Solution Architect at University of Alberta, Edmonton

AI Summary

The University of Alberta in Edmonton is seeking a Solution Architect to join its IST department. This hybrid role involves translating business needs into scalable technical solutions and championing architectural standards. Key duties include assessing technology, designing solutions, and providing technology governance. Applicants need a bachelor's degree in IT or Business and at least five years of IT expertise.

About the Opportunity

Are you prepared to influence the digital ecosystem of one of Canada's leading research universities? The University of Alberta, located in Edmonton, Alberta, invites a visionary Solution Architect to join its Information Services & Technology (IST) department. This pivotal role is much more than system design; it's about enabling innovation and strategically bridging complex institutional potential with scalable, forward-looking technology. As a vital contributor within IST, you will report to the Chief Enterprise Architect, playing a central role in connecting intricate business needs with robust technical solutions. This position offers a unique chance to foster innovation and sustainability, leaving a meaningful legacy within a renowned academic institution. Your work will directly advance the University of Alberta's mission, acting as a primary advisor for critical technological decisions and building strong partnerships across various faculties and departments. This hybrid role, primarily based at North Campus and Enterprise Square in Edmonton, offers a dynamic environment for those energized by complex problem-solving and collaborative solution delivery, shaping the future of technology at a prominent Canadian university.

Key Responsibilities and Expertise

The successful Solution Architect will be instrumental in interpreting complex business needs, translating them into architectural blueprints that achieve strategic objectives. This involves documenting all solution architecture design, driving fiscal discipline, and optimizing the institutional technology portfolio by identifying and addressing technical debt. A core aspect of this role is assessing existing technology, advocating for technical health, and understanding emerging technology trends to apply them practically to evolving business models. You will champion architectural standards, defining and driving design patterns that ensure our technology ecosystem is secure, sustainable, and value-adding. Furthermore, you will design innovative solutions by evaluating and selecting appropriate technologies, tools, and processes, ensuring they are feasible, scalable, and consistent with Enterprise Architecture Principles. Active participation in technology governance processes, providing guidance and support to the university community, and assisting IST Directors in project prioritisation are also key. Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Business, or a related field, coupled with a minimum of five years of expertise across various IT disciplines. This includes demonstrated ability to mentor project teams, provide technical leadership, and a strong understanding of strategic technology trends, product management, and agile principles. Practical experience in project delivery and hands-on experience with different modelling languages like ArchiMate and UML are highly valued for this critical technical role.