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Posted: 13-Sep-25
Location: Worcester, Massachusetts
Internal Number: 192827
OFFICIAL TITLE: Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO)
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Provost
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Supervises subordinate professional, classified and student employee personnel assigned to the Office of University Technology Services.
General Statement of Duties: The Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer (AVP/CIO) is a senior leader responsible for providing strategic direction and operational oversight for all information technology (IT) services and resources at Worcester State University. The AVP/CIO will lead the IT division in support of the university's academic, research, and administrative mission. This role requires a visionary leader with a deep understanding of higher education, a collaborative spirit, and a proven track record of managing complex technology environments, fostering innovation, and delivering exceptional service to a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff.
Responsibilities:
(E) = Essential
Strategic Leadership and Planning:
- Develop and execute a comprehensive IT strategic plan that aligns with and supports the university's institutional goals and priorities.
- Anticipate and evaluate emerging technologies and trends, making recommendations for their potential application within the university.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the university's senior leadership on all matters related to technology.
- Lead the development of IT policies, standards, and governance structures to ensure the effective and secure use of technology across the campus.
Management and Operations:
- Provide leadership and direction for all IT functional areas, including enterprise systems, network infrastructure, cybersecurity, help desk support, academic technology, and data management.
- Oversee the development and management of the IT budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and responsibly.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing IT team, fostering a culture of collaboration, professional growth, and service excellence.
- Ensure the reliability, security, and scalability of all IT systems and infrastructure.
Collaboration and Communication:
- Serve as the primary liaison between the IT division and the university community, including academic departments, administrative offices, students, and external partners.
- Establish and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders to understand their technology needs and priorities.
- Chair or serve on various university committees related to technology, data, and planning.
- Communicate complex technical concepts and initiatives in a clear and accessible manner to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Innovation and Service Delivery:
- Promote and support the use of innovative technologies to enhance teaching, learning, research, and administrative processes.
- Lead initiatives to improve the user experience and ensure the delivery of high-quality, responsive IT support services.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement, regularly assessing IT services and processes to identify opportunities for enhancement.
Cybersecurity and Data Privacy:
- Develop and implement a robust cybersecurity program to protect the university's digital assets, data, and reputation.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, and institutional regulations related to data privacy and security (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA).
- Lead the university's IT disaster recovery and business continuity planning.
Additional Responsibilities:
(E) Demonstrates civility and professional, customer-service oriented behavior, worthy of emulation by other staff and students.
(E) Responsible for contributing to the WSU Strategic Plan.
(E) Responsible for contributing to Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action objectives.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
Required Qualifications:
- A minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in information technology, with at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Director, AVP, or CIO) within a higher education or similarly complex, mission-driven organization.
- Demonstrated strategic planning and organizational leadership skills.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and team-building abilities.
- Strong financial management and budget oversight skills.
- Proven ability to manage and lead change in a complex, distributed environment.
- Deep understanding of current and emerging technologies relevant to higher education.
- Expertise in cybersecurity, data privacy, and IT governance.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration) is required.
Additional Information:
This is a full-time, benefited, exempt, professional Non-Unit position. The firm annual salary range for this position is $185,000- $195,000, commensurate with relevant professional experience and education.
Here at Worcester State University, it is strongly recommended that all employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 before they begin employment.
Worcester State University offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
- a choice of 8 different pre-taxed, health insurance plan options
- a choice of pension or 401(a), and supplemental plan retirement options
- life insurance up to 8x the annual salary
- long-term disability coverage
- dental insurance
- 20 vacation days accrued per year
- 15 sick days accrued per year
- 5 personal days per year
- paid holidays
- tuition remission for self, spouse, and dependent children
- and more...
We are an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. M/F/D/V. Members of traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.