Microsoft Cloud Architect

Location: Herndon VA 
Position Type: Onsite
Hybrid/Onsite Schedule: 5 days on-site with some flexibility to remote in the future
Contract Length: 6 months + possible extension

Position Overview:

The Cloud Architect will lead cloud modernization efforts by collaborating with vendors and stakeholders to implement solutions such as SharePoint Online, Microsoft Intune, Entra ID integration, and Zero Trust security. A key responsibility is translating complex initiatives into clear language and visuals to ensure understanding and alignment among non-technical leadership.

Duties:

Leadership Communication & Strategic Alignment

• Develop and deliver clear, visual presentations (e.g., roadmaps, dashboards, milestone charts) tailored to leadership and non-technical stakeholders

• Present project updates and recommendations in IT Steering Committee and leadership strategy sessions

• Align cloud modernization initiatives with organizational goals, budget planning, staffing readiness, and change management strategies

Technology Implementation & Execution

• Configure and manage Microsoft Entra ID, Active Directory synchronization, and Intune for full MDM/MAM lifecycle

• Lead hands-on deployment and governance of Zero Trust security controls (MFA, Conditional Access, DLP, protocol blocking), Microsoft Defender for Office 365, and SharePoint Online/Microsoft Teams (migration, permissions, governance, onboarding)

• Perform root cause analysis, system remediation, and ongoing optimization of cloud platforms

• Collaborate with vendors to ensure technical deliverables align with Microsoft best practices and organizational architecture standards

Change Management & Adoption Enablement

• Lead change management efforts including communication planning, training sessions, user readiness assessments, and support resources

• Work with departments to address training gaps, develop materials, and sustain adoption momentum

• Monitor user adoption, usage trends, and feedback to adjust rollout strategies and mitigate resistance

Project Coordination & Risk Management

• Develop project timelines, interdependency maps, and resource forecasts

• Coordinate across vendors, IT staff, and departments to ensure smooth implementation with minimal disruption

• Track milestones, risks, blockers, and scope issues, escalating as needed to maintain momentum and transparency

Training, Documentation & Support

• Deliver organization-wide training, onboarding, and department-specific Q&A forums during key rollouts

• Create and maintain training guides, job aids, knowledge base content, and technical runbooks

• Provide Tier 2/3 support during transitions such as migrations, cutovers, and policy changes

Required Skills:

• 5 years of experience in designing and implementing Microsoft 365 cloud solutions aligned with strategic IT goals

• 5 years of hands-on technical configuration and deployment of Entra ID, Intune, and Zero Trust security controls

• 2 years of experience preparing and delivering compelling visual presentations for non-technical leadership audiences

• 4 years of experience leading organizational change initiatives focused on user adoption and communication planning

• 3 years of experience implementing and managing MFA, Conditional Access, and DLP policies in a Microsoft 365 environment

• 5 years of experience creating and maintaining technical roadmaps, timelines, and milestone charts for cloud modernization projects

• 5 years of experience configuring and supporting Microsoft Entra ID and Active Directory synchronization

• 3 years of experience deploying, governing, and supporting collaboration platforms such as SharePoint Online and Teams

• 3 years of experience managing device compliance, policies, and enrollment across hybrid and BYOD environments using Microsoft Intune

• 4 years of experience collaborating with vendors, IT staff, and business units to ensure smooth project execution

• 4 years of experience developing runbooks, SOPs, and support documentation for ongoing cloud operations

• 4 years of experience communicating IT strategy and project outcomes clearly to executive and steering committee stakeholders

• 4 years of experience designing and delivering user training, guides, and onboarding content tailored to department needs

• 4 years of experience configuring and reporting on Microsoft Defender for Office 365 and Secure Score

• 4 years of experience identifying, tracking, and mitigating risks and blockers to maintain project timelines and quality

• 5 years of experience evaluating technical solutions for alignment with business needs and continuously optimizing configurations based on feedback

• 4 years of experience in leadership communication and strategic alignment to drive successful project outcomes