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IT Specialist (Enterprise Architecture), GS-2210-15 Chief Technology Architect (CTA)

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IT Specialist (Enterprise Architecture), GS-2210-15 Chief Technology Architect (CTA)

Bethesda, MD
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    INTRODUCTION

    This position is located in Office of Information Technology Services Management (OITSM), Office of the Director, Center for Information Technology (CIT), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

    The NIH is an operating entity of the Department of Health and Human Services and is the principal Federal agency responsible for biomedical research. It is the largest medical research institution in the United States and an international leader in the effort to uncover new knowledge that will lead to better health. NIH's mission is to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability.

    The CIT is the organizational component of NIH responsible for supporting the agency's scientific mission by providing a vast array of information technology (IT) operations and services that include networking, computational bioscience and scientific computing, enterprise applications development and support, sophisticated security measures, telecommunications, user support and training. The mission of CIT is to provide, coordinate, and manage information and information technology infrastructure and services for NIH and to advance computational science to improve NIH's ability to discover new biomedical knowledge. Additionally, CIT operates a consolidated data center, which provides administrative and computational services to HHS and other Federal agencies.

    The incumbent serves as the Chief Technology Architect (CTA) and has responsibility for managing and overseeing all aspects of CIT's Technology Platform Architecture services and functions. The incumbent oversees the delivery of technology architecture services throughout the CIT, to include IT Technology Strategy, Target State Roadmap for the IT Services Areas, Tools and Technology Portfolio Management, and streamlining, transforming, and optimizing CIT Services in support of NIH mission and CIT's operations. The incumbent provides overarching oversight, matrix management, and integration of the work of domain architects in the various CIT Service Areas, and collaborates closely with OITSM Service Area Directors and Managers, Chief Business Transformation Officer of OAM, and across CIT's Senior Leadership and Management team to ensure alignment among strategy, governance, investment execution and reporting; and builds relationships with the NIH Office of the CIO and the NIH Institutes/Centers (ICs) to establish feedback mechanisms on CIT's IT services and capture input on potential IT investments that are top priority for the ICs.

    MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

    As the CIT Chief Technology Architect, the incumbent leads and manages CIT-wide technology architecture services and functions involving agency-wide IT technology architecture, strategy, portfolio management, and streamlining, transforming, and optimizing of CIT services to support the NIH mission and CIT operations.

    As the Chief Technology Architect, serves as a recognized expert and senior consultant within CIT and NIH on all aspects of IT technology architecture and development functions. Provides CIT and NIH-wide leadership in IT technology architecture and development functions, and exercises primary responsibility for leading CIT's efforts to develop IT architecture solutions and infrastructure in support of NIH research and business program areas. Exercises overarching CIT-wide responsibility for the development and application of state-of-the-art policies, principles, standards, and service guidelines to meet CIT and NIH technology architecture needs in order exchange information and build meaningful and supportable technology infrastructure to support the advancement of science, collaboration, and secure system to system data exchanges.

    Applies advanced expertise and knowledge to develop new theories, concepts, principles, standards, and methodologies for CIT technology architecture that support critical agency-wide programs, services, and mission requirements. Provides guidance and direction to other technology architects and IT experts throughout CIT and NIH on technology architecture and development functions involving the application or adaptation of new theories, concepts, and practices in technology architecture. Serves as the agency's senior expert, consultant, and advisor to top CIT and NIH officials and technology architects on integrating technology architecture programs with other IT systems and services of exceptional scope and complexity. Oversees and manages the evaluation of NIH mission and program responsibilities and processes to develop CIT's overarching technology architecture plans and strategies that support and align with agency goals, objectives, and technology requirements.

    Exercises responsibility for designing the high-level structure of new technology solutions, including the emerging technologies that CIT Service Areas may use. Researches and implements best practices for technology architecture. Maintains authoritative expertise and in-depth knowledge of the CIT's technologies and architecture, and keeps abreast of new technologies that might be beneficial to the organization. Meets with vendors; conducts proof-of-concepts; and develops reference architectures.

    Utilizes mastery and expertise in enterprise architecture concepts, methods, and practices; project management methods and concepts; and the Federal Enterprise Architecture (FEA) framework and reporting requirements to facilitate CIT-wide analyses to identify duplicative investments, gaps, or opportunities for collaboration within NIH and across Federal agencies; and to oversee the process of linking major NIH IT and technology initiatives to the NIH enterprise architecture and the FEA framework to support the budget formulation process. Develops, conducts, and reviews CIT and NIH technologies and resource planning, programs and acquisitions to ensure conformance with technology-related Federal laws, regulations, and policies and to ensure compliance with Governmental policy, Best Practices, and the FEA framework.

