Department: Information and Comm. Technologies 

Job Type: Limited Term

Full-time/Part-time: Full Time (>=1249 hrs/year) 

Campus: Waterloo 

Reports to: Manager ICT Client Technology 

Employee Group: WLUSA 

Application Deadline: July 16, 2025

Requisition ID: 9907 

Wilfrid Laurier University is a leading multi-campus university that excels at educating with purpose. Through its exceptional employees, students, researchers, leaders, and educators, Laurier has built a reputation as a world-class institution known for its rich student experience, academic excellence, and global impact. With a commitment to Indigenization and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, Laurier’s thriving community has a place for everyone.

Laurier has more than 21,000 students and 2,100 faculty and staff across campuses in Waterloo and Brantford, as well locations in Kitchener and Milton. The university is committed to providing an inclusive workplace, a flexible work policy and employing a workforce that is reflective of local and national demographics. Laurier's Waterloo, Kitchener, and Brantford campuses are located on the shared traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabe, and Haudenosaunee peoples. This land is part of the Dish with One Spoon Treaty between the Haudenosaunee and Anishnaabe peoples and symbolizes the agreement to share, protect our resources, and not to engage in conflict.  Laurier's Milton campus is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, and part of the Nanfan Treaty of 1701 between the British Crown and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

Position Summary 

The Desktop Architect is responsible for the Windows computing platform at Laurier which includes integration with a Microsoft Active Directory/SCCM, a Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), and Microsoft Intune. The Desktop Architect is also responsible for overseeing the lifecycle management of the Microsoft Windows operating system, including the planning, deployment, and maintenance of version upgrades, security patches, patch management, and other update packages to ensure system integrity and compliance with organizational standards. 

The incumbent is responsible for architecting and designing the processes and technologies required to implement, support, and maintain, Laurier’s computer systems as they relate to end user devices (workstations and other endpoints). This position is responsible to ensure the desktop computing environment meet the needs of the Laurier faculty and staff, provides consistency and security across all campuses, and provides flexibility where appropriate. This includes but is not limited to creating and testing the desktop images for the varying types of computers, software application packaging and testing, patch management, and ensuring the Software Centre or the Intune Company Portal is functioning as expected.  

In collaboration with the infrastructure team, they will design, implement and enforce image standards through end point management software, security elements, anti-virus, and encryption. The role is responsible for support of the Windows environment along with SCCM, Intune and AVD support responsibilities. The Desktop Architect will be responsible for the evolution of the desktop environments recommending changes in strategy and implementing enhancements and best practices when appropriate. 

The incumbent is responsible for defining a patch update process including identifying a set of “testers”, defining test cases, and a communications strategy to disseminate image updates and changes utilizing the Change Management Process. Strong understanding of SCCM, Intune and AVD, distribution points, and active directory are critical to this position. The Desktop Architect is expected to provide second and third level technical resolutions to issues with the desktop computing environment.  

The Desktop Architect must ensure that desktop computers and thin clients in computer labs are up-to-date and operational to support academic activities. This includes working with faculty to ensure that all software required for academic programs is available, whether through AVD or local installation.  

This position has a university-wide mandate and is based at the Waterloo Campus.  The incumbent provides subject matter expertise to all campuses, requiring regular interpersonal interactions and collaboration with departments at the Waterloo, Brantford and Milton Campuses, and the Faculty of Social Work in Kitchener.  

This role has a university-wide mandate and travel to other campuses and locations may be required to attend meetings or events.

