Jira Architect

About the Organization
A nationally recognized research institution where your work directly supports groundbreaking scientific programs. We build the infrastructure behind some of the most impactful research in the country.

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Jira Architect Contractor to lead a large-scale transition from a decentralized one-space-per-project Jira footprint to a standardized multi-tiered enterprise architecture. This role will work embedded with our internal Work Structure team to finalize a global Jira architecture remediate significant configuration drift (custom fields screens and workflows) execute data migrations and provide organizational change management and leadership enablement.

What Youll Do
Architectural Design & Alignment

• Finalize the global issue hierarchy (Initiative Epic Story/Task/Bug) ensuring seamless cross-space linking and dependency mapping
• Design the structural architecture for long-term Portfolio Procurement Programs and Group/Department spaces
• Architect the deployment of Jiras native Goals feature to map strategic objectives to the work delivery layer
• Evaluate refine and scale the current use of Atlassian Teams across the instance
• Refine and improve Advanced Roadmaps plans and architect reporting for status progress dates blockers and Goal completion metrics

Data Remediation & Technical Standardization

• Audit rationalize and merge redundant custom fields workflow statuses resolutions notification schemes and screen layouts
• Build a standardized set of reusable workflow schemes for software engineering operations and administrative functions
• Clean up historical orphaned or obsolete components labels versions and permission groups; formulate an archiving strategy for inactive projects

Change Management Migration & Implementation

• Guide teams through transitioning from legacy dedicated spaces into shared Group/Department spaces
• Lead technical execution of bulk data mapping migration and cleansing without data loss or downtime
• Support teams in aligning Team profiles boards and plans with the new structure without disrupting active sprint tracking or cross-project dependencies
• Act as a neutral technical advisor to resolve competing requirements between departments regarding field or workflow customization

Training & Governance Enablement

• Design and deliver leadership enablement sessions on portfolio visibility dashboard consumption and capacity tracking
• Provide deep-dive documentation and training for internal Jira administrators and team leads
• Author a Jira Governance Playbook detailing change control procedures for new custom fields projects and integrations

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of hands-on Jira administration experience including workflow design permission schemes and custom field configuration
• Demonstrated experience with Jira Cloud
• Experience configuring portfolio-level project structures for organizations of comparable scale (100 users multiple departments)
• Proficiency with Jira Automation
• Ability to create and document dashboards and filters for executive audiences

• Atlassian Certified Professional (ACP) Jira Administrator or equivalent certification
• Prior experience supporting research government or higher-education organizations
• Familiarity with portfolio or program management frameworks (e.g. PMI SAFe or similar)
• Experience integrating Jira with Confluence for documentation and governance publishing
• Background in change management or organizational rollout of collaboration tooling

• Available for remote collaboration
• Able to participate in stakeholder interviews and workshops during Pacific Time business hours
• Must be eligible to work in the United States

Key Deliverables Over the Engagement

• Enterprise Jira Architecture Blueprint
• Jira Configuration Assessment & Remediation Plan
• Standardized Jira Configuration Library
• Goals & Strategic Alignment Implementation
• Advanced Roadmaps Portfolio Framework
• Data Migration Strategy & Project Migration Execution
• Cleanup & Archiving Implementation
• Executive & Operational Reporting/Dashboard Suite
• Group/Department Guidance Artifacts
• Leadership Training Program
• Administrator & Power User Training Package
• Jira Governance Document
• Monthly Status & Executive Reporting
• Final Engagement Closeout Package