    Designs and oversees implementation of end-to-end integrated technology architectures. Provides roadmaps that show how the CIT will move towards a certain future state. Develops and maintains an aspirational architectural roadmap for the CIT Service Areas of CIT.

    Collaborates with NIH ICs, research laboratories, industry, academia, and acquisition experts to identify best-in-class technologies and practices. Communicates architectural decisions, plans, goals, and strategies and gains organizational commitment for enterprise level architecture and infrastructure initiatives.

    Provides technology direction and oversight, through a matrixed organizational structure, to other staff throughout CIT involved in the development and implementation of technology architecture, including the senior technology architects within Network Services (NS), Identity and Access Management Services (IAM), Unified Communication and Collaboration Services (UCC), Hosting and Storage Services (HSS), and Business Applications Services (BAS). Provides technical direction and oversight to other staff throughout CIT, including assigning project tasks to team leaders and senior project managers, and utilizing the best mix of staff and contract capabilities to accomplish technology architecture functions in support of CIT services and NIH mission responsibilities.

    Functions as a problem solver, and is responsible for the overall execution and organization of large-scale technology architecture engagements. Has the ultimate responsibility of making technologies work together and plays a key role that contributes heavily towards the success of many critical technology architecture projects at NIH. Is responsible for transforming the requirements into architecture and design artifacts that are used by other members of the CIT team to create IT technology architecture solutions.

    Partners with customers and other stakeholders including subject matter experts, IT experts, and senior management, to understand technology architecture requirements and customer needs. Uses this information to propose new and enhanced technology capabilities and solutions to the senior CIT and NIH officials and business owners. These capabilities and solutions support NIH scientific research and programs of national and international significance, impact the IT programs and systems of other Federal agencies and the services provided to the public, and contribute to the development and adoption of government-wide and industry-wide standards for advanced IT concepts and technologies.

    Conducts presentations, briefings, or other communication activities to keep appropriate management informed of the status of all significant technology architecture projects and activities and of issues and developments of interest and concern to senior management. Ensures proper coordination with system owners and IT specialists who manage IT systems within and outside of the NIH computing environment.

    Exercises technical leadership in promoting CIT services to research organizations throughout NIH in an effort to expand and enhance the scope of services provided by the CIT to the broader NIH community. Advises CIT and user management on new developments, approaches, and techniques in technology architecture. Serves as technology architecture expert on intra-agency, inter-agency committees, and working groups; and develops technology architecture proposals and cost-benefit analyses based on fact finding consultations with NIH and with industry technical leaders, management, and scientists. Establishes liaisons with research and scientific organizations throughout NIH that enable the exploration of opportunities for increased collaboration between CIT and the research community.

    FACTORS

    FACTOR 1, KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION, LEVEL 1-9

    Mastery and advanced professional knowledge of the theories, concepts, principles, practices, and techniques of information technology, and specifically of technology architecture, sufficient to develop new theories, concepts, principles, standards, and methods in technology architecture planning, development, and implementation.

    Mastery of advanced IT principles, concepts, methods, standards, and practices, in order to provide authoritative and expert technical advice, guidance, and recommendations to senior management officials and other IT experts throughout CIT and NIH on critical technology architecture issues; to develop new theories, concepts, and methods for the planning, development, and implementation of technology architecture to support agency IT services, programs, projects, and systems; and to make decisions and recommendations that significantly influence the development, delivery, and management of critical technology architecture throughout the agency. Such knowledge would typically be gained through an advanced degree in information technology, computer science, or a closely related field, or equivalent experience.

    Skill in providing recognized expertise, advice, and authoritative guidance to other IT officials, experts, and staff throughout CIT and NIH, and in other HHS components regarding all aspects of technology architecture.

    Thorough knowledge of the NIH biomedical research environment, NIH administrative systems and business practices, and common research techniques and problems.

    Skill in leading and overseeing technology architecture programs, projects, and functions, sufficient to function as the senior expert, consultant, and recognized authority throughout the agency on technology architecture. Advanced knowledge of best practices and state of the art advances in new IT technologies and architecture that may be of benefit to the CIT and NIH in meeting agency and customer requirements.

