Associate Vice President And Chief Information Officer

Associate Vice President for Digital Instruction and Information Services
Ithaca College (IC) in Ithaca, New York, seeks a goal-oriented, flexible, strategic leader to be its next Associate Vice President (AVP) for Digital Instruction and Information Services (DIIS) and Chief Information Officer (CIO). The AVP/CIO provides vision, strategic planning, oversight, and management of the College’s academic and administrative information technology services, facilities, hardware, software, and staff. He/she will lead a dynamic and cohesive leadership team composed of four Directors: the Director of Engagement and Implementation; the Director of Architecture and Infrastructure; the Director of Teaching and Learning with Technology; and the Director of Information Security/Information Security Officer. The AVP/CIO is the principal advisor to the President, the Provost (sits on the Provost’s Council), and the College’s senior leadership team on academic and administrative information technology strategy and initiatives. He/she reports to the Vice President for Finance and Administration.

The AVP/CIO will provide leadership and strategic vision for the Office of Digital Instruction and Information Services (DIIS). The AVP will join IC at a critical time for DIIS. DIIS has made seismic shifts in the past several years and is transforming from a reactionary unit focused on tactical, one-size fits all, technical service delivery to a proactive unit focused on strategic, flexible, and value added brokering of IT services. DIIS finished a strategic planning process in 2015 and just completed the first year of its 5-year plan. As a result of the strategic planning process, reorganization of DIIS, and significant improvements in infrastructure, the unit has been infused with energy, is focused on a clear mission, has built trust across campus, and is actively engaged on both current and future initiatives of vital importance to the College’s mission. The AVP/CIO will have the opportunity to foster this energy and continue the positive momentum that exists within DIIS.

At a tangible level the AVP/CIO will oversee enhancements to information technology services, facilities, and equipment and ensure that state-of-the-art information technology tools are available to all members of the campus community. He/she will ensure the Office of Digital Instruction and Information Services provides technology tools, infrastructure, and services that effectively enhance student education, support faculty instructional and research needs, and supports the College’s recruitment and enrollment activities. He/she will be expected to identify, assess, and recommend appropriate emerging technologies and oversee their integration and alignment with academic and administrative needs. The AVP/CIO will propose and manage the College’s DIIS budget and oversee large-scale projects and purchases pertaining to DIIS. He/she will develop and maintain business continuity plans and procedures to ensure the security of data, and educate the campus community with respect to data security issues. He/she will ensure compliance with relevant privacy and licensing regulations. The AVP/CIO will manage a $9 million dollar operations budget and a professional staff of about 60.

Ithaca College views DIIS as a vital strategic partner in meeting its institutional objectives. In accordance with its mission, members of the faculty, administration, and staff aim to create a comprehensive learning environment that helps students to build intellect, creativity, and character. The AVP/CIO will have the opportunity to make a significant impact and share in the success of meeting many strategic objectives. These include:

• Partnering with the Chief Analytics Officer on a Business Intelligence/Data Warehousing strategy. Developing a Data Governance structure;

• Maintaining division focus on, and continuous advocacy for, a flexible, modern IT infrastructure;

• Partnering with Marketing and Communications on an overhaul of the Ithaca College website;

• Consulting and collaborating with campus administrative stakeholders, to provide information technology solutions that enhance and secure future/current student, faculty, and administrative information access and the strategic use of data to further institutional goals. Partnering with Admissions, Marketing and Communications, and Development on a CRM implementation;

• Continuing to build a robust and comprehensive IT Governance structure;

• Participating in Provost Council and consulting with the Provost Office in identifying and implementing academic technology initiatives. Enhancing departmental capability in the area of teaching and learning with technology;

• Supporting and advocating for the adoption and implementation of the Information Security Strategic Plan;

• Assessing, motivating, and empowering the DIIS organization. Hiring, advising, and coaching a team of employees that will be able to enhance the learning, teaching, research, and operational aspirations of the College;

• Making proactive recommendations to help ensure DIIS keeps pace with changing/ emerging technologies;

• Developing, demonstrating, and promoting multicultural awareness and contributing to cultivating an inclusive, diverse and respectful College community. Demonstrating a commitment to diversity and inclusion as a college prority, communicating to employees an expectation of behavior that is civil and inclusive when interacting with all staff, faculty, students and visitors to the College to promote a flexible, collaborative, and inclusive work and living environment.

The successful candidate will need to combine his/her expertise and knowledge of technology with proven leadership, interpersonal, and change management skills. Given the transitions in leadership at Ithaca College the successful candidate will need to be comfortable with ambiguity and skilled at motivating and mentoring a team in uncertain circumstances. Candidates should also have:

• At least 10 years of experience leading an information technology department, preferably at an institution of higher education;

• In-depth knowledge of current and emerging information technology infrastructure, service management, hardware and software, and data security issues;

• Extensive understanding of classroom and learning technologies relevant to higher education academic needs;

• Demonstrated ability to communicate a vision and implement and adapt a strategic plan;

• Demonstrated ability to cultivate an inclusive, diverse and welcoming environment. Ability to treat all people equitably and with a sensitivity and awareness to cultural difference;

• Demonstrated ability to hold others accountable for behavior that is supportive of a community that is diverse and inclusive;

• Experience building teams and the ability to work successfully in a highly collaborative organization;

• Effective project management experience and demonstrated ability to work through others to develop and execute large scale plans and projects;

• Strong verbal and written communications skills;

• Ability to balance competing objectives to achieve strategic goals;

• A proven record in guiding and managing change;

• Bachelor’s degree required; A graduate degree and experience at a college or university is preferred.

Ithaca College is committed to building a diverse academic community and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. Experience that contributes to the diversity of the college is appreciated.

Applicants should submit a resume and letter discussing their interest in the position as well as their accomplishments in relationship to the listed responsibilities and qualifications. Background checks will be performed on all final candidates. Applications and nominations should be sent to:

IthacaCIO@neumannsearch.com

The Neumann Executive Search Partners team assisting Ithaca College with this search includes:
Beth Schaefer, Principal
Tom Phillips, Consultant

At Ithaca College, a comprehensive residential campus community of 6,500 students, we strive to be at the forefront of the higher education landscape. Our strategic plan, IC 20/20, positions us to offer a distinct integrative learning experience that makes students ready for the personal, professional, and global challenges of our age.

We seek candidates who embrace integrative learning and want to be a part of this exciting time in Ithaca College history. We encourage creative collaboration and innovation in our faculty and staff, providing support and resources for them to grow in their fields and lead students to their own innovative ideas and achievements.

We welcome different ways of thinking and look for candidates with unique points of view and life experiences. We are inclusive of individuals with a wide range of cultural, personal, and professional backgrounds, talents, and skills. Our campus is a vibrant and rewarding community where diverse minds can learn, succeed, and excel.

When reviewing candidates, we are looking for indicators of a number of core competencies. Prospective candidates must be adaptable, collaborative, inclusive, respectful, responsive, results driven, and sustainable. They must communicate effectively, demonstrate leadership, exhibit professional integrity and ethics, take initiative, value personal and professional development, and show that they will engage in the college.

Nestled in the heart of New York State’s scenic Finger Lakes region, Ithaca College sits atop South Hill overlooking picturesque Cayuga Lake and is just minutes away from the city center. Combining small town warmth and charm with the vibrancy of a college community, the thriving and culturally diverse city of Ithaca has been rated by Kiplinger’s as one of the top 10 places to live in the United States.

To learn more about Ithaca College, visit us at http://ithaca.edu