Senior Director of Technology Planning and Security

Senior Director of Technology Planning and Security

Job ID:  39383 
Location:  Evanston, Illinois 

Department: Information Security Office
Salary/Grade: ITS/86

Job Summary:
The Senior Director of Technology Planning and Security provides vision and leadership, consulting expertise, and program management for specific initiatives and planning related to information technology and management that are deemed critical to NUIT in its support of University priorities. As directed by the VPIT/CIO, provides strategic leadership in areas of critical emerging, underdeveloped or rapidly changing technology areas, such as identity and access management, information security, or cloud computing.  Works with cross-functional teams within NUIT and across the University to analyze and present key issues to senior leadership and to ensure alignment across the University. Leads NUIT’s annual strategic planning process, and it helps organize and track key initiatives of NUIT, promoting momentum towards identified priorities, individual initiative, and accountability within NUIT. Reporting to the VPIT/CIO, this position also serves as an advisor to the VPIT/CIO on campus-wide technology and IT management issues.  The role also formulates senior management presentations and participates in a variety of key committees.

Leadership

• Provides vision and leadership, consulting expertise, and program management for specific initiatives and planning related to information technology and management that are deemed critical to NUIT in its support of University priorities.
• Understands the diverse requirements of the University community and dominant trends and developments across the information technology industry.
• Provides strategic leadership in areas of critical emerging, underdeveloped or rapidly changing technology areas.  Current examples could include identity and access management, information security, or cloud computing. 
• Leads NUIT’s integrated planning process and helps organize and track key strategic initiatives of NUIT, promoting momentum towards identified priorities, individual initiative, and accountability within NUIT.
• Assists in the identification and coordination cross-NUIT initiatives, creating opportunities for improved alignment and collaboration across units.
• Serves as an advisor to the NUIT Leadership team on campus-wide technology and IT management issues. Makes recommendations to the VPIT/CIO on University-wide strategic initiatives.Administration

 Management

• Oversees specific information technology strategic initiatives as assigned by the VPIT/CIO, consulting with and working through NUIT directors and managers.
• Provides direct management of specific NUIT departments or work teams when needed to accommodate vacancies in the NUIT leadership team.  Initially: 
• Manages the overall direction and priorities of the information security program, including information security policy development, awareness, school and department security risk assessments, vendor risk assessments, risk mitigation, network traffic analysis, and regulatory compliance.
• With the Associate Director and Deputy CISO, guides and directs the information security staff of Northwestern IT, schools and departments.
• Develops and nurtures an environment of continuing improvements that increase efficiencies and promote effective operations
• As needed, advises or mentors employees on appropriate procedures for managing within University policies
• Performs various management functions as required, including budgeting, procurement, contract negotiations, and personnel evaluations and actions.

Collaboration

• Collaborates with cross-functional teams within NUIT and across the University to analyze and present key issues to senior leadership and to ensure alignment across the University and the provision of IT services that advance the strategic goals of the University.
• Develops and maintains strong working relationships to collaborate and partner with key University stakeholders (VPs, AVPs, etc.) and delivery partners, as well as external solution providers and implementation partners.
• Partners with senior leaders in schools and departments to coordinate strategic initiatives between NUIT and schools and departments in support of shared services initiatives.
• Consults with University schools and departments on appropriate changes that will further the University's strategic goals and initiatives, and recommends achievable goals and resource requirements.
• Extensive advisory contact with University administrators and technical staff to refine joint visions of how services may be delivered electronically.
• Extensive partnership with leaders of other Northwestern IT departments and with the leadership of other divisions of the University.
• Participates in IT governance practices as required by the VPIT/CIO.
• Participates in related and relevant international and national professional organizations, and represents the University at appropriate national and international forums.

Customer Service

• Ensures that strategic initiatives meet standards of a high level of support and service to the University community.

• Ensures that strategic initiatives benefit from enhanced IT service management practices.

• Works within the Northwestern community to improve services and satisfaction over time.
• Frequent contact with University administrators on matters of University-wide policy.

Miscellaneous

• Establishes and maintains an appropriate network of professional contacts.  Maintains currency with professional organizations and participates in national groups (e.g., EduCause) to share experiences, learn best practices from others, and influence policy formulation.
• Keeps abreast of new technology trends in higher education through discussions with colleagues and a variety of market information sources, conferences, and classes, and provides counsel on potential application to the University.
• Formulates senior management presentations related to strategic planning and strategic initiatives.
• Represents the University and team externally in areas of IT leadership and service delivery.
• Performs other duties as required and directed

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS degree in a technical discipline (e.g., Information Technology, Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering) or equivalent combination of training, education, and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired.  
• Ten or more years of experience in IT operations.  
• Seven years of project management or supervisory/management experience.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Excellent communication and presentation skills; written and verbal skills; analytical skills; strong interpersonal skills.
• A proven track record of ensuring alignment of service capacity, flexibility, and delivery with both strategic and operational requirements.
• A solid understanding of mainstream systems and industry best practices in systems design, service management, information security, and IT controls. 
• An understanding of evolving academic technology requirements and recognition of the need to support both mainstream services and emergent technologies, which are relevant or potentially relevant to academia.
• An appreciation of the importance of maintaining a balance between operational excellence and supporting innovation in research, teaching and learning, and administration.
• A strong customer service focus.
• Ability to explain complex technology in a manner that is understandable to a non-technical person

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree (MBA, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering), or equivalent 

To view the job posting and/or apply for the job, click here
https://careers.northwestern.edu/psp/hr857prd_er/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=39383&PostingSeq=1

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.