Chief Information Officer (CIO)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) will lead the university’s ongoing commitment to support and promote the strategic use of information technology that advances the overall mission of the University. Reporting to the President, the CIO will lead and manage the Information Technology Services division, including academic and administrative computing, networking, support services, classroom and instructional technology, programming services, and telecommunications. The CIO serves as the principal technology leader for the university providing the vision and leadership for developing and implementing information technology strategies and initiatives university-wide. The position scope is inclusive of all university divisions and campuses. This necessitates a high level of familiarity with the various constituents and a commitment to meeting the diverse information and communications needs that exist across all university departments. The CIO is responsible for anticipating and maintaining a vision for the future technology needs at Fisk University, and for recommending strategies, priorities, and projects that will best achieve the university’s strategic goals and objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for developing collaborations among the University’s academic and administrative constituents to advance the University's mission,
• Leadership in the development of a strategic direction for information technology services, gauging and anticipating the diverse needs of university constituents, monitoring trends and innovations in the industry to meet those needs; developing and implementing strategic long and short-term technology plans; and making actionable recommendations to senior leadership,
• Ensure IT data security, risk management, disaster recovery and business continuity planning processes are in place and receive regular review for currency and adequacy,
• Exercise diligent evaluation and careful budgetary management, including budget preparation and the ability to analyze and resolve complex issues,
• Develop and organize technology talent that is structured to efficiently deliver services across the organization,
• Develop, successfully implement, and oversee strategic technology policies throughout the University,
• Works with the student body and student affairs professionals to advance the student experience with creative technology integration in areas where students live, work, and play.

ROUTINE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts ongoing assessment, planning and oversight of the proper management of all academic and administrative technology and daily service delivery,
• Provides leadership, guidance and supervision to CIO direct reports,
• Participates in annual budget process for institutional technology needs, develops annual IT operational and capital budgets, develops and maintains the institution’s IT plan,
• Prepares annual budget particular to the IT department, and oversees its ongoing maintenance,
• Maintain the integrity and strategic development of the University's information and communications infrastructure, and the systems infrastructure for mission critical functions,
• Participates in strategic and operational planning committees,
• Maintains strong vendor relationships and manages contract and service agreements,
• Establishes and/or collaborates with direct reports to establish IT department goals, objectives and operating procedures,
• Develops and maintains an IT organizational structure designed to meet institutional needs and demands, assessing and identifying the most cost-effective investment of financial resources toward IT systems, staffing, daily operations, product purchases and/or in-house development activities,
• Approves, prioritizes and controls the IT project demands; negotiates prioritization and timelines as appropriate and necessary,
• Manages annual IT personnel Performance Appraisal process and completion,
• Supports sourcing and providing both IT staff and institution-wide IT related training opportunities,
• Ensures the security of IT systems and ensures operations adhere to applicable laws and regulations,
• Cultivates and manages strategic relationships with both internal and external constituents,
• Maintains currency with higher education IT best practices,
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Master’s degree in a technology related area, Business Administration, or other field of study

Experience: Significant relevant IT work experience; typically six (6) – ten (10) years. Significant past professional experience in higher education. Extensive experience with IT strategic planning, budgeting, and personnel management. Must have excellent leadership and communication skills (oral and written) and possess the ability to work with diverse groups.  Occasional travel is required.