Chief Information Officer at Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts

Job Description:

About Western New England University:

Western New England University (WNE) is a private co-educational comprehensive university with a tradition of excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship and a commitment to provide innovative liberal and professional educational opportunities. One of only a few U.S. comprehensive institutions enrolling under 5,000 students recognized with national and international accreditations at the highest levels in law, business, engineering, pharmacy, occupational therapy, and social work, WNE serves students from the northeastern U.S., but enrolls students from across the country and around the world.

The hallmark of the Western New England University (WNE) experience is an unwavering focus on and attention to each student’s academic and personal development. Faculty, dedicated to excellence in teaching and research, foster an environment of warmth and personal concern in which small classes predominate. Administrative and support staff work collaboratively with faculty in attending to student development so that each student’s academic and personal potential can be realized and appreciated. It is a vibrant, inclusive institution dedicated to providing a transformative education. We are committed to fostering a diverse community of scholars and professionals who are passionate about advancing knowledge and innovation.

Position Overview:

WNE seeks an experienced Chief Information Officer (CIO) who will provide leadership, vision, and direct oversight of the university’s IT, cyber-security, technology infrastructure, IT support services, and technology-related innovations and initiatives. The CIO is responsible for developing and implementing policies, procedures, and planning related to IT, including the Technology Use Policy and Procedures, the Technology Strategic Plan, and network security, disaster recovery, and information security plans. The CIO serves as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and the President’s Cabinet. The individual who serves in this role reports to the Vice President of Finance & Administration. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the CIO is responsible for collaboration with other departments to maintain and improve relationships within the university community and foster departmental transparency. This position also requires an understanding of business principles and techniques in administration, organization, and management, including strategic and operational planning, higher education economics, personnel administration, and relevant laws and trends.

The ideal candidate for this position should possess a blend of technical expertise, leadership skills, and an understanding of the academic environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership:

• Provides vision, leadership, direction, fiscal, and human capital management for the Office of Information Technology.
• Implements an integrated structure for academic, research, and administrative computing.
• Oversees IT services including security, systems, application development, instructional media, networking, telecommunications, and client services, with a focus on advancing student success and operational effectiveness.
• Collaborates with central and campus-based technology professionals and advisory groups to develop strategic and tactical planning for information systems.
• Ensures efficient interfacing and compliance with WNE Systems, as well as state, and national organizations.

Strategic Planning and Technology Management:

• Oversees and develops IT policies and strategies, including the IT strategic plan aligned with the university’s strategic goals.
• Manages annual budgets and works with the Vice President for Finance and Administration on IT priorities and resources.
• Leads security measures for hardware, software, and networks in an intensive university environment.
• Conducts competitive analysis on technology products and services and makes resource-based recommendations.
• Provides data and reports to executive management on technology operations and improvements.
• Solves complex issues related to university technology and manages vendor contracts and purchases.
• Exercises supervisory authority and manages performance for technical and support staff, providing leadership and development opportunities.

External Relations & Strategic Partnership:

• Represents the university on key technology initiatives and committees.
• Acts as the liaison to the WNE community on IT matters.
• Serves as the contact for security, crisis management, regulatory compliance, and all system related matters.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• A master’s degree is preferred or a bachelor’s degree with at least 8-10 years of leadership experience in IT.

Other desired qualifications and competencies include:

• Experience as a proven leader in the information technology field: experience in a higher education setting is valuable.
• A track record of effective supervision, including motivational leadership and proactive staff development through training, feedback, and responsibility.
• A track record of effective engagement and collaboration with the broader campus community, including students, faculty, staff, and administrators.
• History of modeling outstanding customer service.
• Demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to cultural issues and the needs of a diverse constituency.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment and decision-making.
• Ability to lead critical analysis of existing processes and make recommendations for improvement.
• Experience developing long-term goals, strategic plans, project plans and operational policies and procedures.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a CV/resume and cover letter.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will be continued until the position is filled.

Apply via link:

To learn about Western New England University, please visit the university's Web site at http://www.wneu.edu.

Western New England University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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