Chief Information Officer

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) is responsible for the strategic direction and smooth functioning of all Information Technology operations in a multi-faceted, multi-location academic and administrative setting with operations in California, Texas, Florida and online. The Chief Information Officer is responsible for developing and implementing the strategic plan that leverages leading-edge technology to support the organization’s education-centric mission and student lifecycle. The Chief Information Officer is also responsible for creating and maintaining operational efficiencies while also protecting enterprise systems and data from constant threats. This role encompasses oversight of all IT infrastructure, applications development, application systems management, data management, security & risk management, business reporting and analytics, and project management.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strategic leadership that is mission-focused, process and governance-driven, and committed to maintaining secure system stability. They will leverage technology to enable business processes effectively.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership and Collaboration:
  • Collaborate closely with institutional Presidents to develop and implement the IT strategy aligned with the organization’s overall objectives.
  • Communicate IT strategy and progress to the executive team and board of trustees.
  • Advise the executive team on emerging technologies and digital transformation opportunities.
• Team Building and Management:
  • Build and lead a high-performing IT team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
  • Oversee day-to-day operations of the IT department, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery in alignment with business expectations.
• Infrastructure and Security:
  • Manage IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, networks, and data centers.
  • Ensure reliability, security, and scalability of IT systems.
  • Ensure cybersecurity strategies are effective in protecting the organization's digital assets.
  • Develop and maintain business continuity and disaster recovery plans to minimize disruptions and ensure data integrity and availability.
• Project and Process Management:
  • Plan, execute, and oversee IT projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.
  • Oversee a multimillion-dollar CAPEX budget and manage the PMO office with an emphasis on good governance, process, and documentation.
  • Prioritize IT initiatives and coordinate the evaluation, deployment, and management of current and future technologies.
• Governance and Compliance:
  • Lead the IT governance committee to help the organization make informed IT investment decisions.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and best practices.
• Vendor and Budget Management:
  • Develop and manage the IT budget, optimizing costs while maintaining service quality.
  • Negotiate and manage relationships with IT vendors and service providers.
• General Responsibilities:
  • Adhere to company policies and procedures and act as a role model to all staff and students through guidance and example.
  • Conduct job responsibilities in accordance with the standards set out in the company’s Code of Ethical Conduct, Compliance Agreement, Sexual Harassment Policy, or any other policies and procedures, applicable federal and state laws, and applicable professional standards.
  • Maintain regular and timely attendance, reporting to work as scheduled, and ensuring time worked and/or time-off is recorded properly.
  • Maintain established department policies, procedures, and attend in-services and other required meetings.
  • Maintain confidentiality of all student, associate, and/or college information as required.
  • Exercise care, proper use, and maintenance of department equipment and supplies, identifying unsafe conditions and making appropriate adjustments.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum & Preferred Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor degree in computer science, information systems, electronics engineering, voice/data communications, public/business administration, or a related field required.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in computer science, information systems, electronics engineering, voice/data communications, public/business administration, or a related field preferred.
• Bachelor degree in computer science, information systems, electronics engineering, voice/data communications, public/business administration, or a related field required.

Experience & Skills:

Required:

• Fifteen years related experience, with minimum of 3-5 years proven track record as a CIO.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Prior experience within the higher-ed industry a plus.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of current technology trends and best practices.
• Demonstrated knowledge of state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems.
• Knowledge of operating systems, networks, software applications, and hardware platforms.
• Command of current practices in the administration of technology based instructional systems.
• Experienced in developing and implementing short- and long-range computer systems, capacity, technology, and operational plans.
• Effective in managing projects and people, participating in, and facilitating group meetings.
• Capable of managing and working effectively in a highly diverse ethnic and cultural community.
• Ability to motivate teams to produce quality materials within tight timeframes and manage several projects simultaneously.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
• Proficient in analyzing financial data and preparing reports and projections.
• Strong professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Skilled at self-directing, multi-tasking, and functioning well under pressure with deadlines and conflicting priorities.
• Adept at working with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule.
• Effective in exercising good judgment.
• Ability to travel/drive locally on a weekly, daily, and/or as needed basis.