    Advanced knowledge and mastery of enterprise architecture concepts, methods, and practices; project management methods and concepts; and the Federal Enterprise Architecture framework and reporting requirements, sufficient to oversee technology architecture programs and issues throughout CIT; facilitate cross-organizational analyses to identify duplicative investments, gaps, or opportunities for collaboration within NIH and across Federal agencies; and oversee the process of linking major CIT and NIH IT initiatives to the NIH enterprise architecture and the FEA framework to support the budget formulation process.

    Advanced knowledge and expertise in developing strategy and road maps in information technology architecture and infrastructure development and management.

    Skill in leading the planning and design of complex IT technology solutions, and in leading and overseeing project teams involved in development of technology architecture. Advanced knowledge and demonstrated skill in leading and managing multi-stakeholder technology architecture initiatives and projects that cross agency and organizational boundaries and involve both government and contract employees. Ability to influence and guide cross-functional teams to successfully deliver outcomes while not directly in the chain of command.

    Skill in analyzing new and evolving technology architecture developments, and determining their applicability to the CIT and NIH environment. Demonstrated expertise and skill in applying computer knowledge and experience to recognize and predict industry trends and their future effect on NIH-wide programs.

    Skill in interpersonal communications, sufficient to establish and/or represent the OITSM and CIT in meetings and on committees and working groups established to effectively manage IT services, develop initiatives and solutions to critical problems; and ensure compliance with government-wide regulations and policies. Skill in negotiating issues and proposals regarding the delivery and management of IT services. Skill in providing leadership, direction, and oversight to other staff throughout CIT and NIH in the development of technology architecture.

    Demonstrated skills and abilities in communication both orally and in writing. Advanced skill in communicating and collaborating effectively with senior-level management, and in presenting issues, findings, and recommendations on a wide spectrum of topics in language that is appropriate and understandable. Skill in effectively dealing with audiences or individuals that may hold views which are not in concert with those of the incumbent or the organization.

    Ability to communicate significant and complex information on technology architecture with technical staff and OITSM, CIT, and NIH management both verbally and in writing. Advanced negotiation skills to develop technology architecture in collaboration with other Federal and private sector organizations, the IT industry, or firms.

    FACTOR 2, SUPERVISORY CONTROLS, LEVEL 2-5

    The incumbent reports to the Director, Office of IT Services Management, who provides administrative and policy direction in terms of very broadly defined missions or functions. Overall supervision is provided through discussions with the Director as to the nature of the broad technology architecture issues and priorities which the incumbent actively participates in developing. Guidance is in the form of broad administrative policy and overarching technical direction in regard to goals and objectives as well as work priorities. Work is performed with an exceptional degree of independence and autonomy. On collaborative assignments between CIT and other NIH ICs, the incumbent exercises delegated authority to coordinate activities with other organizations. As senior technical architect on technology architecture to the Director, the incumbent is delegated authority to carry out technical and program matters which have direct impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of OITSM, CIT, and the agency. Only the most controversial actions are discussed and evaluated with the supervisor. Findings and recommendations are normally accepted without significant change, and the incumbent is therefore relied upon entirely to provide technically accurate information, advice, and recommendations. Ultimately, effectiveness in obtaining and allocating resources, outcomes of efforts to achieve performance objectives, and the success of the incumbent in representing the Director, OITSM, and the CIT Director and Deputy Director are the standards by which the supervisor controls and evaluates the work done by the incumbent.

    FACTOR 3, GUIDELINES, LEVEL 3-5

    Guidelines are very broadly stated agency, departmental, and Federal regulations and standards, agency IT and technology architecture policies and standards, project and program management principles and practices, as well as broadly stated technical objectives relating to IT services management that require extensive interpretation. The incumbent exercises broad authority in applying and interpreting these guidelines, and uses expert judgment and ingenuity to develop creative alternatives to devise solutions to exceptionally complex agency-wide technology architecture problems and issues encountered. The incumbent is recognized as the agency authority in technology architecture, and in the interpretation and development of guidance related to the management of technology architecture and IT services and resources. The incumbent must be creative and ingenious in analyses and resourceful in crafting alternative solutions to exceptionally complex problems and issues involving technology architecture.

    FACTOR 4, COMPLEXITY, LEVEL 4-6

    The incumbent functions as the CIT Chief Technology Architect, and provides program management guidance, consultation, and expertise for all aspects of CIT-wide and agency-wide technology architecture in support of CIT IT programs and services that support the NIH community. The broad authorities and responsibilities exercised by the incumbent require extensive planning and coordination in technology architecture where precedents often do not exist, and establishment of new concepts and approaches, in order to ensure that the broad scope of CIT-wide technology architecture efficiently and effectively satisfies customer requirements and expectations and supports NIH scientific and administrative requirements. The activities planned and managed by the incumbent involve exceptional breadth and intensity of effort, involve multiple concurrent technology architecture development activities, and have a substantial influence on the evolution and improvement of critical technology architecture that supports the NIH customer community.

