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

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

Status: Special Project (June 2026 – September 2027)

Hours: Monday – Friday, 35 hours/week

Home Campus: Fennell (hybrid work arrangements available)

Rate of Pay: Payband 11 ($100,363 - $125,453 per year)

Vacancy Status: 1 vacancy available

Posting Date: May 6th, 2026

Closing Date: May 20th, 2026 at 7:00 pm EST

We believe the rich diversity among our students and the communities we serve should be reflected within our workforce. As educators, we believe it is important to act and show leadership in advancing the principles of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our community.

Job Summary

Empower the Future of Learning

Join Us as an IT Solutions Architect and Revolutionize Higher Education!

Are you passionate about leveraging technology to transform the educational landscape? 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.

Key Technologies

• 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
• Schemes Integration between Ellucian Banner and SaaS Third Parties
• Identity Governance and Administration Software
• Container Related Technologies
• CRM Software
• Call Centre, ITSM, and ESM Tooling

Career Development

As a Solutions Architect, you’ll not only contribute to impactful projects but also continuously expand your skillset. 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.

What you’ll be doing

Strategy, Planning, and Design

The Solutions Architect will be responsible for defining and developing the enterprise architecture strategy, ensuring alignment with the college’s strategic goals and objectives. They will also contribute to Information Technology and Cyber Security Strategies. They will create and maintain technology roadmaps that outline the evolution of the IT landscape, including on‑premises and cloud technologies. Collaborating with senior leadership and key stakeholders, the architect will translate business needs into strategic IT initiatives, understanding the underlying business drivers and motivations. In the planning phase, they will contribute to project planning, including scope refinement, resource allocation, and timeline management, while identifying potential risks and developing mitigation strategies to ensure project success. Additionally, they will work with project and financial teams to estimate and develop budgets for IT initiatives, ensuring cost‑effective solutions. In the design phase, the architect will develop detailed architectural blueprints that guide the design and implementation of IT solutions, including integration strategies for the Enterprise Application Portfolio. They will ensure that all designs adhere to security best practices and regulatory requirements. They will also ensure that new technologies are compatible with existing architecture, maintaining a cohesive and efficient IT operating environment. Furthermore, they will produce comprehensive documentation, including architectural artifacts, to provide clear guidance for project teams.

Research and Innovation

The Solutions Architect is also dedicated to continuous research and professional development to drive innovation within the IT department. By staying abreast of the latest technological advancements and industry trends, the architect ensures that the institution remains at the forefront of educational technology. This involves attending conferences, participating in professional networks, and obtaining relevant certifications. The architect actively explores new tools, methodologies, and best practices, evaluating their potential impact on the college’s IT landscape. By fostering a culture of innovation, the Solutions Architect not only enhances their own expertise but also mentors team members, encouraging a collaborative approach to problem‑solving and the adoption of cutting‑edge solutions. This commitment to professional growth and innovation is crucial in developing IT strategies that are both forward‑thinking and aligned with the institution’s long‑term goals.

Solution Acquisition and Procurement

The Solutions Architect is responsible for acquiring complex IT hardware and software solutions. They work with various teams to understand business drivers and ensure that requirements are comprehensive and aligned within institutional goals. Their tasks include identifying suitable vendors, conducting market research, and being a key contributor to the RFP process. They also negotiate contracts to secure the best value and functionality, while ensuring the integration of new solutions will be compatible and secure. This role is critical in driving technological innovation and enhancing the institution’s capabilities through continuous acquisition of the correct for purpose solutions.

Systems Design

The Solutions Architect meticulously gathers and analyzes requirements from both business and technical stakeholders to create comprehensive conceptual, logical, and physical solution designs. Utilizing the ArchiMate modeling language, they build assets that are integral to the College’s architectural continuum. These designs ensure all stakeholder needs are met and align with the institution’s strategic objectives. A critical aspect of this role is the ongoing deployment and design of the College’s ERP solution, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of the institution. Working within a project team, the Solutions Architect plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the resulting solution, providing expert guidance and vision. Throughout the implementation phase, they coach and mentor teams, ensuring that the solution is executed effectively and integrates seamlessly into the existing infrastructure. Example projects include Business Systems, ERP solutions, Learning Management Platforms, authentication systems, identity and access management solutions, Backup and Disaster Recovery, third‑party system integrations, Microsoft 365, Entra ID, Azure cloud solutions, security and compliance solutions, on‑premises technologies, and any technologies that contribute to the higher education learning environment. The Solutions Architects’ guidance, oversight, and involvement throughout the Solutions Development Lifecycle is crucial in delivering robust, scalable, fit for purpose, and innovative technology solutions that drive institutional success.

Security, Privacy, and Compliance

Solutions Architect in IT ensures that implemented solutions deliver security, privacy, and compliance by design through a multi‑faceted approach. They incorporate security best practices and privacy principles from the initial design phase, conducting thorough risk assessments and threat modeling to identify potential vulnerabilities. By adhering to industry standards, regulatory requirements and organizational policy, they ensure that solutions are fully compliant with all relevant laws and policies. The architect also designs robust access controls, encryption, and data protection measures to safeguard sensitive information in alignment with Information Security Classifications. Solutions are designed with continuous monitoring in mind and education related to continuous maintenance to address compliance and address any emerging threats. The Solutions Architect’s attention to detail ensures that security, privacy, and compliance are integral components of every solution, providing a secure and trustworthy environment for the institution and safeguarding the sensitive information of our community members.

Governance

The Solution Architect works to prepare presentations and artifacts for College Governance including the Architecture Review Board, Data Governance Committee, and other forms of Governance that take place at the College to ensure that concepts and solutions are properly represented and clearly understood. The Solutions Architect plays a key role on the Architecture Review Board ensuring that proposed concepts and solutions are aligned to architectural principles, including being student focused and maximizing college wide value while ensuring solutions are secure and compliant, fit for purpose, simple, interoperable, sustainable, reusable and that data is managed, and technical diversity is appropriately controlled to ensure efficient support structuring.

Other duties as assigned.

What you’ll bring to the role

• 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.

IT Operations

• 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 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.
• Experience with Database technologies such as Microsoft SQL and Oracle.

System Design and Architecture

• 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.

Project Experience

• 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.

What we offer

• 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.

We are committed to reconciliation and nurturing an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible (IDEA) environment for everyone who learns and works at Mohawk College. We welcome applications from racialized persons, women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

The College is committed to fostering inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment and selection processes. If you require accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources.

#J-18808-Ljbffr