Director, State and Local Government and Education (SLED) Solutions Architecture

When you join Verizon

Verizon is a leading provider of technology, communications, information and entertainment products, transforming the way we connect across the globe. We’re a diverse network of people driven by our ambition and united in our shared purpose to shape a better future. Here, we have the ability to learn and grow at the speed of technology, and the space to create within every role. Together, we are moving the world forward – and you can too. Dream it. Build it. Do it here.

What you’ll be doing...

The Director of Solutions Architecture will lead the State and Local Government & Education (SLED) Solutions organization, driving excellence in the presales process through solution development, solution selling, and deal closure through strategic engagement to maximize sales efforts and revenue creation. By becoming the trusted technical advisor for SLED clients, your team will act as the design authority for internal and external stakeholders creating multi-tower solutions and creating the supporting design artifacts. This organization will maintain the highest level of technical certifications and advanced knowledge and understanding of all Verizon services and technologies and how they integrate into a complete solution.

The primary responsibilities of the Director are:

• Create and implement a vision for the SLED Solutions organization to maximize results and productivity, and developa high performing team that can anticipate technical trends and lead our clients towards successfuloutcomes.
• Ensure thorough understanding of customer needs to deliver a technical design that addresses the customer’s requirements.
• Provide leadership of opportunity teams to ensure engagement with key business stakeholders and subject matter experts, to build a holistic view of client strategy, processes, and information technology assets.
• Ensure the team is able to demonstrate Verizon’s solution differentiation and advantages and position themselves as thought leaders on technology design.
• Maintain deep technical expertise and drive transformation technology activities in next generation technologies and enablers, primarily related to M2M, IOT, Telematics, 5G, MEC, and wireline networks, focusing on solving customer business problems in order to achieve revenue and bookings growth and quota attainment across the SLED segment.
• Develop the team’s professional skill-set and expand product knowledge to maximize value. This includes ensuring that the team attains and maintains designated certifications with continuous reviews of technical literature.
• Identify and implement optimization opportunities across roles to drive maximum efficiency, implementing automation wherever possible and off-loading low value / low cost work.
• Demonstrate and encourage on-going performance coaching to refresh, elevate and unlock talent, and execute on development plans/Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs), when necessary and in accordance with HR guidelines.
• Create interlock with the Product organization to ensure repeatable and customer driven solutions.
• Provide timely market information, drivers, and customer feedback to our partner organizations for product and technology positioning and enhancements.
• Act as a trusted advisor to segment sales leaders, ensuring alignment and execution of strategic goals.
• Develop and cultivate relationships with senior management and executive levels, both internally and externally.
• Motivate organization to provide consistent, high quality, technical support and to identify and develop sales/service opportunities.
• Participate in executive briefings and customer presentations.
• Conduct periodic operations reviews with management team to maintain focus and cadence on excellence.
• Manage travel and expense budget to 100% versus plan.

What we’re looking for...

• Bachelor's Degree in a technical discipline and/or 8 years' experience in a variety of disciplines related to the architecting / solutioning of IT related technologies
• Demonstrated track record of direct management experience of managers of individual contributors, including workforce planning, coaching, and managing performance for large teams
• Experience interfacing directly with senior leaders
• Demonstrated ability to deliver effective customer presentations and preparing customer-facing material
• Demonstrated experience in financial analysis (i.e., P&L, ROI, cost analysis, business case development, etc.)
• Demonstrated curiosity with technical white papers showcasing a builder/creator mindset
• Excellent communication and presentation skills

Even better if you have:

• MS or MBA degree
• Government integrator experience
• Experience in sales or program management of Government customers

This position can be located in other valid Verizon locations.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer - and celebrate our employees' differences, including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, and Veteran status. At Verizon, we know that diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to a collaborative, inclusive environment that encourages authenticity and fosters a sense of belonging. We strive for everyone to feel valued, connected, and empowered to reach their potential and contribute their best. Check out our diversity and inclusion page to learn more.