Accountabilities 

Desktop Computing Environment Accountabilities 

• Responsible for the integrity and functionality of the Windows computing environments, maintaining the current Windows 11 computing strategy to ensure that it continues to be robust, flexible, and secure for all faculty and staff computers, kiosk computers, teaching computer labs, console computers in the classrooms & meeting rooms 

• Accountable to ensure that SCCM/Intune is installed on all Laurier computers to keep the computer hardware inventory up to date for all Windows computers 

• Responsible for updating, maintaining, testing, and all changes to the Windows 11 images for employee, classroom, and lab computers ensuring standardization and consistency 

• Ensure the imaging process for new computers is functional, streamlined, and the most effective way to image Laurier computers 

• Modify and document imaging processes to simply and improve the delivery time to clients for new evergreen computers 

• Working with the security team, ensure that the computer image deployed meets all security requirements including those listed in the ICT Security Policy 

• Recommend and implement appropriate computer controls to ensure consistency, flexibility, ease of use and support, and be able to attain network connectivity at any campus and any building 

• Responsible for the integrity, configuration and management of the desktop image library  

• Clearly document and maintain documentation on the details of the desktop computing environment including image specifications, standard applications list, virus protection, and operating system updates 

• Centrally deploy and manage thin clients through the Wyse Management Suite (WMS) platform. This includes working with the Linux-based ThinOS operating system, applying firmware and software updates, policies, and access control for users and groups. 

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) Accountabilities 

• Design, implement, and maintain secure, scalable Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) solutions in line with academic and IT strategies 

• Utilize Nerdio Manager for Enterprise to automate and streamline the provisioning, scaling, and lifecycle management of AVD host pools, ensuring cost-efficient and policy-compliant virtual desktop deployments. 

• Lead architecture and configuration of AVD host pools, session hosts, user profiles, and FSLogix containers to ensure performance and availability. 

• Manage the lifecycle of AVD images, including golden image creation, patch management, version control, and application layering. 

• Monitor and optimize AVD performance and capacity, leveraging Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and diagnostic tools. 

• Provide technical leadership in AVD incident response, root cause analysis, and proactive problem management. 

• Stay current with Azure ecosystem updates and make strategic recommendations for AVD environment enhancements. 

Operating Systems Patch Update Process Accountabilities 

• Proactively review the Microsoft Windows updates, , determine the critical/important updates/patches to implement, document and test in the test environment 

• Responsible to create test plans for each change, document the results of the test on the test plan, define proper back-out plans ensuring that they are thoroughly tested 

• Communicate these Windows updates with client “testers” setting expectations and responsibilities to report back any issues experienced 

• Log any issues from proposed windows updates and resolve in the test environment 

• Responsible to complete the change management processes to log the changes and receive approval to implement in the production environment 

• Implement the critical/important updates and patches consistently across the entire university 

• Accountable to track the success of all updates and patches to all computers and follow through with the unsuccessful updates 

• Ensure Laurier computers are identified and managed throughout their lifecycle 

Desktop Software Applications Accountabilities 

• Ensure that Microsoft’s Software Centre or Intune Company Portal is functioning and up to date with the appropriate versions of software applications 

• Accountable to package and or have packaged using Admin Studio and Package Feed Module, all appropriate software applications to install remotely to clients  

• Define strategy to monitor software application version releases and define and document the processes to test, communicate and implement these upgrades to the appropriate clients  

• Determine the strategy for application packaging including when to package software versus manual installs  

• Accountable and responsible to create and maintain the desktop software application inventory database 

• Identifies functional and manageability requirements for application software 

• Deploy release packages into live environment following an agreed plan and schedule 

Evolution of Computing Environment Accountabilities 

• Responsible to remain current on desktop computing trends 

• Performs hardware and software evaluations and defines standards 

• Be the subject matter expert on Microsoft’s operating system (Windows 11) roadmap including Office 365, Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop and cloud computing 

• Recommend changes to the desktop computing strategies and evolve the Windows 11 to incorporate these changes and new trends when appropriate 

Desktop Security Accountabilities 

• Ensure the desktop strategies are aligned and in compliance with university ICT policies 

• Working very closely with the Security group, review the existing anti-virus protection software for computers and determine if and when to move to a new anti-virus software solution 

