Solutions Architect - Special Project (June 2026 - September 2027)

Mohawk College • Hamilton, ON

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Join our dynamic team as an Information Technology Solutions Architect in Higher Education, where you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our institution. This is an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Enterprise Architecture and cutting-edge architectural tooling, driving innovative solutions that enhance College administration and the learning experience for students and faculty alike. In this fast-paced and collaborative environment, you’ll work alongside a team of forward-thinking professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology in education. Your expertise will be crucial in designing and implementing robust IT solutions that support our academic and administrative goals. You’ll have the chance to engage with a variety of stakeholders, from IT specialists to academic and business leaders, ensuring that our technological infrastructure meets the evolving needs of our community. This role includes working with both on-premises and cloud technologies, as well as integrating business architecture to align IT strategies with institutional objectives. As part of your role, you will be working with many different technologies, including: Microsoft 365 & Azure, On-Premises Data Centre Hardware and Virtualization, Backup & Disaster Recovery Technology, Certificate Management Solutions, Microsoft Entra ID, Active Directory, and Microsoft Enterprise Solutions, Microsoft Purview, Systems Integration between Ellucian Banner and SaaS Third Parties, Identity Governance and Administration Software, Container Related Technologies, CRM Software, Call Centre, ITSM, and ESM Tooling. As a Solutions Architect, you’ll not only contribute to impactful projects but also continuously expand your skill set. We offer a fun and supportive hybrid environment that encourages professional growth and development, providing you with the tools and resources to excel as an architect. You do not need to come with all the answers – we will figure it out together! If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact in higher education and thrive in a role that combines innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, we invite you to apply and join our visionary team.

Requirements

• A 3 year diploma/degree in Computer Science or an equivalent program from a recognized institution.
• 7 years of related work experience.
• A Certificate in Enterprise Architecture from a recognized institution.
• A Certification in TOGAF or other Industry Certification.
• Certification/ Designation from technology vendors such as Microsoft.
• ITIL Foundations Certification.
• Extensive experience in the development and implementation of enterprise application systems and networks as a Solution Architect.
• Server Administration: Proficiency in managing and maintaining server environments, including tasks such as installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of server hardware and software.
• Virtualization Technologies: Experience with virtualization platforms such as VMware, Hyper-V, and Containers which are essential for creating and managing virtual server environments.
• Cloud Services: Familiarity with cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services, with specific knowledge in Hybrid Microsoft Environments.
• Networking: Strong understanding of network protocols, routing, firewalls, VPNs, and load balancers, as these are integral to operations and security.
• Security and Compliance: Knowledge of security best practices, including implementing and managing security measures to protect confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
• Privacy: Knowledge and experience working with Privacy Principles embedded into projects to ensure privacy is included as a design aspect.
• Performance Tuning: Skills in optimizing performance, including monitoring, diagnosing, and resolving performance issues.
• Backup and Recovery: Experience with backup solutions and disaster recovery planning to ensure redundancy, data integrity, and availability.
• Organization and conceptualization skills: Must easily engage in abstract thinking and logical reasoning and can self-evaluate and adapt efficiently.
• Proven experience developing strategic system architecture plans.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent ability to draw architectural diagrams using Enterprise Architecture Software.
• Experience conducting technology, trends, standards and products research.
• Solid track record in prioritizing and executing tasks when under extreme pressure.
• Experience providing guidance and leadership in a team environment.
• Proven experience identifying, analysing and resolving system problems.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including teamwork, facilitation and negotiation.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Knowledge of all technology components that make up an enterprise operating environment.
• Excellent understanding of application development methodologies and infrastructure and network architecture.
• Ability to work with software developers.
• Demonstrated commitment and understanding of human rights, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• The ability to communicate and work effectively with diverse students, employees, and communities.
• Multiple years of experience working in a medium to large size enterprise IT environment supporting and implementing new technologies to satisfy business requirements.
• Experience troubleshooting and resolving problems and incidents as it related to IT infrastructure across endpoint, server, cloud, security and network.
• Hands on implementation experience with enterprise Microsoft Solutions, Active Directory, Authentication Systems, Group Policy, Linux Operating Systems, Endpoints, Unified Communications Platforms, virtualization technologies, containers, security technologies, and networking technologies, among others.
• Hands on implementation experience with Microsoft 365, Microsoft Unified Communications, Microsoft Azure, and Enterprise Hybrid Microsoft Environments.
• Experience with Database technologies such as Microsoft SQL and Oracle.
• Hands on experience with designing and implementing complex IT and Business Systems on paper with conceptual, logical, and physical designs.
• Using Enterprise Architecture Software, Microsoft Visio, or other architectural drawing methods to articulate designs at times expressing different viewpoints to satisfy certain stakeholders.
• Experience with Microservices architecture, API design, and integration.
• Experience in presenting in front of large audiences and the ability to explain complex topics in a simplified manner and expressed business acumen.
• Experience working as a key senior member of technical project teams.
• Multiple experiences working on enterprise level projects with cross-functional teams and within large project structures consisting of Project Sponsors, Stakeholders, Project Managers, Engineers, Developers, Communications, Business Stakeholders and Pilot Groups.
• Hands on experience facilitating workshops, technical discussions, and presentations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Amazon Web Services is of lesser importance.
• Experience working with software developers, writing code (Java, Python, PowerShell, etc), and knowledge of software development methodologies such as Agile and DevOps.

