Principal Enterprise Architect

We are establishing our Enterprise Architecture (EA) function and seeking a Principal Enterprise Architect. This individual is a collaborative strategic leader to design and implement our core architectural framework. Reporting directly to the CIO of a $1B public software organization you will partner closely with business technology data and security leaders to establish architectural standards and build the baseline architecture powering our enterprise AI initiatives.

This role begins as an individual contributor with dedicated cross-functional support carrying a structured roadmap to recruit and lead a dedicated Enterprise Architecture team as the function matures.

This is a builder role not a maintainer role. You will define what doesnt yet exist and be the connective tissue between business strategy systems architecture data architecture and emerging AI initiatives.

What Youll Do

Enterprise Architecture Foundation & Strategy

• Define and implement the Enterprise Architecture operating model principles governance rhythm and a pragmatic framework tailored to the companys size and pace
• Develop maintain and present core technology standards reference architectures and multi-year roadmaps across business systems and data platforms (partnering with consultants as needed for rapid current-state assessment)
• Drive formal architecture review processes for major technology investments ensuring strict alignment with enterprise standards security scalability and cost efficiency

AI Architecture Strategy & Enablement

• Define and lead the enterprise AI architecture strategyincluding model integration patterns LLM/agentic frameworks infrastructure choices (build vs. buy cloud AI services) and internal AI platform buildouts
• Partner with security legal and data governance teams to establish responsible AI policies data privacy standards and architectural guardrails for deploying copilots agents and automation into core business systems
• Serve as the subject matter expert and advisor to executive leadership on emerging AI architecture trends risks and strategic implications

Business Systems Data Architecture & Portfolio Rationalization

• Define data architecture standards (data governance flow patterns master data management) and API integration frameworks in close partnership with data and engineering teams
• Evaluate and rationalize the application portfolio across business systems to actively identify consolidation opportunities reduce technical debt and eliminate system duplication

Leadership & Influence

• Act as a trusted architectural authority across business engineering and security functions building consensus around complex technology decisions without direct authority
• Build the business case for expanding the EA capability taking ownership of hiring mentoring and managing future architects as the function matures

What Youll Need

Minimum Qualifications

• 10 years in progressively senior IT/technology roles with degree 8 years with an advanced degree with 5 years specifically in an enterprise architecture solutions architecture or architecture leadership capacity
• Demonstrated experience building or significantly maturing an Enterprise Architecture function ideally in a mid-size ($500M$5B revenue) or high-growth environment
• Deep knowledge of business systems architecture (ERP CRM financial systems) and data architecture principles
• Direct experience architecting or overseeing AI/ML integration into enterprise systems including LLM-based tools AI copilots or data platforms supporting AI use cases
• Foundational understanding of AI security data privacy and governance principles
• Strong understanding of cloud architecture (AWS Azure or GCP) integration patterns and modern data platforms.
• Experience working with or managing external consultants/implementation partners
• Excellent communication skillsable to translate complex architecture concepts for both technical teams and executive stakeholders
• Comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy in a team of one environment while building toward a larger function

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in a publicly traded company with awareness of SOX audit and compliance considerations affecting architecture decisions
• Familiarity with enterprise architecture frameworks (TOGAF Zachman)certification is a plus
• Direct experience standing up formal AI governance frameworks or responsible AI policies
• Advanced experience with agentic AI frameworks MCP (Model Context Protocol) or specific enterprise AI platforms (e.g. Microsoft Copilot Studio Anthropic Claude OpenAI enterprise tools)
• Background in the software/SaaS industry understanding both internal enterprise systems and product-side architecture considerations

Working Conditions & Travel Requirement s

• Up to 20% travel
• Reliable internet access for any period of time working remotely not in a Workiva office

How Youll Be Rewarded

A discretionary bonus typically paid annually

Restricted Stock Units granted at time of hire

401(k) match and comprehensive employee benefits package

The salary range represents the low and high end of the salary range for this job in the US. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors including your skills qualifications experience and other relevant factors.

Why Join Workiva

Workiva is the platform designed to bring confidence control and a competitive edge to the worlds most complex organizations. Our AI-powered platform unifies finance risk and sustainability on a single secure foundationensuring data is trusted traceable and ready to act on. With an unbroken path from source to output leaders gain confidence in their numbers visibility into current and emerging risks and the ability to move with speed and precision in a constantly changing world.

At Workiva youll bring technology to market that executives boards and regulators depend on. The work you do here helps organizations navigate uncertainty maintain trust and make decisions that stand up to scrutiny. If youre energized by meaningful challenges inspired by collaborative teams and motivated to help organizations turn uncertainty into advantage wed love to meet you.

Employment decisions are made without regard to age race creed color religion sex national origin ancestry disability status veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression genetic information marital status citizenship status or any other protected characteristic.

Workiva is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. To request assistance with the application process please email .

Workiva employees are required to undergo comprehensive security and privacy training tailored to their roles ensuring adherence to company policies and regulatory standards.

Workiva supports employees in working where they work best - either from an office or remotely from any location within their country of employment.

Required Experience:

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