Chief Information Officer (CIO)

in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. Lake Region State College does not provide employment-based immigration sponsorship for any position. TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: This is a full-time, 12-month, benefited position. BACKGROUND CHECK: LRSC does require a successful background check for the selected candidate prior to beginning employment. JOB SUMMARY: Lake Region State College is seeking a strategic, innovative, and collaborative leader to serve as its Chief Information Officer (CIO). The CIO reports to the Vice President of Administrative Affairs and provides leadership and direction for LRSC's information technology operations, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and long-term technology strategy. The CIO is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive technology vision that supports LRSC's mission, strategic priorities, academic programs, and administrative operations. This position works closely with college leadership, faculty, and staff to identify technology needs, improve institutional effectiveness, and ensure reliable, secure, and efficient technology services. The CIO oversees all aspects of information technology, including network infrastructure, enterprise systems, cybersecurity, data management, technology planning, budgeting, and IT personnel. The position is responsible for establishing technology policies, managing institutional risk, ensuring compliance with applicable security requirements, and maintaining effective disaster recovery and business continuity plans. The CIO serves as a key advisor to college leadership on emerging technologies, digital innovation, and technology investments. This position also represents LRSC in North Dakota University System (NDUS) technology initiatives and collaborative efforts. As the NDUS continues to explore opportunities for shared services, technology coordination, and greater collaboration among institutions, the CIO will help ensure LRSC has a strong voice in these discussions while advocating for the unique needs of our campus, employees, and students. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, sound judgment, effective communication, and the ability to balance long-term strategic planning with the operational needs of a rural community college. The CIO will foster a service-oriented IT department that values accountability, teamwork, innovation, and responsiveness to the college community. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS : Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, Educational Leadership, or a closely related field. Minimum of five years of progressively responsible information technology experience, including supervisory or management responsibilities. Demonstrated experience in IT strategic planning, technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, and information systems management. Experience managing technology budgets, personnel, projects, and vendor relationships. Strong understanding of information security, risk management, and data protection practices. Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership, develop effective working relationships, and communicate technical information to nontechnical audiences. Ability to align technology initiatives with institutional goals and operational needs. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, Educational Leadership, or a closely related field. Experience serving in an executive or senior-level information technology leadership position. Experience working in higher education or a similarly complex organization. Knowledge of enterprise systems, cloud technologies, network infrastructure, and emerging technology solutions. Experience with cybersecurity frameworks, regulatory compliance, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning. Experience leading institution-wide technology initiatives and organizational change. Familiarity with higher education technology systems, student information systems, and academic technology needs. SALARY: $110,000 - $132,000 based on experience. BENEFITS: Fully paid family health insurance, life insurance, annual leave, sick leave, employee tuition waiver, spouse/dependent tuition discount, TIAA retirement, and much more. CLOSING DATE : November 22, 2026 APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Complete the LRSC employment application , include a cover letter, resume, and information for three professional references. CONFIDENTIALITY OF APPLICATION MATERIALS: Pursuant to NDCC 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the top three finalists. EO/AA STATEMENT: Lake Region State College is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. VETERAN'S PREFERENCE NOTICE : Lake Region State College will be hiring one (1) applicant for this position and will interview the top three (3) candidates. North Dakota Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 and if claiming disabled status, a current letter of disability from the VA dated within the last 12 months. NO SMOKING NOTICE: As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.