The University of Denver (DU) seeks an accomplished, strategic and customer-focused IT executive to serve as its next Vice Chancellor for Information Technology, Chief Information Officer (VCIT/CIO). This is a tremendous opportunity to join a vibrant and progressive University located in one of the fastest growing and diverse cities in the U.S.

The University’s vision for the future is bold and exciting as it continues to innovate around its strengths in teaching, learning, discovery and research. The vision will be realized through the development of the University's strategic framework, DU Forward, currently underway. This will accelerate DUs progress toward focus areas of excellence, innovation and differentiation. Under the Chancellors leadership, DU is transforming while being guided by its core values of excellence, innovation, engagement, integrity and inclusiveness. As a result, this is an opportune time for a dynamic executive to oversee the IT enterprise and play an active role in supporting DU’s future direction and in achieving its strategic objectives. As a highly collaborative leader, the VCIT/CIO will partner with senior leaders and staff to effectively align IT and support DUs transformation into a global, engaged R1 research institution. As a strategic partner for the campus, the VCIT/CIO will lead a forward thinking, enterprise focused IT organization that champions diversity, equity and inclusion. A major strength of IT is the division’s strong service-oriented approach, which is recognized and appreciated across the campus. The VCIT/ CIO will continue to enhance the division’s elevated level of customer service.

The VCIT/CIO will provide the leadership and strategy for IT in support of DU’s mission and strategic priorities. The VCIT/CIO will lead a unified IT organization that includes staff that supports its schools/colleges as well as business analysts that reside in administrative units. A key area of focus for the new VCIT/CIO will be to provide the strategic and operational leadership needed to oversee the digital transformation as well as the development of a digital strategy for DU that will bring value and improve the user experience of students, faculty and administrators. Other important needs include: the development of an integrated analytics function and enhancement of a well, defined governance structure and project management office that implements best practices related to policies, processes, and procedures that will be adopted university wide.

The VCIT/CIO will lead in significantly improving the capabilities of the IT enterprise by implementing the appropriate technologies to ensure that DU effectively meets its objectives in education, research and community outreach. This leader will also need to focus on optimizing the management and operational structure that creates an integrated, proactive, and transparent centralized IT organization allowing for better communication, coordination, collaboration and efficiency with the Office of Teaching and Learning, University Libraries, and Marketing & Communications. DU’s core applications include but are not limited to Ellucian Banner ERP and Canvas learning management system. Seventy percent of the applications within DUs enterprise software ecosystem is currently hosted in the cloud. IT continues to move forward in improving DU’s technology capability and major projects are being planned or underway to upgrade areas including information security, research computing, classroom technology in support of HyFlex teaching and learning, telecommunications, and web services. Another area of importance is the alignment and integration of disparate software systems to better streamline DUs software platforms.

DU seeks a seasoned leader who will bring strong strategic leadership and an enterprise perspective in identifying IT opportunities to better position the University for future success. A collaborative partner who is service oriented and can build trust, credibility and consensus with constituents across the campus is essential. The VCIT/CIO will be an innovative leader with a global vision and knowledge of contemporary trends in technology supporting education, research and scholarship. The VCIT/CIO will have effective communication skills with the ability to facilitate change and balance resources and priorities effectively.

Position Summary

The VCIT/CIO is a cabinet level position responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Information Technology Division in support of the administrative, academic and research functions, as well as IT infrastructure including networking, systems and IT security. The VCIT/CIO will report to the Senior Vice Chancellor for Operations and Strategy Implementation and will be an active member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet, providing the IT strategy and vision that is consistent with the mission and goals of University of Denver. In addition, the VCIT/CIO will have close working relationships with the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, Senior Vice Chancellor for Business and Financial Affairs, Chancellor’s Cabinet and Deans. The VCIT/CIO will work collaboratively with faculty, staff and students across DU and lead an environment that is highly responsive, reliable and service oriented.

Information Technology is comprised of approximately 120 FTEs with an operating budget of $24 million and a capital budget of approximately $2 million.

The following positions currently report directly to the VCIT/CIO:

• Assistant Vice Chancellor, IT Customer Services
• Assistant Vice Chancellor, IT Enterprise Application Services
• Chief Information Security Officer
• Assistant Vice Chancellor, IT Budget & Administrative Operations
• Director IT Systems
• Director IT Network

Essential Functions

The successful Vice Chancellor for Information Technology/Chief Information Officer candidate will:

