Technology Architect (Strategy) Senior

Job Title: Technology Architect (Strategy) - Senior
Location: Toronto Ontario
Work Model: Hybrid
Duration: 12 months
Security Clearance: CRJMC
Submission Deadline::00 p.m. EST

Must Have

Cyber Security Network Security and Architecture Expertise

• 10 years of experience in cyber security and next-generation network security with a strong focus on architecture design integration strategic planning and implementation.
• 5 years of experience designing and implementing secure enterprise-wide architectures across cloud network identity and security operations domains preferably within Ontario K 12 school boards.
• 5 years of experience in advanced network security including software-defined environments (SDN/SD-WAN) preferably within Ontario K 12 school boards.

Proven hands-on experience designing implementing and integrating:

• Cloud-delivered security architectures (SSE/SASE including SWG CASB FWaaS ZTNA)
• Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA)
• Cloud security architectures (Microsoft AWS Google)
• MITRE ATT&CK D3FEND and ATLAS frameworks
• NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) v2 and CIS Controls v8
• AI/ML-driven cyber security capabilities and automation
• Security orchestration automation and playbook development
• Endpoint security solutions (EPP EDR XDR)
• Advanced threat protection (IDS/IPS DDoS protection Network Access Control)
• Identity and access management (passwordless certificate-based MFA/2FA)
• Incident response and incident management (IR/IM)
• Vulnerability management and patching automation
• User and Entity Behaviour Analytics (UEBA)
• Penetration testing and automated red teaming
• Operational Technology (OT) security

Hybrid Security Operations Experience:

• Integration and optimization of internal security teams and MSSPs
• Security operations architecture in hybrid environments
• Threat detection and incident response in co-managed models
• Integration of SIEM SOAR EDR/XDR and threat intelligence platforms
• Automation and orchestration workflows
• Governance risk and compliance in hybrid security operations environments

Network Technology

• 5 years of experience with network infrastructure (LAN/WAN VPN VLAN) and core components (switches routers firewalls)
• 5 years of experience with SDN and SD-WAN technologies
• 3 years of experience with SSE/SASE technologies
• 5 years of experience with network monitoring traffic analysis and management tools
• 3 years of experience with network telemetry and logging formats
• 5 years of experience configuring and troubleshooting network protocols
• Experience evaluating emerging network technologies through pilots and proof-of-concepts

Strategic Advisory and Architecture Leadership

• 10 years of experience providing advisory services to senior leadership and executive stakeholders
• 5 years of experience leading complex cross-functional technical initiatives
• 5 years of experience preparing and delivering technical and executive-level documentation
• Experience developing strategic cyber security and network technology roadmaps and modernization strategies

Public Sector Experience

• Knowledge of Government of Ontario standards (e.g. GO-ITS) and relevant policies and legislation (e.g. EDSTA)
• 5 years hands-on experience working in the K-12 education sector with Ontario K-12 school boards

Description / Responsibilities / Skills

Project Description

The Cyber Resilience Strategy and Oversight Services (CRSOS) unit provides strategic vision leadership and support for the development and implementation of modernized I&IT solutions in the public education sector and associated stakeholders.

Responsibilities of the CRSOS unit include:

• Developing vision and implementation strategy for evolving network technology platforms in the K-12 sector
• Working closely with stakeholder partners to assist in achieving sector and ministry strategic goals and objectives through innovative network and network security solutions
• Acquiring intelligence for the sector through developing and managing relationships with sector organizations and network/network security organizations such as telecommunications service providers and network technology and service providers

Important Notes

• The client may exercise its option(s) to extend the Statement of Work (SOW) beyond October 5 2027 provided that the Master Service Agreement is extended.
• This procurement includes the option to extend the end date if there are unused effort days and no change to the ceiling amount.
• This contract requires the consultant to work up to 2 days per week in the office and the remaining days remotely.
• Travel to school board locations across Ontario will be required.
• Travel expenses will be reimbursed according to the Ontario Travel Meal and Hospitality Expenses Directive.

Responsibilities

The Senior Technology Architect role requires deep knowledge expertise and experience in:

• Next-generation network security
• Cyber security solutions
• Security operations (SecOps)
• Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) in cyber security
• Managed / shared security services (MSS) models

The resource must have hands-on experience in designing developing and implementing cyber security architectures and solutions particularly within the education sector-preferably in the Ontario K 12 school board environment.

Responsibilities Include

• Leading the end-to-end technical integration strategy and architecture design for the Cyber Security Operating Model (CSOM)
• Providing subject matter expertise and strategic advice on cyber security network architecture and modern security frameworks
• Leading AI-infused transformation through intelligent and autonomous security capabilities
• Designing and implementing hybrid cyber security operating models integrating internal teams and MSSPs
• Designing and delivering solution architecture training and implementation support for next-generation network and cyber security technologies
• Developing and maintaining enterprise reference architectures
• Providing subject matter expertise in NOC and SOC technologies and tools
• Supporting school boards in transitioning from internal SecOps to hybrid MSS models
• Advising on modernization strategies including cloud adoption network segmentation data residency and distributed identity models
• Leading architecture and capability assessments across K 12 environments and MSSPs
• Developing strategic technology roadmaps
• Creating and maintaining technical documentation and specifications
• Maintaining awareness of the evolving cyber threat landscape
• Presenting to senior leadership and external stakeholders
• Providing status reporting on deliverables and project progress
• Collaborating with diverse stakeholder groups
• Aligning with industry and legislative advancements such as EDSTA
• Delivering other duties as assigned

Experience and Skill Set Requirements

Cyber Security Network Security and Architecture Expertise 50%

(As detailed in Must Have section above)

Network Technology 20%

• Network infrastructure (LAN/WAN VPN VLAN)
• SDN and SD-WAN technologies
• SSE/SASE technologies
• Network monitoring and traffic analysis tools
• Telemetry and logging formats
• Network protocols
• Emerging network technology evaluations

Strategic Advisory and Architecture Leadership 15%

• Advisory services to senior leadership
• Cross-functional initiative leadership
• Technical and executive documentation
• Technology roadmaps and modernization strategies
• Governance models and MSSP performance evaluation
• Secure solution design
• Training and knowledge transfer

Industry Certifications / Relevant Degrees 10%

• Relevant vendor certifications or equivalent work experience
• Postgraduate degree (e.g. . and/or Ph.D.) in computer science cyber security or engineering preferred

Preferred Certifications:

• CISSP
• CISM
• CCSP
• CEH
• CISA
• CRISC

Public Sector Experience 5%

• Knowledge of GO-ITS standards
• Knowledge of EDSTA and related legislation
• Ontario K 12 education sector experience