Head of Enterprise Architecture (Chicago)

As CohnReznick grows, so do our career opportunities. As one of the nations top professional services firms, CohnReznick creates rewarding careers in advisory, assurance, and tax with team members who value innovation and collaboration in everything they do!

CohnReznick helps organizations optimize performance, manage risk, and maximize value through CohnReznick LLP (assurance services) and CohnReznick Advisory LLC (advisory and tax services). Together, the firm provides leaders with deep industry knowledge and relationships, solutions to address clients unique business goals and risks, and insight on how emerging market forces can drive opportunity. With offices nationwide, the firm serves organizations around the world as an independent member of Nexia.

We currently have an exciting career opportunity for a Head of Enterprise Architecture to join the Enterprise Architecture team.

CohnReznick is a hybrid firm and most of our professionals are located within a commutable distance to one of our offices. This position is considered remote which means it does not require job duties be performed within proximity of a CohnReznick office location. However, as a remote employee, you may be required to be present at a CohnReznick office with scheduled notice for client work, team meetings, or trainings.

WHY COHNREZNICK?

At CohnReznick, were united by a common mission to create opportunity, value, and trust for our clients, our people, and our communities. Whether its working alongside your peers to solve a client challenge, or volunteering together at the local food bank, there are so many ways to find your why at the firm.

We believe its important to balance work with everyday life and make time for enjoyment and fun. We invest in a robust Total Rewards package that includes everything from generous PTO, a flexible work environment, expanded parental leave, extensive learning & development, and even paid time off for employees to volunteer.

YOUR ROLE.

The Head of Enterprise Architecture will lead the strategic and operational aspects of enterprise-wide technology architecture, driving digital transformation initiatives while ensuring alignment between business objectives and technological capabilities. This hands-on leadership role requires deep technical expertise combined with strong business acumen and exceptional stakeholder management skills.

This position requires a unique blend of technical expertise, leadership skills, and business acumen. The successful candidate will be both a visionary leader and a hands-on practitioner, capable of driving enterprise-wide transformation while maintaining operational excellence.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

Strategic Leadership

• Define and execute the enterprise architecture strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals and digital transformation initiatives.
• Lead the development and maintenance of enterprise architecture frameworks, standards, and governance processes.
• Establish and chair the Architecture Review Board (ARB), facilitating decision-making processes and ensuring architectural compliance.
• Drive innovation by evaluating emerging technologies and their potential business impact.
• Partner with C-level executives to shape technology strategy and roadmap.

Technical Leadership

• Provide hands-on architectural leadership in cloud computing, artificial intelligence/machine learning, and enterprise integration.
• Design and oversee implementation of complex enterprise-wide solutions.
• Guide the development of API strategies and implementation of integration patterns.
• Lead the modernization of legacy systems and migration to cloud platforms.
• Establish data architecture standards and governance frameworks.
• Direct the development of automation strategies and implementation.

Process Development & Governance

• Establish and mature enterprise architecture processes and methodologies.
• Develop and maintain architecture governance frameworks.
• Create and enforce architectural standards, policies, and procedures.
• Implement architecture review processes and ensure compliance.
• Maintain enterprise architecture documentation and artifacts.
• Build and lead a high-performing enterprise architecture team.
• Mentor solution architects and technical leads across the organization.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration between business and technology teams.
• Drive architecture community of practice initiatives.
• Lead architecture workshops and training sessions.

YOUR EXPERIENCE.

The successful candidate will have:

• Bachelors degree in computer science, Information Systems, or related field; Masters preferred
• 15+ years of experience in data and analytics leadership roles.
• Proven hands-on technical expertise in:
  • Enterprise data architecture design and implementation.
  • Master Data Management (MDM) solutions and practices.
  • Data integration and ETL/ELT processes.
  • AI/ML model development and deployment.
  • MLOps practices and tools.
  • Data privacy and security frameworks.
• Track record of successfully leading large-scale data transformation initiatives.
• Experience implementing and scaling AI/ML solutions in production environments.
• Deep understanding of data governance principles and privacy regulations.
• Strong knowledge of modern data stack, including cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP)

Technical Skills

• 15+ years of IT experience with 8+ years in enterprise architecture roles
• Extensive hands-on experience with:
  • Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
  • AI/ML technologies and implementations
  • API design and management
  • Integration patterns and technologies
  • Data architecture and integration
  • Automation technologies and practices
• Strong understanding of enterprise architecture frameworks (TOGAF, Zachman, etc.)
• Experience with modern software development methodologies and practices.

Leadership & Process

• Proven track record of establishing enterprise architecture practices
• Experience in creating and running Architecture Review Boards
• Demonstrated success in implementing governance frameworks
• History of leading digital transformation initiatives
• Strong background in change management

Business & Soft Skills

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills
• Strong facilitation and consensus-building abilities
• Experience working with C-level executives
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field
• Master's degree preferred
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Technical leadership and hands-on expertise
• Stakeholder management and influence
• Process development and governance
• Change management
• Team building and mentoring
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Communication and presentation
• Collaboration and facilitation

Impact & Influence

• Reports to: Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
• Key Stakeholders: C-Suite, Business Unit Leaders, Technology Teams, Project Teams
• Budget Responsibility: Architecture team budget, technology standards

In Illinois , the salary range for a Head of Enterprise Architecture is $200,000 to $275,000. Salary is one component of the CohnReznick total rewards package, which includes a discretionary performance bonus, generous paid time off, expanded and inclusive parental benefits, and access to best-in-class learning and development platforms, to name a few. To learn more about life at CohnReznick, visit Life at CohnReznick

Studies have shown that we are less likely to apply to jobs unless we meet every single qualification. At CohnReznick, we are dedicated to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, so if youre excited about this role but your experience doesnt align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our other roles.

CohnReznick is the brand name under which CohnReznick LLP and CohnReznick Advisory LLC and their respective subsidiaries provide professional services. CohnReznick LLP and CohnReznick Advisory LLC (and their respective subsidiaries) practice in an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable law, regulations, and professional standards. CohnReznick LLP is a licensed CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients. CohnReznick Advisory LLC provides tax and business consulting services to its clients. CohnReznick Advisory LLC and its subsidiaries are not licensed CPA firms.

CohnReznick is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive team to drive business results and create a better future every day for our team members, clients, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, nationa]]> <