SharePoint Governance and Information Architecture / Design Consultant (Contract)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: SharePoint Governance and Information Architecture / Design Consultant (Contract)

Company: JS Perkins Consulting

Location: Falls Church, Virginia, United States

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Information Technology / Consulting

Date Posted: 2026-02-20

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• This contract role focuses on enhancing an organization's Microsoft 365 SharePoint Online environment through expert architecture, governance, and user experience design.

• Key responsibilities include auditing the existing SharePoint infrastructure, establishing robust governance policies, and implementing data hygiene standards to improve information management.

• The consultant will redesign site architecture, page layouts, and navigation to boost usability, security, and user adoption across the company.

• This is a project-based engagement requiring independent work, structured problem-solving, and clear documentation of recommendations and implemented solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a contractor position with a defined project scope and duration, emphasizing specialized expertise in SharePoint Online. It requires a self-starter with a strong technical background and the ability to deliver tangible improvements in a remote setting, aligning with the typical needs of consulting engagements for specialized IT functions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive audit of the current SharePoint Online environment, including site architecture, security group configurations, permission structures, and inheritance models.

• Define, standardize, and document security group structures and implement robust governance processes for user onboarding and offboarding.

• Identify and remediate technical debt such as orphaned users, inactive pages, legacy artifacts, and overly complex permission inheritance.

• Establish a clear framework for archiving, records management, and long-term content organization and sustainability.

• Develop and implement standards for data hygiene, lifecycle management, metadata, and naming conventions to ensure data readiness and structure.

• Redesign SharePoint pages, layouts, and navigation to improve clarity, engagement, site hierarchy, and search usability.

• Strengthen branding consistency across SharePoint sites and develop user-friendly landing pages and dashboards.

• Create and present a forward-looking roadmap with prioritized recommendations for SharePoint Online enhancement and optimization.

• Provide comprehensive documentation and guidance to sustain implemented improvements and drive user adoption.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are structured across three distinct phases (Foundation and Roadmap, Data Readiness and Structure, Design and User Experience), indicating a methodical approach to SharePoint environment transformation. This phased approach is common in consulting projects to ensure a logical progression from assessment to implementation and long-term sustainability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Management, Business Technology, or a related field is preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience with SharePoint Online architecture and governance.

• Proven track record of successfully restructuring complex SharePoint environments.

Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of SharePoint Online security groups, permission inheritance, and M365 compliance best practices.

• Demonstrated ability to design intuitive, modern SharePoint user experiences and improve site navigation.

• Excellent documentation skills, with the ability to produce actionable roadmaps and comprehensive guidance.

• Proven ability to work independently, manage project scope, and meet defined timelines.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for identifying and remediating complex SharePoint issues.

Preferred Skills:

• Microsoft Certifications such as MS-600, PL-200, PL-400, or related M365 certifications.

• Experience in improving intranet adoption and user engagement strategies.

• Prior consulting experience within structured project environments.

• Familiarity with change management principles related to technology adoption.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of technical SharePoint expertise, strategic governance planning, and user-centric design principles. The inclusion of preferred Microsoft certifications and consulting experience suggests a preference for candidates who not only understand the technology but also its application within a business context and project delivery framework.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating successful SharePoint Online environment restructuring or redesign projects.

• Each case study should clearly outline the initial problem or challenge, the scope of work, the methodologies employed, and the quantifiable outcomes achieved (e.g., improved search efficiency, reduced permission errors, increased user adoption rates).

• Include examples of governance policies, data hygiene standards, or information architecture frameworks you have developed and implemented.

• Provide visual examples of redesigned SharePoint pages, site structures, or navigation elements that illustrate your user experience design capabilities.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of governance documentation, including policies for site creation, user access, content lifecycle, and data retention.

• Samples of data hygiene and lifecycle management standards, including metadata schemas and naming conventions.

• Documentation of user experience design processes, such as site mapping, wireframing, or usability testing approaches applied to SharePoint.

• Records of user training materials or guidance documents created to support adoption and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a contract consulting role focused on architecture and design, a portfolio is critical. It should highlight the candidate's ability to diagnose complex issues, design effective solutions, and document their work clearly. The emphasis on process and outcomes aligns with consulting best practices, where demonstrating impact is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $45 - $65 per hour

Benefits:

• Independent contractor engagement (1099 or C2C arrangements accepted).

• Fully remote work environment, offering flexibility and work-life balance.

• Project-based engagement with a defined scope and estimated duration of approximately 3 months (480 hours).

• Potential for flexible scheduling, accommodating part-time or full-time availability.

Working Hours:

• Estimated 480 hours over a 3-month period.

• Flexible schedule; part-time or full-time engagement considered, allowing for adaptation to individual contractor availability.

