API Architect

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship.

The University of Minnesota is committed to fostering local talent through employment opportunities. While this position utilizes a hybrid work modality, prospective applicants must be located either in the state of Minnesota or near the Wisconsin border OR otherwise open to relocation. Consider a career with one of the nation’s largest Universities! The Office of Information Technology (OIT) develops and maintains mission-critical applications for the University of Minnesota.

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated API Architect to provide technical leadership of our digital transformation initiatives across our decentralized IT model. The successful candidate will be responsible for engaging with the University developer community to create effective standards for University API usage, and defining key measures of success for these initiatives. The role requires a strong technical lead who’s willing to establish and maintain best practices and can demonstrate their technical approach with confidence.

We Offer:

• University paid contribution (10% of your salary) to your retirement account - vested immediately.
• 22 paid vacation days per year, in addition to sick leave and 11 paid holidays.
• Reduced tuition opportunities covering 75% - 100% of eligible tuition.
• Excellent and affordable health care benefits.
• Wellness program with opportunity to earn lower health care rates.
• Free disability insurance.
• Annual merit increase program.

Ideal candidates will have excellent technical and interpersonal skills as well as a passion for the University’s mission of research, education, and outreach.

Responsibilities include:

• Create core university API standards (naming conventions, versioning, message patterns, etc) and implement tooling to assess compliance
• Implement effective API security guidelines and tooling
• Oversee selection and creation of effective API platform, and demonstrate use through leading development of core “common” API use cases for the institution
• Create tooling to assess API health and performance
• Engage with the IT@UMN community to build depth and expertise in API usage in application contexts through training, documentation, and presentations
• Drive adoption of common API patterns throughout the university

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors and at least 6 years of experience, or relevant Masters degree and 4 years of experience
• Experience leading the creation of APIs in a decentralized / team-centered development environment
• Demonstrated experience securing APIs
• Experience in a microservice environment preferred
• Experience supporting API consumption

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.
• Experience with agile development methodologies and project management practices.
• Familiarity with Higher Education

Pay Range: $120,000 - $138,000 ; depending on education/qualifications/experience

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

This position will remain open until filled.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with…