Okta Architect

The Senior Okta Administrator / Okta Architect is responsible for the design, implementation, administration, and optimization of the enterprise Identity and Access Management (IAM) ecosystem with a deep focus on Okta. This role serves as the subject matter expert (SME) for authentication, authorization, lifecycle management, security posture, and integration strategies. The ideal candidate possesses strong technical expertise in Oktas platform, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to architect scalable identity solutions that support business growth and security objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Architecture & Design

• Architect secure, scalable, and resilient IAM solutions using Okta Workforce Identity and CIAM platforms.
• Design end-to-end identity lifecycle workflows, authentication patterns, and role-based access models.
• Develop and implement standard architecture patterns such as SSO, MFA, Adaptive MFA, OAuth/OIDC, and SAML.
• Review and improve existing IAM architecture to enhance performance, security, and user experience.
• Serve as the primary advisor on IAM roadmaps, modernization initiatives, and Zero Trust strategies.

Administration & Operations

• Administer, configure, and maintain Okta tenants, including Universal Directory, Groups, Applications, Policies, Workflows, and Integrations.
• Manage SSO integrations for SaaS and on-prem applications using SAML, OIDC, WS-Fed, and SCIM provisioning.
• Implement and maintain Okta Workflows, Access Requests, and Identity Governance capabilities.
• Monitor and optimize identity lifecycle events such as onboarding, offboarding, provisioning, and deprovisioning.
• Troubleshoot authentication issues, integration failures, policy conflicts, and system performance incidents.

Security & Compliance

• Enforce and refine security policies including MFA, conditional access, device trust, and passwordless strategies.
• Partner with Security and Compliance teams to support audit requests, SOX, ISO, SOC2, HIPAA, and data governance requirements.
• Monitor and respond to identity-related threats, anomalies, and security alerts.
• Ensure adherence to Zero Trust and least-privilege principles across the identity landscape.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Provide technical leadership to IAM, security, and IT administration teams.
• Work closely with application owners, cloud engineers, developers, HRIS teams, and business stakeholders.
• Participate in vendor management, product evaluations, and POCs for identity tools.
• Produce clear documentation including architecture diagrams, standards, runbooks, and knowledge articles.

Qualifications

Required

• 78+ years of experience in Identity and Access Management, with at least 5-6 years in Okta administration or architecture.
• Advanced hands-on experience with Okta Workforce Identity Cloud (WIC) or Customer Identity Cloud (CIC).
• Strong knowledge of identity protocols: SAML 2.0, OAuth 2.0, OIDC, SCIM, LDAP, WS-Fed.
• Experience designing identity lifecycle workflows and automating processes using Okta Workflows or equivalent tools.
• Solid understanding of Zero Trust, IAM best practices, and modern security frameworks.
• Experience integrating cloud and SaaS platforms (e.g., Azure AD, AWS, GCP, ServiceNow, Workday, Salesforce).
• Strong analytical abilities and troubleshooting skills.

Preferred

• Okta certifications such as:
• Okta Certified Professional
• Okta Certified Administrator
• Okta Certified Consultant / Architect
• Experience with scripting or automation (PowerShell, Python, API integrations).
• Background in enterprise security, cloud identity, or directory services (AD).
• Experience in regulated industries (financial services, healthcare, government) is a plus.

Soft Skills

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to translate complex IAM concepts into clear, actionable guidance.
• Strong initiative, ownership, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• A collaborative mindset with a focus on security, reliability, and user experience.