"Assistant Director, IT (AITC)"

Job Description

The Assistant Director for AgroInnovation Services is a strategic leadership role designed to strengthen the integration of emerging technologies into research, education, and extension. This position ensures that the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (CAFNR) remains at the forefront of innovation by aligning technology infrastructure with the land-grant mission.

This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding. This position may pay more than the salary listed above depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership & Innovation: Support and report to the Director, AITC, in executing the Center's vision and strategy. Provide leadership in developing and delivering IT support services, IT infrastructure support, AV support, online meetings, workflow automation, and the IT support ticketing system. Drive adoption of AI-enabled platforms such as Microsoft Copilot, Adobe Express, Microsoft Power Tools, and related digital solutions. Lead design and delivery of AI training and digital literacy workshops for faculty, staff, and students.
• Collaboration & Liaison: Serve as a liaison between CAFNR faculty, researchers, extension specialists, and enterprise IT services. Build collaborative frameworks for adoption of digital tools. Provide input on technology needs for research proposals and grant development. Develop and manage registration, tracking, and evaluation systems to optimize faculty-led event reporting. Lead the design and implementation of VR/AI stations that provide virtual access to CAFNR farms and centers. Manage conference, classroom, and meeting IT support services, including livestreaming, AV setup, digital infrastructure, analytics, and enterprise-level IT service support.
• Farm IT Infrastructure: Manage farm IT infrastructure, including outdoor Wi-Fi technology, to support smart farming systems, research data collection, and connectivity across CAFNR's field sites and facilities.
• Technology Management & Cybersecurity: Oversee data management frameworks that ensure integrity, accessibility, and security. Develop and enforce cybersecurity protocols for research, teaching, and extension operations. Ensure seamless integration of IT infrastructure across CAFNR facilities.
• Compliance & Reporting: Ensure compliance with federal and state data standards and reporting requirements, including NIFA systems. Monitor IT risk, governance, and compliance in alignment with university policies.
• Operational Efficiency, Staffing & Training: Manage student workers and IT support staff, providing training, mentorship, and performance oversight. Streamline IT workflows through workflow automation, Microsoft Power Tools, and digital process improvements. Lead data collection and visualization platform development to support decision-making across research, extension, and academic programs. Deliver workshops on digital tools and AI applications.
• Other Duties as Assigned: Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of AITC to support institutional goals and emerging priorities.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Business, Information Technology, Data Science, or related field.
• Six years of related experience in IT leadership, AI integration, or research technology management.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. Knowledge of the maintenance and installation of computer and network equipment.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to ensure understanding.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree
• Experience working in a land-grant university setting with research, extension, and teaching missions.
• Familiarity with AI/ML applications, workflow automation, Microsoft Power Tools, digital content platforms, farm IT systems, and data visualization platforms.
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Demonstrated expertise in IT support services, IT ticketing systems, data management, AI applications, or advanced IT systems.
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity, IT governance, and compliance frameworks.

Other Requirements:

• Work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends.

Special Requirements:

• Applicants with equivalent experience in lieu of a Bachelor's degree may be considered. One year of the related experience is the equivalent of one college year. Applicants being considered for the equivalency must have four years of related experience to meet the equivalency in lieu of a Bachelor's degree plus the minimum required years of experience. Applicants being considered for the equivalency must have a total of ten years of experience.

Required Attachments:

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter