Solution Architect

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal applicants will be given priority consideration based on minimum qualifications, or a combination of experience, skills, and abilities before external applicants are considered.

This position has an initial appointment of 24 months.

Location - This role is in person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The Solution Architect acts as the primary contact for the design and decision aspects of assigned information technology concerns that support the University’s strategic directions, initiatives, and service developments that manifest in the form of projects or programs. The Solution Architect cultivates and maintains strong working relationships with senior IST and faculty/college/central unit stakeholders. The position consults with key sponsors to understand the goals and objectives for a specific initiative, project, or program, and using their expertise, provide advice on the effective delivery of technology solutions. This includes supporting the planning, execution, and delivery of mission critical programs/projects that meet the needs and objectives of the institution. The role also participates in the IT governance process through the review and assessment of proposals submitted through the technology governance process as needed.

• Architect Strategic Solutions: Translate complex business needs into secure, scalable, and maintainable architectural blueprints that strictly align with the university's Enterprise Architecture Principles (EAPs).
• Drive Modernization & Mitigate Technical Debt: Continuously assess the IT portfolio to eliminate critical deficiencies, reduce complexity, and leverage emerging technology trends to build a sustainable runway for the future.
• Enforce Fiscal Discipline & Best Practices: Champion "Adopt, Adapt, Develop" methodologies by prioritizing commercial off-the-shelf solutions and defining design patterns that ensure a secure, agile, and highly optimized technology ecosystem.
• Support Technology Governance: Actively guide the university community and IST leadership through IT governance processes, comprehensively evaluating project proposals, prioritizing initiatives, and steering the full solution development lifecycle.

• A bachelor's degree in an area of Information Technology, Business, or an area of related study.
• A minimum of five years of expertise across IT disciplines, demonstrating the ability to mentor project teams and provide technical leadership throughout the solution development and delivery life cycle.
• Good understanding of strategic and emerging technology trends, and the practical application of existing and emerging technologies to new and evolving business and operating models.
• Good understanding of product management, agile principles and development methodologies and capable of supporting agile teams by providing advice and guidance on opportunities, impact and risks, taking account of technical and architectural debt.
• Practical experience in delivering projects under project management principles.
• Hands-on experience with different modeling languages (ArchiMate and UML preferred).
• Proficient in translating future-state business capabilities and requirements into solution architecture requirements.
• Proven analytical, planning, organizational, technical, strategic, and relationship building skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Organizationally savvy, with the ability to navigate organizational politics with tact and ease.
• Skilled at influencing, guiding and facilitating stakeholders and peers with decision making.
• Ability to articulate new ideas and concepts to technical and nontechnical audiences alike.
• Skilled at understanding the long-term ("big picture") and short-term perspectives of organizational decision making and problem solving.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, and an annual salary range of $83,913 to $140,055.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule G of the collective agreement between the University and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.

Information Services & Technology (IST) is the central support group for the university's technological landscape. IST plays a pivotal role in ensuring the evolution and smooth operation of technology for teaching, learning, research and working at the University of Alberta. Beyond having expansive technical expertise, IST fosters a supportive environment where our staff values include compassion, connection, collaboration, creativity and courage. If you are passionate about leveraging technology to empower education, research and to drive institutional excellence, join us and be part of shaping the future of the University of Alberta through innovative IT solutions.

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.