Director of Technology Operations

The Director of Technology Operations will lead the strategic implementation, operations, maintenance and growth of the current and forthcoming specialized learning laboratories, primarily located in the main campus of St. John's University. These laboratory environments are designed to foster technology, entrepreneurship and innovation across the College, and within St. John's University. An example of five environments currently in production are:

Computer Science Lab - designed to support academic collaboration, offer space for tutoring, inspire entrepreneurial endeavors and promote undergraduate and graduate research and development activities.

Innovation Lab - designed as a collaborative open space where every semester, students can apply to participate in seminars on innovation, start-ups, develop their ideas, and follow a 12- week integrated program that combines mentoring, workshops and guest lecturing to support start-up teams to move their ideas beyond initial concepts.

Homeland Security Lab - focuses on using simulation technologies to teach concepts in emergency response, management and critical communications. It integrated modelling software with real-time communication data to mimic critical response situation.

Cyber-Security Lab - designed as a state-of-the-art learning environment equipped with high­ performance desktops linked to a dual-networking infrastructure to provide a secure environment where cyber-security activities (forensic analysis and cyber security threat simulations) can be conducted. The environment also supports the display of hardware disassembly and analysis.

IDEA Lab - offers a creative environment for students with a focus on integrating news, digital journalism, media and other technology with communication arts.

The forthcoming Art+Media Lab, a new environment for digital media teaching and development, visual effects (VFX) and graphic design teaching.

Responsibilities:

• Support the definition of the strategic direction of the activities in the labs, beyond traditional teaching and towards the integration of lab activities into courses and program-wide initiatives;

• Focus on research and external partnerships or high-level certificate and premium programs to be delivered in the labs and remotely

• Maintain the environment in full operation during peak hours

• Initiate activities and programs geared towards fostering a sense of community for student, faculty, and innovators pursuing ideas in need of IT

• Develop technology-centric programming and activities to support teams learning across the labs and support academic programming that will lead to national certification (i.e. recognition as Centers of Excellence)

• Support in the identification of technology providers and creation of offers for the purchasing of systems

• Management of relationships with vendors and providers, as well as coordinate systems to effectively maintain records of technology acquisition and

• Identify the latest technology at the center of labs evolution, including VR, Al, loT, simulation software, GIS, and other state of the art technology

• Serve as the primary liaison to students, selected faculty, and administrative staff working on technology initiatives

• Leverage networks and relationships to secure tech and innovation speakers and participate in programming

• Participate in innovation programs implementation, communication and outreach

• Provide ongoing counsel to students interested in innovation in the technology-driven sectors via office hours and ad hoc guidance

• Provide technological support and advice to faculty working on the integration of lab activities in the curricula

• Provide technological support and advice to faculty using the labs for research activities

• Work with the Associate Deans and faculty to increase participation, visibility, and marketing of the

Qualifications:

• BA/BS required with appropriate technology qualifications; Master or doctoral degrees preferred

• Familiarity with pedagogic approaches inspired to problem-based learning and design thinking

• 5 years of experience leading or growing technology initiatives and programs

• Strong understanding of and passion for the latest technologies and technology trends

• Application development, networking, and other programming experience is a must

• Advanced skills in IT systems networking, server management, virtual machines, 3D and VR environments, basic knowledge of Al and big data server operations needs

• Strong diplomacy, organizational and communication skills (verbal, written)

• Proven ability to deliver results with minimal oversight (self-starter)

• Experience advising and mentoring students, recruiting and managing student workers

• High level of organization, problem-solving, and project management experience

• Ability to develop and manage a technology budget, including procurement and maintenance contracts

• Ability to work occasional extra hours, including evenings and weekends as needed by the activities

St. John’s offers a competitive compensation program which is commensurate with your qualifications, experience, and contingent upon the departmental budget. We also offer an extremely comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. Along with exceptional benefits such as medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability insurance, tuition remission, generous 403(b) employer contribution, employee assistance program, and liberal paid time off policies, faculty and staff can also enjoy St. John’s performing arts, libraries, bookstores, dining facilities, campus recreation and sporting events.

I understand that any offer of employment is subject to receipt by St. John’s University of satisfactory references, verification of employment and education.

St. John’s University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from women and minorities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.