on cloud or hybrid cloud applications. Under administrative direction of a university IT manager, with broad latitude for independent action or decision, all personnel serve in a critical role in the execution of the design and implementation of complex IT systems. Responsible for converting business requirements into a technical architecture and design and for implementing IT applications and solutions by working with stakeholders, project managers, analysts, and technical teams. The IT Architect has a deep understanding of an organization’s IT policies, cybersecurity requirements, infrastructure, technology stack and support processes as well as current cloud technologies and services. The IT Architect uses their experience in systems engineering, cloud, and enterprise architecture to define standards and enforce adherence to those standards.

There are three (3) Assignment Levels within this classification. All personnel perform related work. Assignment Levels 2 and 3 may supervise technical leads, developers, and engineers in the implementation of IT applications and infrastructure designs and solutions. This specification describes typical assignments; related duties may be assigned as needed.

To view the complete job description, go to http://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/hr/classified-civil-service/ccsjobs/ and view the Job Description for IT Architect.

CONTRACT TITLE

IT Architect

FLSA

Non-exempt

CAMPUS SPECIFIC INFORMATION

The Office of Computing and Information Services (CIS) at the City University of New York (CUNY) supports the IT and telecommunications needs of CUNY's 26 colleges. CIS supports enterprise IT and applications, develops new technologies that advance the University's core mission, builds, upgrades and maintains the University's network and operates the University's Data Center and Service Desk. Additionally, CIS manages the processes that safeguard the University’s IT assets and operates the SOC, develops disaster recovery plans for business continuity, maintains the security of the University’s IT assets, and maintains the CUNYfirst Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution that integrates student administration, financial management, and human resources operations across CUNY’s 26 colleges. Lastly, CIS provides strategic and operational IT leadership with respect to the maintenance, enhancement, and expansion of the CUNY network spanning across all CUNY campuses.

CIS seeks a Senior Virtualization IT Architect to lead the technical vision and architecture for optimizing shared IT services across a university system serving 240,000 students and 50,000 faculty and staff. This role oversees the design, implementation, and management of the university’s virtualization infrastructure while driving key IT optimization initiatives. The Senior Virtualization IT Architect will spearhead network modernization by introducing automation tools and centralized management, enhancing efficiency, scalability, and security. They will lead server workload consolidation into CUNY’s private cloud, optimizing resources, strengthening security, and reducing costs while ensuring high-performance enterprise applications across campuses. Additionally, they will streamline telephony services, integrating and consolidating communication systems for improved cost-efficiency. Reporting to the Director of Information Systems, this role ensures a robust, secure, and scalable virtualized environment.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Designs, implements, and maintains advanced VMware virtualization solutions, including Cloud Foundation, ensuring enterprise-wide scalability and reliability.
• Configures and administers vSAN, NSX-T, vSphere, vCenter, ESXi, and HCX environments to optimize performance and security.
• Develops and manages network virtualization using NSX-T and overlay networking concepts to enhance segmentation and traffic efficiency.
• Provides advanced technical support for VMware platforms, monitoring infrastructure health and resolving complex virtualization issues.
• Builds, upgrades, and maintains the virtual infrastructure in alignment with lifecycle management and security best practices.
• Conducts infrastructure assessments, identifying opportunities for improvement, automation, and modernization.
• Collaborates with systems, storage, and network teams to ensure availability, reliability, and performance across the enterprise.
• Evaluates and documents emerging virtualization tools and technologies, recommending solutions to meet business and operational needs.
• Supports and integrates additional hypervisor environments, including Nutanix AHV and OpenShift bare-metal, to ensure interoperability.
• Provides hardware support and configuration for Cisco UCS, Cisco Intersight, and Dell PowerEdge server platforms.
• Leads or contributes to data-center migration and application/platform transition projects, ensuring minimal disruption and optimized deployment.

NOTES

1. Until further notice, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.
2. An appointment to this Competitive title/position in the Classified Civil Service Title Series will be made with a Provisional status. Employees in provisional status must pass a competitive civil service examination and be appointed from a civil service list to remain in the title/position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. A baccalaureate degree in computer science, engineering or a related field from an accredited college or university and five (5) years of satisfactory full-time experience converting business requirements into a technical architecture and design and implementing IT applications and solutions by working with stakeholders, project managers, analysts, and technical teams; or

2. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and six (6) years of satisfactory full-time experience as described in "1" above; or

3. A high school diploma or its educational equivalent and ten (10) years of satisfactory full-time experience as described in "1" above; or

4. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to " 1," "2" or "3" above. ...

(Detailed substitutions for education and certifications listed in original text)

However, all candidates must have a high school diploma or its educational equivalent and at least three (3) years of experience as described in "1" above.

Assignment Level II or III

Level II: After meeting the Qualification Requirements above, an additional two (2) years of satisfactory full-time experience in the planning, organizing, and controlling of incident and change management activities of one or more major IT service(s) and/or information technologies and evaluating, designing, and implementing IT Service Management processes and tools is required for Level II.

Level III: After meeting the Qualification Requirements above and the Level II requirements, an additional two (2) years of satisfactory full-time experience in the planning, organizing, and controlling of incident and change management activities of one or more major IT service(s) and/or information technologies and evaluating, designing, and implementing IT Service Management processes and tools is required (for a total of 4 years of experience above the Qualification Requirements).

English Language Proficiency: Demonstrated English language proficiency, including ability to speak, read, write, and understand English well enough to meet minimally acceptable performance standards set for job duties.

Motor Vehicle Driver License: A Motor Vehicle Driver license, valid in New York State, may be required for some, but not all positions.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred:

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with VMware Cloud Foundation and advanced virtualization technologies, including vSAN, NSX-T, vSphere, vCenter, ESXi, and HCX.
• Strong proficiency in troubleshooting complex infrastructure issues, including network connectivity, system errors, and performance bottlenecks.
• Skilled in configuring and managing enterprise network devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers within virtualized data-center environments.
• Deep understanding of modern VMware architectures, including Express Storage Architecture (ESA), VCF Standard Architecture Model, and VCF Greenfield/Brownfield implementations.
• Experience designing and supporting hybrid-cloud and private-cloud infrastructures, integrating on-premises and cloud-native workloads for high availability and scalability.
• Proficiency in infrastructure automation and orchestration, leveraging tools such as Ansible, PowerShell, and Python to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
• Expertise in disaster-recovery and business-continuity planning, utilizing tools such as VMware SRM, Cohesity, Rubrik, and Veeam to ensure data protection and rapid restoration.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable solutions and engage effectively with diverse technical and non-technical stakeholders.

COMPENSATION

Level 1: $114,279

Level 2: $124,391

Level 3: $136,374 - $150,000

BENEFITS

CUNY offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees and eligible dependents based on job title and classification. Employees are also offered pension and Tax-Deferred Savings Plans. Part-time employees must meet a weekly or semester work hour criteria to be eligible for health benefits. Health benefits are also extended to retirees who meet the eligibility criteria.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, submit a cover letter and resume online via CUNY's web-based job system, addressing how your experience and credentials meet the responsibilities and qualifications outlined.

The direct link to the job opening from external sources is: https://hrsa.cunyfirst.cuny.edu/psc/erecruit/EMPLOYEE/HRMSCG/c/HRS*HRAM*FL.HRS*CG*SEARCH*FL.GBL?Page=HRS*APP*JBPST*FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=30492&PostingSeq=1

Current CUNY employees must apply through CUNYfirst Employee Self Service using their login credentials. After you login, click the Careers tile on the Employee Self Service Menu page to view job openings.

CLOSING DATE

Open until filled.