Solutions Architect, Architecture & Security

Description

The Architecture & Security team within the Information Technologies is currently seeking a Full-time Limited Term Solutions Architect for approximately 35 months.

The Solutions Architect reports to the Associate Director of Architecture and Solutions. They work to develop solution deliverables that align with current architecture and future directions expressed via principles, standards, and guidelines.  The Solutions Architect leads and recommends solutions that best suit both the project's needs and the University's longer term IT strategic plans and objectives. Work will include creation of solution architecture strategies and plans, technology roadmaps, project proposals and estimates, technology assessments and solution design, and architectural fit-gap analysis.

Solutions architects work collaboratively with staff from all functional areas in IT. They also work with faculty and staff from all units and levels of the organization.

The Solutions Architect interprets technology and higher education trends, regulatory changes, and institutional strategy to holistically lead or support Enterprise Architecture (EA) activities. These interpretations will be used to create deliverables that guide the direction of a portfolio of solutions, achieving institutional outcomes.

Solutions Architects analyze complex issues, balancing immediate needs with future capability objectives; fit-for purpose needs with leveraging existing technology and sustainability; ideal requirement fulfillment with cost containment; business enablement with risk reduction; taking advantage of new technologies with technology environment stability. They must negotiate with others to achieve the correct balances in these areas. They facilitate and orchestrate the delivery of targeted business outcomes at the University.

This position reports to the Associate Director of Enterprise and Solutions Architecture.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Design and lead the implementation of a solutions architecture across a group of specific business applications or technologies based on enterprise business strategy, business capabilities and business requirements
• Work with clients, business analysts and service owners to create technology project proposals including budget estimates
• Develop solution architectures for project including current state, future state, and transition states
• Work with architecture and operational or project solution designers to develop solution templates or solution patterns that accelerate solution development and support principles, guidelines, standards, and roadmaps
• Identify the organizational impact (for example, on skills, processes, structures, or culture) and financial impact of the solutions architecture
• Work with stakeholders to develop business capability and technology roadmaps
• Document all solution architecture design and analysis work
• Analyze the technology, industry, competitors, and market trends, and determine their potential impact on the enterprise
• Understand, augment and advocate for architecture principles, including negotiating with partners to comply with those policies
• Work closely with the project management office (PMO) to ensure project execution aligns with plans 

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Systems Analysis, related study, or equivalent experience
• Proficiency or familiarity with TOGAF, SAFE, COBIT, ITIL, PMBOK, BABOK, BPMBOK, Lean Six Sigma CMM, PCI-DSS, ISO 42010, ISO 27001, and/or other IT related ISO standards is an asset
• A minimum of 7 years of experience and a depth of knowledge in at least two IT solution development disciplines, including technical architecture, network management, application development, middleware, database management or operations. A breadth of knowledge over these areas is desirable
• Commitment to cybersecurity and understanding of information security architecture
• Exposure to multiple, diverse technologies and processing environments
• Good understanding of emerging technology trends, industry best practices, and the practical application of existing and emerging technologies to evolving operating models
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including teamwork, facilitation, and negotiation
• Strong leadership skills
• Excellent analytical and technical skills and the ability to lead others in solving complex problems
• Knowledge of financial models and budgeting
• Knowledge of all components of an enterprise technical architecture
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to communicate difficult concepts in language understandable to technical, business, and academic audiences
• Ability to influence, persuade, and negotiate with colleagues in and out of IT
• Excellent modelling and diagramming skills (preferably Visio)
• Strong planning and organizational

Application Deadline:  March 19, 2025

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website. 

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. 

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.