VP for Information Technology & CIO

Job Level
Senior position
Job Category
Vice President
Sector
  • Technology
Job Status
Areas of Responsibility
  • Information Technology

The CIO is responsible for management and oversight of IT services provided to Miami's students, faculty and staff totaling 26,000 people. The University uses a distributed model, Central IT Services, providing and maintaining IT infrastructure and core services; and Decentralized IT Services, providing local IT support, primarily desktop support and specialized software support to departments and divisions.

 

The CIO provides executive direction and strategic vision for the University's information technology assets, infrastructure, and services. The CIO reports to the President and serves as a member of the President’s senior leadership team, the Executive Cabinet, which advises and guides the President and university on institutional goals. Direct reports to the CIO include an AVP for Security, Compliance, and Risk Management; an AVP for Enterprise Operations; an AVP for Solution Delivery and Deputy CIO; a Director of Business Services; a Director of Accessible Technology; a Senior Director of IT Communication and Client Advocacy; and a dotted line from an AVP for Finance and Business Services CIO. In total the CIO oversees a budget of $16.25 million and motivates a team of 130+ talented colleagues.

Essential Duties include:

  • Provide strategic direction, oversite and planning of all Application Development projects at Miami.

  • Support Miami’s suite of software products such as Ellucian/Banner, Kronos, and other purchased software products.

  • Contribute to and support the University’s ongoing efforts to become a more fully inclusive and diverse community.

  • Provide strategic oversite, direction and planning for Miami’s IT infrastructure including System Administration functions, network operations and architecture, video security cameras and server maintenance.

  • Advise the President and other University administrators and faculty on matters related to Information Technology.

  • Create and maintain an IT environment which provides safe/secure access to a suite of software options for students, faculty and staff while ensuring all data/information is secure and accessible in an appropriate fashion.

  • Research, understand and keep informed of emerging information technology trends/developments to ensure Miami has and maintains a modern IT environment.

  • Represent the Division IT Services on the President’s Executive Cabinet (PEC).  Participate in strategic planning for Miami University and participate as an active member of Miami’s leadership/administration. 

The overarching charge for the next CIO is to lead the transformation of IT from an important service provider to a mission-critical, value-added strategic partner across the University. The next CIO will encourage a forward-thinking IT culture and inspire team members, colleagues, and senior leaders at Miami to take chances and push boundaries. Within this context, the new CIO will be charged with addressing the following key opportunities and challenges:

  • Evolve and articulate a strategic vision and roadmap for IT.

  • Refine a governance structure to support an evolving IT vision and strategy.

  • Enhance communications across all IT functions and the entire university.

  • Advance new initiatives and technologies on campus that directly support the success of Miami students, faculty, and staff.

  • Inspire, support, and develop IT Services staff.

  • Build out strategies for external engagement to generate revenue and improve service.

 

A Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) and relevant experience in a senior IT leadership position in a large complex organization are required. The CIO must be a forward-looking and transformational leader who embraces a culture where technology is aligned and leveraged to support the academic mission and one who has:

  • At least ten years of progressively responsible expereince;

  • A track record of implementing appropriate and successful strategies to ensure cost-effective delivery of efficient and reliable IT services;

  • Strong financial planning and political skills to lead in a resource-constrained environment;

  • Exemplary communication skills and an ability to inspire and educate audiences with and without technical expertise;

  • A holistic thinker with a systems view and a track record of producing results;

  • Forward thinking; an understanding of a broad array of technologies and a passion for staying abreast of the newest trends and finding ways to effectively apply them to drive change;

  • A track record of successfully leading change in a shared-governance environment or a large, decentralized organization;

  • Demonstrated success in managing by influence, inspiring trust, organizing people into effective teams, and motivating them to work hard and well together;

  • The maturity, intelligence, and desire to work in a demanding intellectual and student-centered environment;

  • Integrity, high emotional intelligence, and a high level of energy.

 

 

  • A degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, or related field is preferred.

  • A master's degree is preferred.

  • Experience in a senior IT leadership position in higher education is preferred. 

 

Miami is being assisted with this search by Isaacson, Miller.  For additonal information, please contact:

Greg Esposito, Partner

Sabrina Singh, Senior Associate

Isaacson, Miller

263 Summer Street, Ste. 700

Phone: 617.262.6500

www.imsearch.com/6640