• The role is fully remote, requiring self-management of work hours to meet project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $45-$65 per hour for a SharePoint Governance and Information Architecture / Design Consultant in the Falls Church, VA area is competitive for contract roles requiring specialized expertise. This range reflects the demand for skilled IT consultants with experience in Microsoft 365 environments. The benefits focus on the flexibility and remote nature of contracting, common for this employment type.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Management and Technology Consulting Services

Company Size: Small to Medium-sized Business (SMB) - JS Perkins Consulting is a consulting firm, typically operating with a lean core team and leveraging external contractors for specialized projects.

Founded: JS Perkins Consulting was founded to provide measurable impact through management and technology consulting, emphasizing trusted partnerships and sustainable solutions. The company values respect for individuals and an open exchange of ideas.

Team Structure:

• This role operates as an independent contractor, working closely with the internal JSPC team, likely a project manager or a senior IT lead.

• Collaboration will be primarily remote and focused on project deliverables.

Methodology:

• JSPC emphasizes delivering measurable impact and sustainable solutions, suggesting a results-oriented approach to consulting engagements.

• The company culture supports an open exchange of ideas, implying that constructive feedback and collaborative problem-solving are encouraged, even with external contractors.

• This engagement will involve structured project phases, from auditing and roadmap development to redesign and implementation, requiring a systematic approach to problem-solving.

Company Website: [JS Perkins Consulting Website (thejspc.com)]

📝 Enhancement Note: JS Perkins Consulting positions itself as a partner-focused consultancy that values individual respect and open idea exchange. For a contractor, this means being prepared to work autonomously but also to communicate effectively and contribute to a collaborative problem-solving environment. The company's focus on "measurable impact" suggests that clear, data-driven results will be highly valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor / Specialist Consultant

Reporting Structure: The contractor will likely report to a Project Manager or a senior leadership member within JS Perkins Consulting who oversees the SharePoint initiative. Direct reporting lines may be less formal given the contractor status, with communication focused on project milestones and deliverables.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the operational efficiency and information accessibility of JS Perkins Consulting. By improving the SharePoint environment, the contractor will enhance internal knowledge management, streamline workflows, improve data security, and boost overall employee productivity, contributing to the company's ability to serve its clients effectively.

Growth Opportunities:

• For contractors, "growth" typically translates to successful project completion, positive client feedback, and potential for future engagements.

• This project offers an opportunity to deepen expertise in SharePoint Online governance, information architecture, and user experience design within a consulting context.

• Successful completion could lead to further contract opportunities with JS Perkins Consulting or serve as a strong reference for future independent consulting roles.

• Exposure to different project scopes and client needs within the consulting domain.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a contract role, "career growth" is primarily defined by the successful execution of the project and the development of a strong professional portfolio. The opportunity lies in gaining specialized experience and building a reputation within the SharePoint and Microsoft 365 consulting space.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote

Office Location(s): Falls Church, Virginia (Headquarters, but work is remote)

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is entirely remote, requiring the contractor to have a dedicated, functional workspace with reliable internet connectivity.

• Collaboration will occur through digital channels, including video conferencing, email, and potentially a shared project management platform.

• Access to Microsoft 365 tools and standard office productivity software will be essential.

Work Schedule:

• Flexible schedule with an estimated 480 hours over 3 months.

• Part-time or full-time availability is considered, allowing for integration with other commitments.

• The contractor will be expected to manage their time effectively to meet project deadlines and participate in scheduled meetings as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature of this role necessitates strong self-discipline, time management, and digital communication skills. Candidates should be comfortable working independently without direct in-person supervision.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of the candidate's resume and portfolio to assess relevant experience and qualifications.

• Technical Interview: Likely an in-depth discussion focusing on SharePoint Online architecture, governance principles, information architecture design, and user experience best practices. Expect questions about specific past projects and problem-solving approaches.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through selected case studies from the candidate's portfolio, detailing their role, approach, and outcomes.

• Fit/Culture Interview: An assessment of the candidate's ability to work independently, communicate effectively, and align with JS Perkins Consulting's values of respect and open idea exchange.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful SharePoint projects that directly address architecture, governance, and UX design.

• Structure for Clarity: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your approach, the specific solutions implemented (governance policies, new architecture, redesigned pages), and the measurable results. Use visuals where possible.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., improved navigation time, reduced support tickets, increased content discoverability).

• Highlight Independence: Since this is a contract role, emphasize your ability to manage projects independently, deliver results, and communicate effectively.

• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your process, technical decisions, and challenges encountered.

Challenge Preparation:

• While a formal "challenge" might not be part of this specific contract interview, be prepared for scenario-based questions. For example: "How would you approach auditing a SharePoint environment with over 500 sites and unknown permission structures?" or "Describe your process for developing data hygiene standards for a growing document library."

• Think about how you would break down complex problems into manageable steps, similar to the phased approach outlined in the job description.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the candidate's portfolio to validate their expertise. Candidates should prepare to articulate their methodologies, demonstrate their problem-solving skills, and showcase their ability to deliver tangible results within a consulting framework.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• SharePoint Online: Deep expertise in its architecture, features, and capabilities.

• Microsoft 365 Ecosystem: Understanding of related services like Teams, OneDrive, Security & Compliance Center, and Azure Active Directory (for group management).

• Microsoft Teams: For collaboration and communication.

• Microsoft Word/Google Docs: For documentation and report writing.

• Microsoft PowerPoint/Google Slides: For roadmap presentations and proposal development.

Analytics & Reporting:

• SharePoint Analytics: Familiarity with built-in reporting features for site usage and adoption.

• Power BI (Potentially): For more advanced data analysis and visualization if required for reporting on adoption or content metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• SharePoint Workflows (e.g., Power Automate): Understanding of how to leverage automation for governance or content management processes.

• M365 Security & Compliance Tools: Knowledge of features related to data loss prevention, retention policies, and eDiscovery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology is SharePoint Online and the broader Microsoft 365 suite. Expertise here is non-negotiable. Familiarity with M365 governance and compliance tools is also crucial, as these are integral to establishing effective SharePoint governance.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Measurable Impact: A focus on delivering tangible, demonstrable results that benefit the client.

• Trusted Partnerships: Building strong, reliable relationships with clients through expertise and integrity.

• Sustainable Solutions: Implementing solutions that are not only effective in the short term but also maintainable and scalable long-term.

• Respect for the Individual: Valuing the contributions of every team member and contractor.

• Open Exchange of Ideas: Encouraging constructive feedback and collaborative problem-solving.

Collaboration Style:

• Remote Collaboration: Primarily digital, requiring proactive communication and engagement through virtual channels.

• Independent Execution with Support: While working autonomously, contractors are expected to seek clarification and provide updates as needed.

• Consultative Approach: Providing expert advice and recommendations based on best practices and the client's specific needs.

• Documentation-Centric: Emphasizing clear, comprehensive documentation of findings, recommendations, and implemented solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values independent, expert contributions within a framework of collaboration and respect. Contractors should be prepared to work autonomously yet be responsive and communicative, contributing to the company’s ethos of delivering measurable impact.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Legacy System Complexity: Addressing potentially outdated or poorly managed SharePoint structures with a history of inconsistent practices.

• User Adoption Barriers: Overcoming resistance to change or lack of technical proficiency among users, requiring effective UX design and clear communication.

• Scope Management: Clearly defining and managing project scope within the estimated hours and timeline for a contract engagement.

• Remote Work Isolation: Maintaining productivity and communication effectively in a fully remote environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen SharePoint Expertise: Gaining hands-on experience with complex SharePoint Online governance, information architecture, and UX design challenges.

• Consulting Skills Enhancement: Refining skills in client communication, roadmap development, and project delivery within a consulting framework.

• Microsoft 365 Ecosystem Knowledge: Broadening understanding of how SharePoint integrates with other M365 services for enhanced functionality and compliance.

• Portfolio Building: Creating a strong set of case studies demonstrating expertise in a high-demand IT specialization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity to tackle complex SharePoint challenges and refine consulting skills. The primary growth avenue is through successful project delivery and the expansion of one's professional portfolio in a specialized IT consulting niche.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Be ready to discuss your methodology for auditing and assessing a SharePoint Online environment, detailing how you prioritize findings and develop recommendations.

• Prepare to explain your approach to designing information architecture and governance frameworks, emphasizing how you ensure scalability, security, and user usability.

• Articulate how you handle stakeholder communication and manage expectations, especially when proposing significant changes to existing systems.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Research JS Perkins Consulting's website and any available client testimonials to understand their service offerings and values.

• Be prepared to discuss how your working style aligns with their emphasis on "measurable impact," "trusted partnerships," and "open exchange of ideas."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 2-3 core projects that best showcase your SharePoint architecture, governance, and UX design skills.

• For each project, prepare a concise narrative: Problem -> Your Solution (architecture, governance, design) -> Impact/Results. Use screenshots or diagrams to illustrate your points.

• Be ready to articulate the specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, demonstrating your problem-solving capabilities.

• Clearly state your role and responsibilities within each project, highlighting your independent contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical experience, strategic thinking, and the ability to deliver results, especially in a consulting context. The portfolio is key, so be prepared to discuss it in detail.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the JS Perkins Consulting website.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate your most relevant SharePoint Online architecture, governance, and UX design case studies. Ensure they clearly demonstrate problem identification, solution implementation, and measurable outcomes.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5+ years of experience with SharePoint Online, governance frameworks, information architecture, and user experience design. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail, practice answering scenario-based questions about SharePoint challenges, and research JS Perkins Consulting's approach to client engagements.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with JS Perkins Consulting's services, values, and client testimonials to better understand their operational context and how your expertise contributes to their mission.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions relevant to specialized IT consulting roles. All details should be verified directly with JS Perkins Consulting during the application and interview process.