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Inside Higher Ed

Chief Information Officer

Inside Higher Ed, Naperville, Illinois, United States, 60564

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Position Summary This position reports President (for mission alignment) and Vice President for Finance (for operational management). The Chief Information Officer (CIO) provides vision and collaborative leadership in shaping technology strategy to support the mission and goals of the College. Working in partnership with staff, faculty, and students, the CIO develops and executes comprehensive technology plans aligned with academic and operational priorities, identifies technology solutions to enhance teaching, learning, research, and administrative efficiency, and guides innovation and digital transformation through awareness of emerging technologies and trends in higher education. The CIO leads efforts in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, infrastructure management, and operational excellence, communicatively effectively with stakeholders to ensure responsible adoption and integration of technology across campus systems. Description Of Key Responsibilities Develop and execute a comprehensive, forward-looking technology strategy aligned with the college’s academic and operational priorities. Collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to understand business needs and identify and implement technology solutions that optimize business processes, improve service delivery, increase administrative efficiency, and enhance teaching, learning, and research. Lead innovation and digital transformation initiatives that modernize systems, streamline operations, and enhance the student, faculty, and staff experience, informed by emerging technologies and trends in higher education. Drive artificial intelligence initiatives by partnering with departments to explore, implement, and guide responsible AI adoption that improves business operations, enhances educational services, and promotes efficiency while remaining aligned with ethical standards, regulatory requirements, and institutional values. Oversee cybersecurity and data management, including policy development, risk management, and disaster recovery planning. Manage IT infrastructure and operations, ensuring reliability and performance of networks, servers, telecommunications, cloud services, and core enterprise systems. Administer the IT department’s budget and negotiate contracts with technology vendors and consultants. Evaluate and recommend cost-effective technology investments that support institutional goals. Lead and develop IT staff, fostering a collaborative, service-oriented culture and identifying creative staffing solutions. Promote cybersecurity awareness and best practices across the college community. Support institutional compliance by ensuring IT systems and practices comply with federal, state, and institutional regulations, including FERPA and accreditation requirements. Other Key Responsibilities Support the College’s mission, vision and values, and contribute to the advancement of the College’s Strategic Plan. Demonstrate a strong commitment to continuous quality improvement. Demonstrate civil and inclusive behavior when interacting with staff, faculty, students and visitors to the College. Promote a flexible, collaborative and inclusive work and living environment and engage in educational opportunities. Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Knowledge of technology systems, cybersecurity, cloud strategy, data architecture, and customer experience platforms Knowledge of mainstream support service and systems and industry best practices in support methodologies, service management, change management and communications Knowledge of key developments and issues in artificial intelligence and its applications relevant to higher education Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements relevant to technologies in higher education Knowledge of sound budget and personnel management practices relevant in a higher education setting Strong planning, project management, and organizational skills, with the attention to detail needed to support project success Effective communication skills for conveying complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse constituencies, including faculty, administrators, staff, students and external parties Skills in managing conflict as needed to support project success Ability to gather information about, understand, and address varied customers’ needs Ability to analyze and resolve problems of significant complexity by integrating information from multiple sources Ability to utilize creative thinking, judgment, and resourcefulness to address business problems Ability to work collaboratively with a wide variety of staff, faculty, students, and external partners at all levels Ability to manage complex technology projects, prioritize competing demands, and deliver results in complex environments Ability to manage change and stakeholder engagement across varied academic and administrative constituencies Ability to inspire trust and motivate team members and other stakeholders to work effectively together Ability to foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement Education/Training Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred). Experience Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive IT leadership experience, preferably in higher education or a similarly complex environment. Proven experience in strategic planning, cybersecurity, infrastructure management, and team leadership. Proven success leading digital transformation. EEO Statement North Central College is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce. NCC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify the Office of Human Resources. Determinations for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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