The Executive Director of Information Technologies will lead the creation of a new shared services tech team, oversee the technology functions of our partner units, and provide leadership to all tech personnel. The incumbent will provide visionary leadership for IT and design strategies that align with the mission of our units. Also, the Executive Director will put in place an innovative IT architecture and deliver customer-oriented technology solutions.

IT Architecture:

• Provide visionary leadership for the IT architecture function and defines and executes IT architecture strategies.
• Drives innovation and digital transformation within the institution and identifies opportunities to leverage emerging technologies, data analytics, AI, and cloud solutions to enhance business processes.
• Evaluate and manage architectural risks, including cybersecurity vulnerabilities, data privacy issues, and regulatory compliance complexities.
• Establishes and enforces enterprise-wide architectural governance processes and ensures architectural consistency, standards, and alignment across all IT projects, initiatives, and solutions.
• Stays at the forefront of industry trends, best practices, emerging technologies in higher education IT architecture.

Strategic Leadership:

• Set direction in the management and operation of technology services.
• Be a steward of university technology assets and oversee the IT budget, ensuring investments align with strategic goals and project delivery.
• Develop an informational technology plan that provides excellent, accessible, and secure IT solutions to our partners and stakeholders.
• Analyze current IT solutions and make recommendations to streamline IT operations, leveraging existing campus solutions.
• Partner with UITS and other IT leaders across campus to develop collaborative solutions. Participate in campus initiatives and committees.

Solution Planning:

• Evaluate and prioritize solutions, projects, and initiatives in support of our partners’ mission, guaranteeing alignment with technical criteria and architectural principles.
• Lead the approval, coordination, and implementation of significant information systems across partner units.
• Develop strategic alliances with technology vendors, service providers, and external collaborators.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of cost and productivity for technology projects, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.

Compliance & Communication:

• Formulate IT policies and procedures that guarantee both compliance and operational effectiveness, ensuring seamless alignment with university regulations.
• Establish and maintain effective communication channels with partner units, facilitating an understanding of their strategic objectives.
• Ensure that processes, data, and systems adhere to appropriate documentation, security protocols, backup procedures, and risk mitigation standards.
• Provide consistent updates on technology projects and promptly address any concerns.
• Ensures comprehensive documentation of technology architectural decisions, designs, project progress, and outcomes.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for senior leadership and stakeholders, facilitating informed decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with the UA Information Security Office to ensure robust safeguards.

IT Team Oversight:

• Oversee and guide IT Leads, providing mentorship and strategic direction to foster growth and excellence among IT professionals.
• Establish realistic and impactful objectives aimed at the ongoing enhancement of IT services, staff efficiency, employee retention, client contentment, and cost-efficiency.
• Guarantee comprehensive training and continuous professional development opportunities for IT staff, ensuring their skills remain up-to-date and aligned with industry standards.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Highly developed management skills include the ability to effectively measure performance outcomes, create a culture built on values and relationships, reinforce connections for staff to the relevance and importance of their work in meeting the university’s varied missions, and hold firm on praise and accountability day-in and day-out.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to establish rapport and gain the trust of others and to establish cooperative working relationships with a diverse team and campus community.
• Demonstrated strategic and operational understanding of enterprise systems, risk management, and IT security.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale programs, migrations, and projects on time and on budget.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in technology or related field.
• 9 years of related work experience, including 5 years of managerial experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in technology, management, or related filed.
• IT, Operations, Management, or related certifications.