Chief Technology Officer

Description

The Davidson Group is a family investment and philanthropic organization based in Northern Nevada, established in 1996 by educational software entrepreneur Bob Davidson.  As part of its philanthropic mission the Davidson Group supports the activities of the non-profit Davidson Institute for Talent Development its division the Davidson Academy, both focused on the needs of profoundly gifted young people.  The Davidson Academy runs a traditional high school, located on the campus of the University of Nevada Reno, and operates an online high school for students nationwide.

The Davidson Group employs information technology professionals to support all of its activities, including the educational programs.  Due to the growth particularly of the Davidson Academy Online program we are currently seeking a Chief Technology Officer who can provide strategic, collaborative leadership in all facets of technology infrastructure and services.  The position will report to the president & CEO of the Davidson Group, but will include close interaction with the director-level leadership of the Davidson Institute, the Davidson Academy Reno campus and the Davidson Academy Online program.  

This position is accountable for defining and delivering IT strategy and capabilities across the Davidson Group, including the Davidson Institute and Davidson Academy. This  includes data analytics, development and support, infrastructure, security, technical services and large scale project development and execution in selection of and implementation of critical software and hardware systems. This position is responsible for providing oversight and direction to IT and Davidson Group leaders on strategy, standards, and opportunities for shared services and economies of scale. This position is a key contributor to the Davidson Groups’ strategy and planning process and will be responsible both for IT operations and for technology and digital innovation. It is critical for the CTO to build strong and productive relationships with all Davidson Group leaders, acting as a true partner and making IT an educational partner.

An individual located in the Reno-Tahoe area would be preferred but this is open to discussion.
 

Requirements

• Provide leadership in identifying, assessing and managing technology needs for the Davidson Group to the President and other stakeholders. 

• Direct, coordinate, supervise, facilitate or perform all tasks and elements needed to affect comprehensive integration of appropriate technology into every facet of operations. 

• Create and support cross-functional teams for needs assessment, decision-making, technology support, professional development and  other aspects of the Davidson Group technology program. 

• Supervise or coordinate the skills development of all employees in the operation of technology. Build awareness among employees of available resources and the role of technology in the operations and instructional process. 

• Develop and coordinate a broad range of technology-based resources, maximizing the availability and use of these resources.

• Determine capital investment parameters, priorities and risks for enterprise-wide IT initiatives to  maximize investment and efficiency.

• Develop an IT vision and strategy, and a roadmap, and lead the IT team and its internal and external partners in effective execution, particularly in software system selection, roll-out and support to ensure  successful operation of key systems. 

• Ensure, on an on-going basis, that current and planned technical architecture, investments and solutions are aligned with Davidson Group objectives. 

• Prepare, monitor and forecast IT operational budgets that meet prevailing objectives and restraints.

• Develop and execute an analytics program that will allow leaders to make data-based decisions.

• Build strong relationships with stakeholder groups and their leaders to develop a detailed  understanding of their issues, challenges, and opportunities.

• Implement the most appropriate and effective IT organizational design to support and engage with stakeholders.

• Ensure that the organization has strong systems analysis and project management skills, and the ability to execute critical projects in a timely manner.

• Develop and maintain a plan that provides for succession and continuity in the most critical IT  management positions.

• Review, recommend, and oversee all vendors and managed service agreements for computing, telecommunications, IT services, and equipment.

• Manage a team of at least four IT professionals.