• Accountable to update and patch the existing anti-virus protection software on all Laurier computers, ensuring that thorough testing is completed before deployment and that signature files are up to date 

• Create, modify, test and execute GPOs for the different desktop platforms following the change management processes 

• Test, communicate and deploy security vulnerabilities fixes and patches working in conjunction with the security group 

Qualifications  

• Degree in Computer Science or equivalent with 5 years’ work experience in an IT environment 

• 5 years’ experience working in an Active Directory environment architecting, and designing, and building computer images including GPOs and lockdown settings using security-based parameters 

• 3 - 5 years’ experience working with Windows operating systems deployments, application packaging, patch management & deployment solutions (ie. MS SCCM or Intune), and scripting (ie. Power Shell or VBScript) 

• Must have Microsoft SCCM certificate OR Microsoft 365 Certified Endpoint Administrator Associate AND Microsoft Certified Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty 

• Extensive knowledge of Windows 10 & 11 operating systems including enterprise-wide migration experience; anti-virus protection software 

• Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Azure Cloud, particularly in deploying, managing, and supporting Azure Virtual Desktop hostpools and resources 

• Advanced knowledge of Active Directory, Microsoft SCCM or Intune including GPO management, TCPIP, DNS, DHCP, VPN, and desktop configuration  

• Experience packaging software applications to be pushed out by Microsoft SCCM/Software Centre or Intune/Company Portal 

• Solid understanding of computer security standards, tools, methodologies and processes 

• Advanced knowledge and technical experience with computer hardware & software, and the ability to troubleshoot and provide timely technical resolutions 

• Knowledge and experience in computer productivity applications (Microsoft Office Suite and Office365, Adobe products, web browsers, etc) 

• Microsoft MCSE Certification and ITIL Foundation Certificate an asset 

• Demonstrated exceptional customer service skills and strong knowledge of customer service best practices 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills; be able to interact and collaborate effectively with all levels of clients with varying levels of technical expertise.  

• Strong organizational skills, accuracy and attention to detail, excellent problem-solving skills, proven ability to handle multiple priorities, work under short deadlines and manage changing priorities; experience leading project initiatives 

• A professional approach and positive attitude with a willingness to learn new technology showing initiative 
• Ability to be discreet and to maintain confidential information 

Hours of Work  

This is a Full-time, Limited-term opportunity with an anticipated end date of September 1, 2026. The normal hours of work are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.  Flexibility in hours will be required, including evening and/or weekend work due to system maintenance/upgrades, project work, emergency calls for system failures and during peak periods in August, September and January.  When possible, the manager will adjust the work schedule so that no more than 35 hours are worked in a week.  

This position is eligible for a flexible work arrangement, as per Policy 8.14 (Flexible Work Policy). All arrangement must be approved by the direct manager. In-person attendance for events, as required to meet operational needs, is expected. On occasion, this schedule may need to be adjusted to meet operational requirements.

Compensation

Level: F

Rate of Pay: $46.70 to $49.38 per hour with an annual step progression on anniversary date up to $53.37 per hour. 

Considerations for new hire step placements include, qualifications and length/depth of required experience, relevant market rates for similar jobs, internal equity, and estimated learning curve in starting the job.

Wilfrid Laurier University endeavors to fill positions with qualified candidates who have a combination of education, experience, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position while demonstrating Laurier's Employee Success Factors.

Equity, diversity and creating a culture of inclusion are part of Laurier’s core values and central to the Laurier Strategy. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, racialized, having disabilities, and from persons of any minority sexual and gender identities. Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. Candidates from other equity deserving groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact Equity & Accessibility. We have strived to make our application process accessible, however if you require any assistance applying for a position or would like this job posting in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources. Contact information can be found at careers.wlu.ca/content/How-to-apply/

Should you be interested in learning more about this opportunity, please visit www.wlu.ca/careers for additional information and the online application system. All applications must be submitted online. Please note, a resume and cover letter will be required in electronic form.