Senior Director Enterprise Architecture (Hybrid - Raleigh, NC)

This is a hybrid role with the expectation that time working will regularly take place inside and outside of a company office.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Director of Enterprise Architecture to lead and transform our enterprise architecture practice at First Cotizens Bank]. This executive-level position will be responsible for establishing and executing the strategic technology vision, and ensuring our technology architecture supports business objectives while maintaining regulatory compliance and operational excellence in the financial services industry.

The successful candidate will manage and lead a high-performing enterprise architecture team, establish governance frameworks, and serve as a key technology advisor to senior leadership and business stakeholders across the organization.

Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Develop and execute comprehensive enterprise architecture strategy aligned with business objectives and regulatory requirements
- Lead transformation initiatives and modernization efforts across core banking systems
- Establish and maintain enterprise architecture principles, standards, best practices, and governance
- Drive technology innovation while ensuring security, compliance, and risk management standards
- Partner with executive leadership to translate business strategy into technology roadmaps

Team Leadership & Development
- Build, lead, and mentor a team of enterprise architects and platform architects
- Establish career development programs and technical competency frameworks
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning
- Manage team performance, compensation, and professional growth initiatives
- Recruit and retain top architecture talent in a competitive market

Architecture Governance & Standards
- Establish and maintain enterprise architecture review boards and governance processes
- Define and enforce technology standards, patterns, and best practices
- Oversee architecture decision records and ensure compliance with established frameworks
- Implement architecture maturity assessments and continuous improvement processes
- Ensure alignment between enterprise, solution, and technical architecture layers

Technology Modernization & Innovation
- Lead modernization and cloud transformation initiatives
- Drive API-first architecture and microservices adoption strategies
- Partner to oversee data architecture and analytics platform development
- Ensure scalability, performance, and resilience of critical banking systems

Stakeholder Management & Communication
- Serve as primary technology advisor to C-suite executives and board committees
- Collaborate with business units to understand requirements and translate into technical strategy and vision
- Partner with risk, compliance, and audit teams to ensure regulatory adherence
- Communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders

Financial & Vendor Management
- Develop and manage enterprise architecture budget
- Oversee vendor relationships and technology partnerships
- Drive cost optimization initiatives and technology ROI analysis
- Manage architecture tool licensing and platform investments
- Ensure effective resource allocation across architecture initiatives

Bachelor's Degree and 12 years of experience in Information Technology management and technical implementation OR High School Diploma or GED and 16 years of experience in Information Technology management and technical implementation

Strongly Preferred Skills:

- Master's degree preferred (MBA or advanced technical degree)
- 15+ years of progressive experience in enterprise architecture roles
- 8+ years of leadership experience managing technical teams
- Prior experience in financial services or highly regulated industries

- Prior experience in an delivery and execution role

Technical Expertise
- Deep expertise in enterprise architecture frameworks (TOGAF, Zachman, DoDAF)
- Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
- Strong background in core banking systems and financial services technology
- Proficiency in API management, microservices, and distributed systems architecture
- Experience with data architecture, analytics platforms, and data governance
- Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks and regulatory compliance requirements

- strong execution mindset

Leadership & Business Skills
- Proven track record of leading large-scale digital transformation initiatives
- Strong business acumen with ability to align technology strategy with business outcomes
- Excellent communication and presentation skills for executive-level audiences
- Demonstrated ability to influence without authority and drive consensus

- comfortable in agile or waterfall execution models

Industry Knowledge
- Deep understanding of banking regulations (SOX, PCI DSS, Basel III, CCAR)
- Experience with regulatory examinations and audit processes
- Knowledge of fintech trends and digital banking innovations
- Understanding of risk management and operational resilience requirements

Preferred Qualifications
- Professional certifications: TOGAF, AWS/Azure Solutions Architect, CISSP, PMP
- Experience with agile and DevOps methodologies
- Background in mergers & acquisitions technology integration
- Previous consulting experience with top-tier firms

Benefits are an integral part of total rewards and First Citizens Bank is committed to providing a competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program to meet the needs of our associates. More information can be found at https://jobs.firstcitizens.com/benefits.