Chief Information Officer

Chief Information Officer

Founded in 1893 in Frederick, Maryland, Hood College is an independent, liberal arts college. Hood offers 30 bachelor's degrees, 21 concentrations, 45 minors, and pre-professional preparation in medicine, veterinary science, dentistry and law. Small class sizes allow students to receive individual attention from expert faculty. Hood's proximity to Washington, D.C., Baltimore and the I-270 Technology Corridor provides countless internships and research opportunities. Hood's Graduate School features 20 master's degrees, four doctorates, 12 post-baccalaureate certificates and numerous Skill Accelerator professional development badges. Hood's diverse academic programming aligns with the needs of tomorrow and connects students with the industries that matter most. Students go beyond the classroom to gain hands-on experience in real-world settings. The vibrant Hood community is home to dozens of student clubs, organizations and 20+ Division III athletic programs. Located in the heart of historic Downtown Frederick, Hood's campus is within walking distance of unique shops, restaurants and parks.

The College's well-regarded faculty and caring support staff provide a quality education at the undergraduate and graduate levels in a small-college environment that integrates the liberal arts with professional studies and experiential learning. Hood's core values and traditions, its commitment to continuous improvement, comparative excellence, and exceeding student expectations have made it a treasured institution to current students and to graduates living in the United States and around the world.

Position Summary

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) provides strategic leadership and vision for the use of information technology as a critical component of institutional success. This executive role oversees the planning, development, implementation, management, and assessment of all academic and administrative IT services, software, infrastructure, and data security. The CIO reports directly to the Vice President for Finance, leads the Department of Information Technology, and serves as the institution's Information Security Officer.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive IT strategic plan aligned with strategic institutional plans and goals, and best practices that serve, support, and meet the expectations of all students, faculty, and staff.
• Stay abreast of IT trends and those shaping higher education, especially harnessing AI to realize operational efficiencies and improvements across the institution. Foster an environment across the campus and within the IT department that cultivates collaboration, innovation, problem solving, efficiency, and communication to provide the best solutions and experiences for students, faculty, and staff.
• Lead, manage, and strengthen the entire IT team including applications, development, infrastructure, telecommunications, system administration, cybersecurity, and user support to effectively and efficiently deliver information technology services to the campus community. Mentor and support the professional development, continuing education, and the skills training needs of the IT staff to maintain a high-performing team. Cultivate a collaborative, supportive, and motivating work environment for the IT staff.
• Lead positive change, innovation initiatives, and data-driven continuous improvement in technology services.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative leadership to foster and support teaching, learning, data analytics, and operational efficiency through technology.
• Collaborate with the Director of the Library and managers of other academic support services to continue developing the Learning Commons as a location that integrates the physical and digital environments and creates flexible spaces to accommodate multiple learning activities and facilitate student academic achievement.
• Collaborate with campus safety, facilities, capital projects, and risk management staff to ensure integration of all levels of safety and security across information technology systems, buildings, and the campus (e.g. cybersecurity, ID card services, building card access, campus blue phones, surveillance cameras, etc.)
• Skillfully prepare and lead the College through the implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to transform data infrastructure, technology, digital operations, capabilities, and user experiences.
• In partnership with end-users, oversee and manage outsourced IT providers and vendor relationships, maximizing the College's financial resources, maintaining operational efficiency and reducing redundancies.
• Ensure the integrity, confidentiality, security, and availability of institutional data and systems through diligent leadership of risk management and compliance.
• Direct IT prioritization, investments, operational and capital budgeting, resource allocation, and performance assessment. Steward the resources necessary to achieve the College's technology objectives. Manage the annual IT operating budget of approximately $2M and annual IT capital project budgets. Plan and manage the five-year IT Capital Project Plan.
• Represent IT interests at monthly President's Advisory Council meetings, various committee meetings, cross-department collaboration, and institutional planning.
• Lead the Campus Information Technology Advisory Committee that includes representatives from the faculty, staff, and students (undergraduate students, commuters, and graduate students).
• May be required to attend Board of Trustee, Finance and Facilities Committee, and Audit and Risk Management Committee meetings, and contribute to reports, presentations, and strategic discussions related to IT outcomes, strategies and objectives.
• Cultivate professional contacts and interactions with other higher education institutions, professional organizations, and industry leaders.
• Respond to other campus needs when required (e.g. annual audit, risk management, institutional research and assessment, grants, etc.)
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

We seek a candidate who values diversity, equity and inclusion in all that they do. Candidates must have strong organizational skills and a proven ability to work collaboratively with partners across campus in support of Hood College's mission as a student-centered, liberal arts institution.

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Required Qualifications

• Clear understanding of, and commitment to, the mission, vision, and values of Hood College.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible IT leadership experience, preferably in higher education.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, project management, and IT policy development.
• Experience implementing new student information systems, academic computing, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Proven ability to manage IT contracts and vendor negotiations.
• Strong knowledge of cloud computing, instructional technology, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity practices, and data protection strategies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to customer service and team-building
• Self-motivator who enjoys challenges

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in information technology, business administration, or related discipline.
• Familiarity with IT governance, compliance, and accreditation standards in higher education.

Language Skills

Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to effectively provide information and positively respond to questions from both external and internal customers both in person and by phone. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups.

Mathematical Skills

Proficient with statistical and financial concepts. Must have the ability to apply those concepts to tracking, projections, goal setting, and interpreting reports. Must be able to draw conclusions from reports and make cost effective decisions regarding programs.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a number of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to work independently and as a member of a group in developing and executing project plans. Ability to work in theoretical arena and apply logic as appropriate.

Compensation

This is a position with an annual starting salary range of $124,800 to $138,750 depending on circumstances including an applicant's skills and qualifications, certain degrees and certifications, prior job experience, training, and other relevant factors. Hood College has provided a compensation range representing its good faith estimate of what the College may pay for the position at the time of posting. The College may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. Hood College offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, and tuition benefits.

To Apply

We invite qualified candidates to apply on-line via our electronic application which requires submission of a résumé and three professional references.

Hood College is committed to diversity in its faculty and staff and subscribes to a policy of hiring only individuals legally eligible to work in the United States. EOE/AAP/M/F/Vet/Disability Employer