Associate Vice President of Technology

POSITION TITLE: Associate Vice President of Technology

DIVISION: Administration

DEPARTMENT: Campus Technology

REPORTS TO: Executive Vice President of Administration/CFO

PAY TYPE: Exempt

WORKER TYPE: Full-Time

UPDATED: September 2025

PAY: $90,000

The overall responsibilities for this position are to ensure that all technology systems offer reliable service to the KCAI campus, resulting in a high degree of user satisfaction. This includes the administrative and campus-wide technology infrastructure, as well as providing strategic oversight and coordination for the Creative Technology departments, which serve the academic mission. A broad knowledge of all systems is critical to success, based on firsthand experience with installation, configuration, and use. The Associate Vice President of Technology will also need a clear understanding of the security environment with respect to implementation of policies and procedures that protect all resources from unauthorized access or use. In the event of emergencies, the Associate Vice President of Technology is expected to be available until the emergency situation is resolved and normal system processing is restored.

Campus Technology is necessary to the day-to-day operations of the campus as well as important to the long-term planning and viability of the institution. Duties connected with these resources reflect a concern to provide a solid foundation for activities that cover a wide range of college needs and opportunities. This requires the Associate Vice President of Technology to be able to comprehensively monitor and assess the state of all technology systems and utilize a variety of tools to gain insight into technology systems operation. They will be expected to act to resolve problems and to improve efficiency and effectiveness across both campus and creative technology functions.

Essential Functional Responsibilities:

• Provide oversight and strategic direction for all technology functions across the institution, including both Campus Technology and Creative Technology.
• Supervise the Senior Director of Creative Technology and ensure integrated planning that strategically considers how Creative Technology areas—Media Center, Print Center, Central Shop, and the Beals Studios—can collaborate to enhance the curriculum, instruction, and student experience.
• Responsible for the operation of all core technology systems used at KCAI, including student information systems, enterprise resource management planning platforms, customer relationship management platforms, servers, network infrastructure, communications platforms, cloud services, and other software.
• Manage all Campus Technology Staff, including ongoing training and development.
• Set objectives and strategies for both Campus Technology and Creative Technology departments.
• Select and implement suitable technology to streamline all internal operations and help optimize their strategic benefits.
• Design and customize technological systems and platforms to improve employee and student experiences.
• Develop, implement, and communicate policies with regard to technology systems used at KCAI.
• Manage the overall technology budget, including Campus Technology and strategic input into the Creative Technology budget.
• Plan the implementation of new systems and provide guidance to Technology Services staff and others within the organization.
• Oversee the technological infrastructure (networks and computer systems) in the organization to ensure optimal performance.
• Direct and organize IT-related projects.
• Communicate regularly with administrative department leads and academic chairs to ensure Technology Services is fulfilling their needs.
• Coordinate with the KCAI Cabinet in achieving goals for all institutional technology.
• Streamline the server, network, and user interaction with technology.
• Manage all technology vendor relationships.
• Consult with vendors on behalf of all academic and administrative departments in order to help constituents work as efficiently as possible.
• Research and analysis of new systems (hardware and software) to meet KCAI's evolving academic and administrative needs.
• Research and implementation of up-to-date technology and protocols regarding security, imaging, firewalls, etc.
• Act as the primary point of contact for Academic and Administrative departments with regards to new technology needs.
• Manage the purchase of, installation, configuration, and maintenance of all technology systems in use at KCAI.
• Manage Cybersecurity efforts on behalf of KCAI to maintain a safe and secure technology environment and ensure all critical data is protected.
• Manage Business Continuity efforts on behalf of KCAI to ensure all systems and data are reliable and accessible.
• Must be able to perform physical activities, such as, but not limited to, lifting heavy equipment (up to 50 lbs. unassisted), bending, standing, climbing or walking.
• Must also be able to tolerate confined spaces.
• Must be able to manage multiple tasks and a continuous flow of needed responses.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervises the following:

• Campus Technology Team
• Senior Director of Creative Technology

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:

• Identify, analyze and troubleshoot a wide range of complex technical server and systems related problems effectively.
• Listen and communicate information to a wide variety of clients and vendors at all skill levels.
• Deliver customer support online, in-person, and over the phone in a professional manner.
• Support KCAI's objectives by training or instructing others in use of technology resources.
• Understand the processes necessary for server operation on the KCAI computer network.
• Learn and apply new technical knowledge quickly.
• Communicate effectively with a diverse client and vendor base both verbally and in writing.
• Work independently and as a member of a team.
• Maintain cooperative work relationships.
• Enhance efficiency with regard to all duties.
• Must often demonstrate multitasking abilities.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to, and respect for, a diverse population.
• The principles of server operations and file systems, especially related to multi-protocol, multi-platform client/server environments.
• The principles and practice of good systems integration and related technologies
• A thorough understanding of LAN/WAN protocols.
• Experience with server and network infrastructure monitoring via a LAN or WAN.
• Desktop operating systems and client interaction with servers.
• Virtual operating environments.
• Cybersecurity protocols and platforms.

Required Experience/Education:

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent work experience.
• Demonstrated management experience, including overseeing other supervisory roles.
• Background in designing/developing IT systems and planning IT implementation.
• Solid understanding of data analysis, budgeting and business operations.
• A strong strategic mindset.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities.

Preferred Experience/Education:

• Master's degree in a related field or equivalent work experience.
• Previous work experience in a collegiate environment.

Statement

Kansas City Art Institute is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, gender identity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state or local law. KCAI provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the job application process. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need accommodation due to a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department about your interest in employment. Any questions or concerns can be directed to Kansas City Art Institute's Human Resource Administrator.

EOE/AA: Minorities/Females/Disabled/Vets

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.