Vice President of Technology Services and Solutions (Chief Technology Officer)

Preferred Qualifications: Terminal degree. Higher Education experience. Deep understanding of cybersecurity and data management. Knowledge of emerging technologies and their potential applications in higher education.

Equivalency: Any equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience as approved by the Human Resources Department.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Grade: Fifteen (15)

Salary: $161,742 - $183,981

Campus Information:

Located in Carlsbad, New Mexico, Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) is an independent public community college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. A proud Hispanic-Serving Institution, SENMC offers certificates and associate degrees that prepare students for career opportunities and transfer to four-year institutions. The college also offers Early College and Dual Credit programs in collaboration with local high schools.

With strong community support, SENMC works with local schools, employers, and community organizations to expand educational access, strengthen workforce pathways, and support regional economic development.

SENMC’s mission is to provide educational programs, training, and services that best serve its diverse students, communities, and industry. Guided by its vision, “Building bridges to a better life through education,” SENMC’s faculty and staff advance this mission through their commitment to student success and service to the community. To learn more about the college, visit senmc.edu.

Purpose and Scope:

Reporting to the President, the Vice President of Technology Services and Solutions (Chief Technology Officer) oversees all related activities and is responsible for a comprehensive technology strategy including the services, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and future planning efforts for the college. This position formulates, recommends, and implements technology policies and procedures. In addition, the Vice President develops, maintains, and enhances technology programs. The Vice President sets the overall vision for SENMC’s digital landscape in support of its research and education mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:

SENMC seeks an established leader who is prepared to develop and execute a technology strategy that drives continuous improvement and propels the institution forward in enhancing student experience and effectively supporting the academic, research, and administrative functions. The ideal candidate for this pivotal role is charged with the following duties:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive technology strategy aligned with the College's strategic plan, mission, and vision. This includes setting priorities, projects, and future directions through shared governance processes as applicable.
• Work closely with schools, colleges, universities, businesses, community groups, and the Board of Trustees to provide relevant information, consultation, and recommendations on technology-related matters.
• Serve as the primary advocate and spokesperson for technology strategy. Creates a reliable and secure infrastructure upon which enterprise applications, learning technologies, and research computing exist.
• Ensure data security, risk management, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning processes are in place and adhere to applicable laws and regulations.
• Develop and implement information security incident response and reporting plans and protocols to address college information security incidents and respond to alleged policy violations or complaints from external parties.
• Keep abreast of security incidents and oversee protocols for assessing likelihood of data breaches.
• Serve as the official campus contact point for information security and privacy.
• Stay abreast of information privacy and security issues, legislation and regulations affecting higher education at the institutional, state, and national level.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and supervision to the Technology Services and Solutions team, fostering a collaborative work environment and achieving the College's goals.
• Advise the Executive Team on technology-related matters, including the examination and definition of objectives for existing and proposed information systems.
• Leverage in-depth knowledge and understanding of instructional technology, working with the Chief Academic Officer and faculty to support innovative approaches to teaching and learning in both online and in person learning environments.
• Coordinate instructional technology purchases based on documented academic needs and meaningful consultation with the faculty and staff who use the classrooms, systems, or equipment.
• Work with employees to improve how technology facilitates the efficiency of processes and operations, allowing all to accomplish the objectives defined by their roles.
• Supervise the acquisition and inventory of all computer hardware, software, and networking facilities; serve as the senior contact for vendors of computing hardware and software, participates in contract negotiations, and coordinates large technology purchases, site licenses and volume purchasing agreements.
• Manage major technology projects from beginning to end, defining requirements, responsible parties and stakeholders, timelines, milestones, and risks, with reporting on expenditures, decisions, delays, and unresolved issues as requested.
• Collaborate with other colleges and universities to share information or resources, as necessary, to improve the overall security of the higher education sector.
• Engage in professional development to maintain continual growth in professional skills and knowledge essential to the position.
• As directed by the President, represent the institution in executive and legislative governments at the local, state, and national levels.
• Develop, recommend, and implement the annual TSS budget, explaining technology priorities and demonstrating that technology expenditures are tied to documented college needs.
• Collaborate with and support the Executive Team (Chief Academic Officer, Chief Business and Finance Officer, Chief Student Officer, Chief Workforce Development and Community Engagement Officer, and the President) in leading the College.
• Report to the President and establish annual goals to be evaluated with clear expectations.
• Maintain a positive, productive high profile within the region, including business partners and other educational institutions. Develop and foster positive and productive relationships between the College and its various constituencies.
• Perform other job-related duties, special assignments, and projects as assigned by the President.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of principles, procedures, regulations, and standards applicable to the job. Understanding of the College's mission, vision, and goals.
• Strong verbal, written, interpersonal communication and presentation skills with the ability to effectively articulate technological matters to the stakeholders.
• Expert level understanding of enterprise applications, learning management systems, security, networking, infrastructure, user support services, and technology portfolio analysis.
• Knowledge of instructional and student support technology solutions.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as critical thinking ability.
• Ability to articulate and implement a shared vision for technology across the College.
• A leadership style and service orientation consistent with the culture and mission of the College.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully develop and manage relationships at all levels of the organization and the ability to influence a variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively, building consensus, and exhibiting a professional, courteous demeanor.
• Ability to work independently and to establish and maintain a high degree of personal and departmental integrity and openness with students, faculty and staff.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Negotiate with others on proposals and programs as they relate to the technology success of the institution.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a personal commitment to equity.
• Strong detail orientation and ability to multi-task with little direct supervision.
• Ability to work under pressure with multiple interruptions and meet deadlines.
• Function as a team player in a diverse working environment.
• Ability to handle sensitive and extensive confidential data.

Work Environment and Physical Demand:

• Reach and grasp objects
• Stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Use of video display terminal
• Use of manual dexterity and fine motor skills
• Communicate information orally and in writing
• Receive and understand information through oral and written communication
• Proofread and check documents for accuracy
• Work a fluctuating work schedule

Performing the essential functions of this position requires the use of a computer throughout most of the workday, the ability to navigate a typical office environment, significant amounts of interpersonal interaction including oral and written communication, and the ability to keep track of multiple tasks, projects, deadlines, information sources and business processes. This job description is intended to be generic in nature and describe the essential functions of the job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities, and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.