Director of Academic Technology & User Services (ATUS)

Job Details

As a department of Western Washington University’s Information Technology Services (WWU ITS), Academic Technology and User Services (ATUS) delivers programs and services to the entire university with a focus on end-user experience and academic/instructional technologies. The Director of ATUS oversees all units in ATUS, including student and employee Service Desks, Device and Computer Lab support, Classroom Services, Video Services/Digital Media Center, and the Center for Instructional Innovation.

Reporting to the Chief Information Officer, the Director sets the vision for technology adoption, ensuring alignment with the university’s mission. As part of ITS senior leadership, the Director continually evaluates services and operations, leading improvements to meet evolving institutional needs.

The position manages a $4M budget, balancing sustainability with innovation, and leverages departmental resources to maximize capacity. ATUS is comprised of 35 staff and about 100 student employees. The Director ensures the ongoing growth and development of ATUS employees, cultivating an ethic of care and building a culture that reflects the mission and values of ITS and WWU.

For more information, view the position profile: https://atus.wwu.edu/director-academic-technology-user-services-atus-position-profile

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Five years of progressive management experience in supporting customer-focused technology services and direct reports, within a large, complex organization
• Demonstrated ability to advance the application of technology to enhance ITS operations using a solutions-based mindset
• Proven organizational, fiscal management, staff development and supervisory skills
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with technology users in a diverse environment
• Superior oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree and seven years or more leading a technology support organization in higher education
• Demonstrated experience managing IT Service Management tools, specifically Atlassian’s Jira
• Experience teaching instructional technology within higher education in the classroom and online
• Enterprise project or portfolio management experience
• Demonstrated ability to articulate an informed, nuanced vision for the application of innovative technologies like generative and agentic AI in an education setting

Application materials should address your experience related to the position responsibilities and the required and preferred qualifications.

Application Materials

Applicants should submit:

1. A cover letter describing your interest in the role and your approach to leadership.
2. A resume.
3. A 1–2 page statement responding to the following prompt:

In this role, you will facilitate conversations with students, faculty, staff, and executive leadership about the use of generative and agentic AI at Western Washington University. Please describe your perspective on the benefits and risks of AI in higher education and how you would engage constructively with stakeholders who hold differing viewpoints.