Chief Information Officer – University
Who are we looking for?
We are seeking an individual with a strong desire to deeply understand the needs of higher education leaders, then apply technology to address their greatest challenges and maximize their greatest opportunities. Our CIOs are expected to be skilled technologists and team leaders. But engaging leaders and constituents across the institution as a business enabler is a critical skill for the new breed of CIO that wants a seat at the table and an opportunity to drive the institution forward and help fulfill its mission in fast-changing times.
Our CIOs thrill our customers by providing exceptional, proactive customer service that exceeds their expectations. They balance the ability to deliver creative and innovative tactical and technical solutions with the need to drive toward the larger strategic vision. They have a willingness to collaborate with fellow CIOs and leaders and ask for help when needed. They get in front of challenges, turn them into opportunities, and see them through to resolution. They take ownership of opportunities to improve and share successes with their teams.
They foster teamwork among their direct reports by example, identifying and developing talent, providing a positive, productive working environment, and nurturing a culture of collaboration, engagement, and commitment with every member of the team.
How will you be engaged?
The CIO is assigned to partner institutions as their CIO, either on site or remote based on the partner’s needs. The CIO partners with the client Contract Administrator, often the CFO, Provost, or the President/Chancellor, and reports directly to the Operations Division.
The CIO serves as a trusted strategic advisor to the institution, interacting with the President, Cabinet, Board of Directors, and a wide variety of stakeholders on and off campus. This may include department and functional leaders and faculty committees to drive strategic decisions that support institutional outcomes.
Strong interpersonal skills and a consultative approach to building rapport and understanding business needs are essential.
How will you be supported?
The CIO and site teams are actively supported by the broader organization. Each CIO joins a team of CIOs and has access to them for counsel, communities of practice, and collaboration.
CIOs have a dedicated site staff augmented through access to a portfolio of professional services and a nationwide team of higher education IT experts supporting the needs of partner institutions both on campus and remotely.
CIOs also have access to a comprehensive resource library of best practice policies, procedures, and documents, along with a strong HR team that supports both personal and staff needs. Each CIO is supported by the Operations Leadership Team and the assigned Vice President of Operations.
The collaborative approach ensures access to the combined resources of the entire organization, enabling delivery of world-class service while allowing the institution to view IT as a strategic differentiator.
Hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Hours may vary.
Responsibilities
• Develop and maintain a strong, positive relationship with the client Contract Administrator and campus constituents
• Foster and lead open communications with the Operations Leadership Team
• Complete the Strategic Annual Work Plan in collaboration with Campus Leadership and organizational resources
• Hold regularly scheduled meetings with institution leadership on significant site issues and successes, risks, opportunities, and progress toward contractual and business goals
• Establish an IT governance practice to ensure appropriate acquisition, use, and cost-effective application of technology
• Identify and promote innovative technologies within the institution
• Implement best-practice processes, policies, and procedures to ensure consistent high-quality services
• Respond to audit recommendations and implement corrective measures where needed
• Identify opportunities for efficiency through technological and workflow improvements
• Analyze IT operating budgets and identify areas for cost savings and efficiencies
• Negotiate with third-party vendors to achieve best pricing and terms for the institution
• Lead by example and mentor IT staff
• Develop Executive Review reports to showcase successes, value-add, and ROI
• Adhere to organizational core values and expectations
• Other duties as assigned
Requirements
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in IT, CIS, or a related field
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement IT strategies, tactical plans, and annual work plans
• Solid understanding of budgeting and business operations
• Experience negotiating vendor relationships and contracts
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a demanding environment
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 lbs
• Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time
• Ability to crawl under desks for technology needs
• Adherence to organizational core values
Preferred Qualifications
• 3+ years of higher education experience as a CIO or similar leadership position
• Experience with higher education administrative system software
• Project management knowledge and experience
Core Values
• Be a Servant Leader
• Be a Team Player
• Be Accountable
• Act with the highest integrity
• Provide excellent customer service
• Find solutions, not problems
Equal Opportunity Employer
The organization is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. The EEO policy applies to all employment actions including recruitment, hiring, promotion, training, compensation, and termination.
#LI-LH1
