Assistant Dean for Information Technology, School of Medicine

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU’s sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s generous benefits package that includes: competitive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, Virginia Retirement System (VRS), professional development & certifications, tuition waiver, parental leave, caregiving leave and community service leave. Learn more about VCU’s benefits here:

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

Position Summary:

The Assistant Dean for Information Technology is responsible for providing IT organizational leadership to enable delivery of cost-effective and innovative solutions that are aligned with the mission, goals, priorities, and unique needs of the School of Medicine and its affiliated Schools, Centers and Institutes. This includes assessment of programming, policy development, and budget development with oversight and authority to set and change the strategic goals of the IT units or functional areas assigned.
Key responsibilities include serving as lead in the areas of academic, research, educational, and clinical IT domains in planning, innovation, organizational agility, and service delivery to bring alignment between VCU Technology Services and VCU Health IT. The role is also responsible for strategizing research computing technology needs of the School of Medicine and working with leadership across VCU to procure the resources and systems needed to implement these tools.

This position provides direct supervision of the School of Medicine Technology Services (SOMTech) team and plays a key role in the integration, support and coordination across the units by leveraging a broad IT portfolio including:
Application Services (AS) AV & Classroom (AVC) Business Intelligence (BI) Client Services (CS) Research Systems Simulation Technology Web Services & Communications
This position develops close working relationships with SOM Departments, chairs, and administrators to establish partnerships and innovative IT solutions that fulfill the needs of the SOM and University. This includes the Basic Health Science Departments, Clinical Departments, Dean’s Office, Office of Medical Education (OME), Office of Admissions, Graduate Programs, and others.

Additionally, this position will actively collaborate with the Office of the Senior Vice President for Health Sciences, the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, High Performance Research Computing (HPRC), VCU Health Information Security, Audit & Compliance Services, and numerous other programs to proactively identify risks, drive innovation and IT strategies that align with modern industry best practices.

Working closely alongside the VCU CIO and VCU Health CIO leadership, this position serves as a key strategic liaison and dynamic partner for ensuring the advocacy and coordination of core academic health technology and research computing platforms which support School of Medicine faculty, staff and students, and that those initiatives are appropriately resourced, implemented and managed.

Primary Purpose and General Responsibilities:

Directs, communicates, integrates and is accountable for the overall success of IT projects, programs, and/or initiatives ensuring alignment with critical strategic priorities across the SOMTech portfolio. Ensures work efforts achieve the outcome specified within the IT strategy, including appropriate strategic and life cycle management planning. Functions as a senior expert and change agent communicating with senior university leadership, stakeholders, business owners and customers to discuss project strategy, direction and changes. Participates in steering and governance committees by assisting in the development of IT agendas and policies, development of IT strategic plans, and prioritization of major projects, programs and initiatives. Leads workforce development and analysis efforts as well as IT talent management that includes recruitment, retention, and professional development of the IT workforce. Enhance the compliance and risk management posture of the School of Medicine in conjunction with VCU Information Security and VCU Health Information Security, Audit and Compliance Services, Procurement, University Counsel, and other stakeholders. Proactively identify opportunities, drive innovation and cost-effective IT strategies that align with modern industry best practices and the values of the School of Medicine’s 2021-2025 strategic plan for “Innovation and technology.”
Core Responsibilities:

1. IT Management and Governance
This position is responsible for developing the strategic objectives and goals for the SOM IT division. The incumbent will articulate the school’s mission and vision to provide leadership with technology solutions in support of the instruction and research missions of the school Develops IT governance strategies to support senior leadership goals Oversees the development of Standard Operating Procedures and best practices Provides guidance and collaborates with VCU Technology Services and VCU Medical Information Systems to implement technology solutions for the school and acts as primary liaison to the central IT organizations Recruits and retains highly qualified IT staff and emphasizes professional development of staff Represents SOM on committees and technical user groups at different levels in the organization within VCU and nationally at the AAMC and Educause Develops and maintains IT budget, in coordination and consultation with the Senior Associate Dean for Finance and Administration
2. Application Development and Data Management
Provides leadership and direction for the application development team to develop and maintain highly effective, reliable, scalable, secure, and innovative information systems to support instructional and administrative functions Identifies and prioritize system development projects based on priorities set by senior management
3. Education Technology
Oversees the effective training and timely support for technology-enhanced learning spaces Monitors the renewal and replacement/updating of classroom/conference room AV and computer equipment Ensures that appropriate network infrastructure and support are in place to facilitate communication with offsite campuses and hospitals
4. Infrastructure and Client Services
Provides leadership and management to infrastructure and client services team which provides centralized helpdesk and computer support for the SOM Dean’s Office, Departments, SOM Affiliated centers and institutes Implements SOM Information Security Standards, manages SOM services, develops and monitors policies related to the use, purchase and allocation of hardware and software Oversees/Modifies Business Impact Analysis, Continuity Plan, and Disaster Recovery Plans for SOM supported systems
5. Performance Metrics
Establishes and monitors performance metrics for IT services to be used by the Senior Associate Dean and senior leadership for measuring operational efficiency of IT in promotion of strategic goals
6. SOM Website Management
Oversees the design and maintenance of SOM websites Oversees the delivery of end-user training with content management tools Provides expertise to assist in the development and management of department, institute, and center websites
Minimum Hiring Standards:
Master’s degree in computer science, information systems, business administration or related field Ten to fifteen years in IT industry Ability to prioritize organizational needs and deploy IT resources efficiently Proven track record of effectively leading and facilitating change Experience leading IT in higher education and supporting complex research activities Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment Expertise in budget planning, financial management, and resource management
Preferred Qualifications:
PhD degree in computer science, information systems, business administration or related field Significant experience in a senior IT leadership position within a complex academic medical center (AMC) with a School of Medicine and associated Health system Fifteen or more years in IT industry Extensive knowledge of current and emerging information technologies in an AMC environment Superior management, analytical, organizational, communication and planning skills in conjunction with an extensive problem solving, project management and customer service background in support of an AMC environment

The School of Medicine continuously strives for our workplace and learning environment to reflect the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Position will remain open until filled.

VCU is committed to hiring veterans VCU will include a veteran's period(s) of military service in the calculation of their annual leave accrual rate. This may provide veterans with an increased leave accrual

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