Executive Director of IT

Location: Newport, RI Category: Education Posted On: Wed Sep 11 2024 Job Description:

BASIC FUNCTION

Reporting to the Provost, the Executive Director oversees and manages the information technology infrastructure and operations for the University in conformance with the mission statement of the University and the strategic plans of the senior administration. Responsible for hands-on management and oversight of enterprise applications, IT project management, systems and network technology, the Technology Services Center and information security. The Executive Director plays a crucial role in leveraging technology to support academic operations, improve efficiency, mitigate risks, and foster innovation within the University.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with university leadership to support the development of the overall technology strategy in alignment with the University's goals and objectives and implementing the technology strategy by ensuring that technology goals and objectives are successfully achieved.
• Manage, coach/mentor, and support an IT team of 30+ individuals to foster professional growth and development and assist the team to achieve planned goals and objectives in conformance with the mission of the University.
• Oversee the service desk operations, including incident management, ticketing systems, and service level agreements (SLAs), ensuring responsive technical support to end-users and satisfactorily resolving issues related to hardware, software, and connectivity in a timely manner.
• Ensure the smooth operation and maintenance of all IT systems, networks, hardware, and software applications required for daily business operations to assure that the quality of service provided by the Office of Information Technology to the University community is at the highest level possible.
• Responsible for managing the IT budget effectively, making informed decisions about investments in technology infrastructure, software licenses, training, and other resources.
• Actively engage with external vendors and internal stakeholders to negotiate contracts, manage relationships, and ensure that IT services and solutions are cost effective and meet business needs and expectations.
• Oversee IT projects, from planning and requirements gathering to implementation and evaluation to ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality standards.
• Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders, translating complex IT concepts into clear and understandable terms, providing updates to senior administration and other stakeholders on the status of IT projects, operational conditions, and areas of concern regarding information technology involvement.
• Prioritize cybersecurity measures and establish proactive protocols to ensure that IT systems and data are protected against potential threats. Oversee compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards and enable governance frameworks to monitor and enforce compliance with security requirements.
• Develop and maintain plans and procedures to ensure the organization can continue operating in the event of a disaster or unforeseen interruption.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Stay proficient about emerging technologies and trends, proactively exploring opportunities to leverage new tools and solutions to drive innovation, streamline processes, optimize systems, and improve the performance of the University.
• Provide development and training offerings for staff members of the Office of Information Technology to stay abreast of new technologies and their uses.
• Participate in technology-related committee work, particularly with the academic community, university leadership, ERP system(s), and special 'ad hoc' committees such as institutional planning.

LICENSES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT

N/A

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The incumbent is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Job Requirements:

MIMIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Master's or advanced degree in computer science, engineering or business is required.
• At least 10 years' experience in the information technology field, including at least five years in a management capacity.
• Minimum of five years of management experience of professionals in technology support and information technology systems.
• Proficiency in the following areas of information technology: technology support, applications, data, systems, networks, project management, and information/data security.
• Ability to engage with stakeholders, IT teams, and other relevant departments to understand their technology needs and foster collaboration and communication to ensure alignment between technology architecture and university goals.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Models strong customer service, collaboration, and builds strong teams. Motivates staff to provide exemplary service with a strong desire to seek opportunities for service improvement.
• Exhibits empathic leadership, strong supervisory skills, and superior emotional intelligence.
• Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills at both the technical and non-technical levels.
• Can set boundaries and demonstrate strong follow through with all constituents.
• Is a practical and analytic problem-solver.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in higher education and instructional technology practices is beneficial.
• More than ten years' experience in the information technology field, preferably deeply knowledgeable and skilled in IT systems, networks, infrastructure, and software.
• More than five years of management experience of professionals in technology support and information technology systems.
• Experience overseeing IT security.

Additional Information:

Salve Regina University offers generous benefits to eligible employees including (waiting periods apply):

• health, dental and vision coverage available on the first of the month following date of hire
• 403(b) retirement plan through TIAA with employee and employer contributions as well as access to advising services
• long-term disability coverage
• employer-paid life and AD&D insurance
• up to 100% free tuition at Salve for eligible employees and qualified dependents
• robust wellness program and free access to the on-campus Fitness Center

Other available benefits include:

• supplemental life insurance for employees and dependents
• supplemental insurance coverage through Aflac
• Tuition Exchange scholarship program. Application available for qualified dependents of eligible employees working full-time
• discounted pet insurance through ASPCA
• student loan forgiveness assistance program (SAVI)
• employee Assistance Program through Coastline EAP
• flexible spending health and dependent care accounts
• health savings accounts
• 529 collegebound saver program
• paid parental leave and adoption assistance

For more detailed information on Salve's benefits, visit

Salve Regina University strives to cultivate belonging values through diversity, equity inclusion in order to foster a welcoming culture for our staff, faculty and students, as well as the wider community. Salve Regina University embraces all people with grace. No matter the path traveled to get here, the University acknowledges that many identities will intersect. Salve Regina belongs to all in its community.