Chief Information Technology Officer
Position Summary:
The Chief Information Technology Officer (CITO) is the highest IT leadership role for the University of Alaska (UA) system. The CITO anticipates, plans, develops, manages and implements systemwide IT strategy, in consultation with the campuses. Implements alignment with the objectives and goals of the UA President and UA Board of Regents. Areas include, but are not limited to, voice and data communications; academic and research technology; administrative systems; financial technology; training; user support; IT security systems; data center facilities; and infrastructure.
Duties:
As a member of the executive leadership team, participates and contributes to overall systemwide technology planning, bringing a current knowledge and future vision of technology and systems to business processes, products and services for a competitive advantage. Facilitates the mission and vision of the IT organization to foster the desired culture and serves to drive systemwide strategic initiatives. Provides strategic direction for all systemwide IT operations, including infrastructure and architecture, applications development, re-engineering business processes, networks, out-sourcing, and computer and auxiliary operations and support. Stays current in new technologies and platforms; identifies emerging technologies to be assimilated, integrated and introduced within the enterprise to ensure IT capabilities respond to the needs of the enterprise’s growth and objectives. Provides leadership, coaching and direction to the IT leadership team and staff. Develops strong, positive relationships with the systemwide IT and facilitates collaborative projects of and for the system. Needs to understand complex and possible future effects of changes. Also identifies and implements process improvement to optimize IT service delivery, improve customer satisfaction and the university system performance. Ensures and develops security policies for protection of user authentication, data, information and other confidential information. Plans and develops the annual expense and capital expenditure budget for Statewide IT. Manages the budget to ensure consistency with overall strategic objectives. Serves on enterprise planning and policy-making committees; drives the development of enterprise technology standards, governance processes and performance metrics to ensure IT delivers values to the enterprise.
| Competency definition | Required proficiency level |
| Business/enterprise knowledge: Solicits information on University direction, goals and industry competitive environment to determine how own function can add value to the organization and to customer satisfaction. Makes decisions and recommendations clearly linked to the organization’s strategy and financial goals, reflecting an awareness of external dynamics. Demonstrates awareness by providing clear explanations for actions taken relative to customer requirements, needs and industry trends. | Expert: Sponsors systemwide initiatives. Defines strategic imperatives in terms of the links between increased value, enterprise needs and technological solutions. Procures support and funding from the leading stakeholders in the enterprise. Explains complex relationships and technological solutions in terms that meet the needs of affected parties. |
| Communications for results: Expresses technical and business concepts, ideas, feelings, opinions, and conclusions orally and in writing. Listens attentively and reinforces words through empathetic body language and tone. |
Expert: Writes strategic documents and creates high-level presentations; converses with internal business leaders and delivers presentations to them as well as to external groups. Oversees discussions with senior leaders and external partners in ways that support strategic planning and decision-making. Seeks consensus with university campus CIOs, IT stakeholders. Debates opinions, tests understanding and clarifies judgments. Identifies underlying differences and resolves conflict openly and empathetically. Explains the context of multiple, complex, interrelated situations. |
| Strategic thinking: Examines issues and facilitates the creation of plans with a long-term perspective. Generates ideas and critically evaluates future scenarios. Applies external and internal factors to strategy development. Considers long-term strategic impact when making decisions or setting direction. Ensures that short-term goals support long-term strategy. | Expert: Takes a holistic systems perspective. Envisions, compares and contrasts multiple, potential, long-range, systemwide future scenarios. Empathizes with multiple points of view. Challenges planning assumptions. Develops, researches and tests hypotheses. Facilitates the creation and exploration of scenarios. Identifies trends and inconsistencies. Applies creativity and critical analysis in designing and creating organizational commitment for new objectives. Approves, sponsors and spearheads the implementation of strategic initiatives, securing the support of senior management. |
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Strong business orientation
- Understanding of current and emerging technologies
- Ability to provide effective and timely solutions to internal customers while managing costs and risks
- Ability to communicate technology solutions in business terms
- Ability to build an organization staffed with the right people in the right roles
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
Required Experience:
- 10 or more years in IT business/industry
- 5 to 7 years of leadership responsibilities
- 5-plus years in related industry managing multiple, large, cross-functional teams or projects; influencing senior-level management and key stakeholders
- Organizational change leadership experience
Typical Education and Training:
Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration or related field; or equivalent work experience.
To apply:
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references. To ensure consideration, please apply prior to the review date of June 22, 2018.
This position is designated as an officer of the university or senior administrator at the discretion of the president.
Background Check:
The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.