• Develop, guide and oversee the IT strategic and operational plans in support of the overall mission and plan of DU. Ensure IT alignment with the business strategy of the university.
• Lead and build capacity for an efficient, process oriented scaled enterprise technology service team.
• Apply information systems and technology to support university operations and enhance efficiency.
• Build an environment that ensures the university-wide IT community is responsive to faculty, staff and student academic (education and research) technology needs. Focus on high quality customer service to all campus constituents.
• Oversee DUs digital strategy and technology platforms in support of the university's goals.
• Develop and manage annual university-wide information systems and technology budget.
• Supervise, recruit, develop, retain, and organize IT staff in accordance with university budgetary objectives and personnel policies.
• Identify opportunities for appropriate investment in IT resources and assess the risk associated with those investments.
• Drive organizational innovation, seek opportunities to define competitive differentiation and adopt leading and innovative technologies to support the enterprise.
• Manage a wide range of vendors and build technology alliances with third party technology providers where possible.
• Implement and coordinate information systems and technology special projects and initiatives.
• Provide the support needed to facilitate the continued growth and expansion of scientific computing power, clusters and cloud environments to support research.
• Represent the University and its Chancellor before local, regional and national technology organizations and policy groups.
• Apply information systems and technology to enhance student access and student success; connect DU to community and world; and empower faculty research, knowledge production and
  technology transfer.
• Work in a consultative fashion with other department heads, to ensure use of technologies that will improve institutional efficiency and effectiveness.
• Stays current and knowledgeable regarding advances in technology as it relates to trends, issues and best practices, especially as they relate to higher education.
• Be fully integrated into the Chancellor’s senior leadership team and perceived as a key team player who has credibility, integrity, and contributes broadly as a subject matter expert in IT.
• Develop strong, collaborative, trusting relationships with constituents including the administrators, faculty, board of trustees and other key stakeholders across the University and partner with leaders and staff on IT initiatives in support of education, research and administration.
• Evaluate and optimize the IT organization, identifying needs and implementing best practices in terms of processes, policies and procedures. Mentor, develop and retain the current staff and ensure an operational structure that supports a highly performing, service-oriented team.
• Assess and optimize the governance structure that will include broad representation across the campus and enable effective prioritization of modern technology investments and initiatives while assessing risks.
• Assess all IT resources and systems and develop the plan to upgrade the overall technology capabilities of the University in areas such as information security, research infrastructure, teaching and learning technology, analytics, mobile and web technology.
• Facilitate the development of an enterprise application software procurement and consolidation process that includes governance and a culture around consolidated software purchases.
• Oversee opportunities to provide leading edge technology strategies and solutions as DU develops into a 21st century engaged research university, particularly in support of online learning technology and flexible learning models that meet the ever-changing needs of students and faculty.
• Work with the CISO to support the University's cybersecurity program and posture.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated understanding of the spectrum of IT activities, including technology infrastructure,
  academic and research computing, administrative systems and grant and outreach activities
• Experience in leading the implementation of the IT strategic plan that is aligned with university
  strategy and priorities as well as implementation in a complex institution.
• A demonstrated commitment to fostering and advancing a diverse and inclusive workforce.
• Proven track record in leading a transparent, high performing, customer focused IT function,
  providing IT services that enable the overall organization to be successful.
• Demonstrated experience establishing strong partnerships and collaboration across an institution,
  building internal bridges with academic and administrative units.
• Demonstrated success working in a complex environment with centralized and distributed IT resources and enabling coordinated, high-quality service to the user community.
• Strong understanding of academics and/or higher education experience, preferred.

Leadership Skills and Competencies

• A strategic leader who is forward thinking, has a vision of the future, and can see around the
  corner
• A strong proponent of the university's commitment to pluralism, diversity, equity and inclusion
• An understanding and appreciation of the culture and history of DU and ability to embrace the future

DU future state vision

• Strong technical and business acumen
• A leader who is open, approachable and transparent
• Collaborative team builder; ability to develop productive relationships across an institution.
• Politically savvy, diplomatic and emotional intelligence
• Provide great leadership; ability to mentor and develop staff; Possess a strong scholar, teacher model who can service educators.
• Superb listening and influencing skills; a change agent with the ability to cultivate trust and credibility with colleagues; high integrity.
• Thorough knowledge of the current developments in the rapidly changing field of information
  technology
• Knowledge and understanding of academic, administrative and research functions.
• Knowledge of current information technology best practices including technical aspects and support aspects
• Broad awareness of key issues and opportunities in higher education including the support of
  innovative teaching practices through the utilization of technology
• Knowledge of management and supervisory best practices and principles
• Knowledge of current government regulations that impact the privacy and security of information.
• Adaptable, engaging and personable; excellent interpersonal skills
• Advanced skills in systems analysis, planning, forecasting, budgeting, and staff and project management
• Persuasive and able to make difficult decisions in a complex institutional environment.
• Operates with a sense of urgency and brings innovative ideas to fruition.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or closely related field is
  required.
• Seven (7) plus years of significant senior level IT leadership experience, such as a CIO or Deputy CIO, preferably within an educational setting encompassing strategic planning, complex organizational structures, project planning, budgeting and management, and process transformation.
• Senior IT leaders with a combination of education and business industry experience will also be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree
• Strong understanding of academics and/or higher education experience

Working Environment

• Standard office environment.
• Unexpected interruptions occur often, and stress level is moderate to high.
• The noise level is quiet to moderate.

Physical Activities

• Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period.
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Application Deadline

For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) March 28, 2025.

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number

The salary grade for the position is UG.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $325,000-$375,000.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits

The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.