    CIT provides a wide range of highly specialized services that support effective decision-making throughout the scientific and business communities and benefit IT end users and other IT organizations. The work involves managing technology architecture issues of exceptional breadth and intensity of effort; and conducting extensive investigation and analysis of largely undefined factors and conductions in order to determine the nature and scope of problems and to devise effective solutions. The work requires adapting to constantly changing factors and conditions involving rapidly evolving technology and new scientific and business computing needs; developing new concepts, theories, and strategies to resolve unusually complex or difficult problems that have previously resisted solution; and adapting to uncertainty with regard to the availability of resources, security concerns, and complex interrelationships with other IT organizations both internal and external to CIT, NIH, and the Department. Effective management and oversight of the NIH technology architecture and associated resources requires making major decisions and taking actions that have a direct and substantial impact on the success of the Office of IT Services Management and CIT in realizing the corporate vision of being a vital partner in the discovery of biomedical knowledge. The technology architecture functions and projects that the incumbent manages have a fundamental impact on relationships with a wide range of CIT stakeholders including the CIT management team and staff; contractors; NIH and IC customers; senior NIH and IC managers; other Federal agencies; vendors; and ultimately the public who benefits most directly from NIH research to improve health and prevent disease.

    FACTOR 5, SCOPE AND EFFECT, LEVEL 5-6

    The incumbent functions as the senior technology architect within CIT and NIH, and exercises responsibility for planning, developing, and carrying out broad and extensive activities involving the development and implementation of agency-wide technology architecture that directly supports critical NIH programs and services of national and international significance. The technology architecture programs and projects managed by the incumbent support the computing requirements of a very large and highly diverse scientific and business community. The scope of the technology architecture responsibilities are very extensive and ensure that the scientific and business communities supported by CIT are able to fully utilize state of the art computing resources and best practices in technology architecture in order to carry out the vital NIH mission, ensure the agency's ability to respond to mission requirements through the optimal application of IT systems and services, and ensure the security of NIH information, systems, data, and technologies.

    The incumbent's work activities involving the development and implementation of CIT technology architecture, and recommendations for new strategies or realignment of technology solutions, directly support critical agency-wide requirements for rapidly evolving technology and new scientific and business computing needs that support critical NIH mission responsibilities of national and international significance. The products and services provided by CIT directly and significantly impact all NIH ICs as well as the global scientific and research community with which NIH interacts on a daily basis in advancing efforts to improve public health issues of national and international significance. The work efforts of the organization directly support efforts to create a lean, accountable, and more efficient government; to ensure the security and protection of NIH systems, technologies, and data; to align the Federal workforce to meet the needs of today and the future; and to develop a more effective and emboldened data governance structure that will enable the use of accessible, integrated data to drive insight and action in accomplishing the goals and mission responsibilities of NIH.

    FACTOR 6, PERSONAL CONTACTS, LEVEL 6-3

    Contacts are with senior officials and staff of the OITSM, CIT, and NIH; officials and staff of the various NIH ICs; high-ranking officials and representatives of other agencies, university officials, contract organizations, and executives of comparable private sector organizations. Contacts occur in a broad range of structured and unstructured settings.

    FACTOR 7, PURPOSE OF CONTACTS, LEVEL 7-C

    The purpose of contacts is to plan, manage, and coordinate work activities; provide direction and oversight to other staff involved in technology architecture programs and projects; provide expert advice, guidance, and consultation; establish and maintain productive relationships with others; present, justify, negotiate, and defend proposals for new or revised technology architecture; coordinate the implementation of major new technology architecture projects and initiatives; settle matters involving significant or controversial issues, such as changing the nature and scope of CIT programs or dealing with substantial expenditures; represent the CIT and NIH on interagency committees and work groups; and negotiate to secure cooperation in meeting program objectives and resource requirements.

    FACTOR 8, PHYSICAL DEMANDS, LEVEL 8-1

    The work is primarily sedentary, and requires no unusual physical demands.

    FACTOR 9, WORK ENVIRONMENT, LEVEL 9-1

    The work is performed in an office setting. No special safety precautions are required.