"Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO) - Worcester State University"

General Statement of Duties

The Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer (AVP/CIO) is a senior leader responsible for providing strategic direction and operational oversight for all information technology (IT) services and resources at Worcester State University. The AVP/CIO will lead the IT division in support of the university's academic, research, and administrative mission. This role requires a visionary leader with a deep understanding of higher education, a collaborative spirit, and a proven track record of managing complex technology environments, fostering innovation, and delivering exceptional service to a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Planning

• Develop and execute a comprehensive IT strategic plan that aligns with and supports the university's institutional goals and priorities.
• Anticipate and evaluate emerging technologies and trends, making recommendations for their potential application within the university.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the university's senior leadership on all matters related to technology.
• Lead the development of IT policies, standards, and governance structures to ensure the effective and secure use of technology across the campus.

Management and Operations

• Provide leadership and direction for all IT functional areas, including enterprise systems, network infrastructure, cybersecurity, help desk support, academic technology, and data management.
• Oversee the development and management of the IT budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and responsibly.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing IT team, fostering a culture of collaboration, professional growth, and service excellence.
• Ensure the reliability, security, and scalability of all IT systems and infrastructure.

Collaboration and Communication

• Serve as the primary liaison between the IT division and the university community, including academic departments, administrative offices, students, and external partners.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders to understand their technology needs and priorities.
• Chair or serve on various university committees related to technology, data, and planning.
• Communicate complex technical concepts and initiatives in a clear and accessible manner to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Innovation and Service Delivery

• Promote and support the use of innovative technologies to enhance teaching, learning, research, and administrative processes.
• Lead initiatives to improve the user experience and ensure the delivery of high-quality, responsive IT support services.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, regularly assessing IT services and processes to identify opportunities for enhancement.

Cybersecurity and Data Privacy

• Develop and implement a robust cybersecurity program to protect the university's digital assets, data, and reputation.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, and institutional regulations related to data privacy and security (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA).
• Lead the university's IT disaster recovery and business continuity planning.

Additional Responsibilities

• Demonstrates civility and professional, customer-service oriented behavior, worthy of emulation by other staff and students.
• Responsible for contributing to the WSU Strategic Plan.
• Responsible for contributing to Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action objectives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in information technology, with at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Director, AVP, or CIO) within a higher education or similarly complex, mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated strategic planning and organizational leadership skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and team-building abilities.
• Strong financial management and budget oversight skills.
• Proven ability to manage and lead change in a complex, distributed environment.
• Deep understanding of current and emerging technologies relevant to higher education.
• Expertise in cybersecurity, data privacy, and IT governance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration) is required.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, benefited, exempt, professional Non-Unit position. The firm annual salary range for this position is $185,000-$195,000, commensurate with relevant professional experience and education. Here at Worcester State University, it is strongly recommended that all employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 before they begin employment. Worcester State University offers a competitive benefits package that includes: a choice of 8 different pre-taxed, health insurance plan options; a choice of pension or 401(a), and supplemental plan retirement options; life insurance up to 8x the annual salary; long-term disability coverage; dental insurance; 20 vacation days accrued per year; 15 sick days accrued per year; 5 personal days per year; paid holidays; tuition remission for self, spouse, and dependent children; and more. We are an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. M/F/D/V. Members of traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

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