Responsibilities

• Defining and developing the enterprise architecture strategy, ensuring alignment with the college’s strategic goals and objectives.
• Contributing to Information Technology and Cyber Security Strategies.
• Creating and maintaining technology roadmaps that outline the evolution of the IT landscape, including on-premises and cloud technologies.
• Collaborating with senior leadership and key stakeholders to translate business needs into strategic IT initiatives, understanding the underlying business drivers and motivations.
• Contributing to project planning, including scope refinement, resource allocation, and timeline management, while identifying potential risks and developing mitigation strategies.
• Estimating and developing budgets for IT initiatives, ensuring cost-effective solutions.
• Developing detailed architectural blueprints that guide the design and implementation of IT solutions, including integration strategies for the Enterprise Application Portfolio.
• Ensuring that all designs adhere to security best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Ensuring that new technologies are compatible with existing architecture, maintaining a cohesive and efficient IT operating environment.
• Producing comprehensive documentation, including architectural artifacts, to provide clear guidance for project teams.
• Continuously researching and staying abreast of the latest technological advancements and industry trends to drive innovation.
• Exploring new tools, methodologies, and best practices, evaluating their potential impact on the college’s IT landscape.
• Fostering a culture of innovation and mentoring team members.
• Acquiring complex IT hardware and software solutions.
• Identifying suitable vendors, conducting market research, and contributing to the RFP process.
• Negotiating contracts to secure the best value and functionality.
• Gathering and analyzing requirements from both business and technical stakeholders to create comprehensive conceptual, logical, and physical solution designs.
• Building assets using the ArchiMate modeling language that are integral to the College’s architectural continuum.
• Ensuring all stakeholder needs are met and align with the institution’s strategic objectives.
• Working within a project team to shape the future of resulting solutions, providing expert guidance and vision.
• Coaching and mentoring teams during the implementation phase, ensuring effective execution and seamless integration.
• Incorporating security best practices and privacy principles from the initial design phase.
• Conducting thorough risk assessments and threat modeling to identify potential vulnerabilities.
• Adhering to industry standards, regulatory requirements, and organizational policy.
• Designing robust access controls, encryption, and data protection measures.
• Designing solutions with continuous monitoring in mind and providing education related to continuous maintenance.
• Preparing presentations and artifacts for College Governance including the Architecture Review Board, Data Governance Committee, and other forms of Governance.
• Ensuring proposed concepts and solutions are aligned to architectural principles.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 22 vacation days per year plus holiday closure.
• Opportunity to gain experience and build relationships at a Hamilton/Niagara Top Employer.
• Access to professional development opportunities.
• Option to enroll in Defined Benefit pension plan (CAAT) with contributions matched by Mohawk College.
• Discounted rate for full-service athletic facility and instructor-led classes.
• Opportunities to engage in wellness events and activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree