Director of Technology

Position Summary

The Director of Technology provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all aspects of technology at Columbia Engineering, including computing and information systems, innovation and AI enablement, technology strategy and service delivery, effective use of technology in education, research and operations, cybersecurity and risk management, enterprise applications and business process enablement, and support for data analytics and reporting.

Reporting to the Dean, with secondary reporting to the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, the Director partners with Columbia Engineering senior leadership to define and execute a technology roadmap that advances the School’s mission and priorities. The role provides budgetary and operational management and leads a team of IT and technology professionals through direct and indirect supervision. The Director advises leadership on evolving technology, research, and data trends; evaluates emerging solutions; and drives continuous improvement through streamlined workflows and simplified business processes.

The Director also contributes to Columbia Engineering efforts related to innovation, AI, and emerging technologies, including efforts in establishing AI governance and responsible use to enable ethical, secure, and scalable adoption. In close collaboration with Columbia University IT (CUIT), the Director ensures alignment with University standards and platforms and advances effective delivery of shared services. The role also partners with leadership in the Columbia Video Network (CVN) to support the School’s priorities in online and hybrid education.

As a senior leader within the Dean’s Office, the Director upholds the School’s mission, core values, and leadership principles, and serves as a trusted advisor and collaborator across Columbia Engineering departments and University partners.

Responsibilities

30% -Strategic Planning and Governance
• Partner with Columbia Engineering senior leadership to define and execute the School’s IT strategy, multi-year roadmap, and investment priorities aligned with the Columbia Engineering Strategic Plan and departmental needs.
• Lead the governance and delivery framework for Columbia Engineering technology initiatives, including intake, prioritization, project execution, and stakeholder communications.
• Oversee the implementation and continuous improvement of Columbia Engineering technology services, including computing , storage, and networking infrastructure, applications, and information systems supporting the academic, administrative, and research missions, cybersecurity, analytics, and service delivery.
• Serve as a strategic advisor by providing analysis, recommendations, and decision support for key administrative and functional initiatives.
• Identify emerging trends, evaluate solutions, and recommend improvements that strengthen security, user experience, operational effectiveness, and business process outcomes.
• Collaborate with Columbia Video Network (CVN) leadership to support the technology needs of online and hybrid education programs.

30% Business Technology Enablement for Operations, Learning, and Research• Lead the delivery and continuous improvement of Columbia Engineering business and academic technology services to advance operational efficiency, classroom learning, and research including end-use support, infrastructure (in coordination with Columbia University Information Technology), hardware, and software, lifecycle management, web and digital platforms, application development and integration, and analytics and reporting.
• Collaborate with the Vice Dean of Computing and AI to contribute to Columbia Engineering’s approach to AI and emerging technologies in support of administrative, academic, and other School priorities.
• Establish and maintain AI governance and responsible-use frameworks that enable ethical, secure, scalable, and compliant adoption in collaboration with University partners and in compliance with University policies.

• Partner with Columbia Engineering stakeholders to translate administrative, instructional, and research needs into technology solutions that streamline workflows, improve service outcomes, and enhance the user experience.
• Evaluate new tools and platforms, pilot high-impact use cases, and drive adoption through clear value definition and effective change management.

20% Vendor, Financial, and Resource Management
• Provide operational and budgetary leadership to ensure effective planning and stewardship of School IT resources.
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and service delivery expectations to support reliable outcomes and cost-effective solutions.
• Ensure alignment with University enterprise systems, standards, and security requirements in partnership with CUIT.

15% Leadership and Team Effectiveness
• Set a clear vision and measurable goals for the Columbia Engineering IT organization aligned with School priorities and operational needs.
• Lead, coach, and develop IT staff through performance management and ongoing professional development.
• Build strong partnerships across Columbia Engineering departments and University stakeholders to ensure coordinated delivery and responsive service. Serve as a trusted liaison to internal and external constituencies, ensuring clear communication and effective stakeholder management.

5%- Other: Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree.

Minimum of 7-9 years’ related experience.

Strong IT experience in the following areas preferred: information security, software development, project management, strategic planning, IT governance, consultancy, systems architecture and administration, client support, storage, virtualization, and operational management.

Demonstrated leadership, management, and strategic planning skills.

Experience in managing a budget and vendor relationships.

Advanced Degree in Information Technology preferred. Project Management or ITIL certifications preferred.

Experience in a complex decentralized academic environment desirable.

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