Vice President - Technology (Arizona, US - Hybrid)

About the Role Academian is seeking a senior technology executive to lead technology architecture, AI solutions, and strategic technology engagements in the US. This role will work closely with the CTO and serve as a senior technology advisor to Academian's clients, helping organizations translate business and transformation priorities into scalable technology and AI solutions. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise in enterprise architecture, cloud-native platforms, software engineering, data, and AI with strong consulting and executive communication capabilities. This person should be equally comfortable discussing technology strategy with a CIO/CTO, architecting an AI-native platform, leading a technical discovery workshop, and working with engineering teams to translate the architecture into execution. The role will work closely with Academian's India technology and engineering leadership to connect client strategy, solution architecture, innovation, and engineering execution. Key Responsibilities Partner with the CTO to shape Academian's technology, architecture, AI, and innovation strategy, translating emerging technologies into differentiated client solutions and offerings. Serve as a trusted technology advisor to strategic clients, working with CIOs, CTOs, product leaders, and business executives on technology modernization, AI adoption, platform strategy, and digital transformation. Lead technology discovery, architecture assessments, AI strategy engagements, technical due diligence, and solution workshops, translating business problems into actionable technology roadmaps. Architect and guide enterprise and AI-first solutions across Generative AI, Agentic AI, RAG, knowledge platforms, intelligent automation, cloud-native platforms, data architectures, and enterprise integrations. Provide senior technical leadership for strategic opportunities, RFPs/RFIs, proposals, solutioning, estimates, PoCs, and executive presentations, partnering closely with Sales and Consulting teams. Define reference architectures, reusable technology patterns, AI frameworks, accelerators, and solution blueprints that improve Academian's speed to market and competitive differentiation. Work closely with India architecture and engineering leadership to translate solution vision into executable architecture and engineering plans, ensuring continuity from strategy through implementation. Provide architecture oversight for strategic programs, conducting design reviews, technical risk assessments, scalability reviews, security reviews, and technology governance throughout execution. Evaluate emerging technologies and lead rapid prototyping and innovation initiatives, identifying opportunities for new AI solutions, platforms, accelerators, and service offerings. Represent Academian as a senior technology leader in the US market, contributing to executive client relationships, industry discussions, partnerships, thought leadership, and strategic growth initiatives. Required Technical Expectations Enterprise Architecture Enterprise Architecture and Architecture Frameworks Application, Data, Security and Infrastructure Architecture Distributed and Event-Driven Architectures Microservices and API Platforms Enterprise Integration Architecture SaaS and Multi-Tenant Platforms Technology Modernization Cloud & Platform Engineering AWS, Azure and/or GCP Cloud-Native Architecture Kubernetes and Containers Platform Engineering Infrastructure as Code DevOps / DevSecOps SRE and Observability Cloud Security and Governance AI & Data Platforms Generative AI and LLM Platforms Agentic AI Systems RAG Architectures AI Agents and Orchestration Vector Databases and Knowledge Graphs Data Platforms and AI/ML Architecture MLOps / LLMOps AI Governance, Security and Evaluation Technology & Solution Leadership Technology Strategy and Roadmaps Enterprise Solution Architecture Architecture Assessments and Technical Due Diligence Solution Estimation and Planning Technical Pre-Sales and Consulting Architecture Governance Executive Technology Communication Preferred Domain Expertise EdTech Platforms and Digital Learning Ecosystems Publishing and Content Technology Platforms Higher Education Technology Enterprise SaaS Platforms AI-Native Software Products Enterprise Technology Transformation Technology Consulting and Professional Services Experience with LMS/LXP, LTI, QTI, xAPI, SCORM, OneRoster, and learning/content platforms is highly desirable. Prior experience as Chief Architect, Enterprise Architect, Distinguished/Principal Architect, VP/SVP Technology, VP Engineering, or Technology Consulting Leader is preferred. Leadership Expectations Operates as a strategic technology partner to the CTO and executive leadership. Builds credibility and trusted-advisor relationships with senior client executives. Combines strategic thinking with the ability to get deeply involved in architecture and solution design when required. Translates complex technology and AI concepts into clear business value and actionable roadmaps. Connects client strategy with practical engineering execution across distributed US and India teams. Balances innovation, scalability, security, engineering discipline, and commercial objectives. Demonstrates strong ownership, entrepreneurial thinking, and a passion for technology innovation.