About the position
University of Mississippi seeks a visionary and dynamic technology leader to serve as its next Chief Information Officer (CIO). This is a unique opportunity to join a large, thriving university with a strong culture and to help the institution leverage technology in support of future growth. The CIO provides leadership, management, and strategic direction to the Office of Information Technology (OIT) and provides strategic leadership to the university and other state agencies on all matters related to information technology. One hundred seventy-five years after opening its doors, the state's flagship university, the University of Mississippi, is a growing, vibrant institution that offers nationally ranked academic and research programs. Located in Oxford, the University of Mississippi is home to more than 40 research centers and is a designated R1 research institution and the oldest public university in the state. As Mississippi's flagship institution, it boasts an enrollment of over 23,000 students in both undergraduate and graduate programs on the Oxford campus. The University of Mississippi is fueled by a commitment to serve the people of Mississippi and the world through education, research, healthcare, and outreach. The CIO will report to the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and have a working relationship with the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance. The CIO will lead the University's digital strategy, ensuring that cutting-edge technology solutions support and elevate the University to advance the teaching, research, and service missions through the use of technology. Overseeing a complex IT ecosystem that enables world-class research, fosters digital learning, and strengthens administrative efficiency, the CIO will collaborate with academic and administrative leaders to integrate technology into every aspect of the University's operations, ensuring that the University of Mississippi remains at the forefront of global innovation. The University is currently implementing Ellucian Banner and Workday, has resourced the implementation for success, and is on track for its first go-live date. In addition to supporting the teams working to ensure the completion of this effort, other key initiatives include establishing an IT governance structure to effectively prioritize and communicate IT investments and resources to the University; continuing to advance the cybersecurity program; and, enhancing education and research IT support.
Responsibilities
- Provide leadership, management, and strategic direction to the Office of Information Technology (OIT).
- Lead the University's digital strategy to support teaching, research, and service missions.
- Oversee a complex IT ecosystem that enables world-class research and fosters digital learning.
- Collaborate with academic and administrative leaders to integrate technology into University operations.
- Support the implementation of Ellucian Banner and Workday.
- Establish an IT governance structure to prioritize and communicate IT investments.
- Advance the cybersecurity program.
- Enhance education and research IT support.
Requirements
- In-depth knowledge of current and emerging information technology infrastructure, principles, and applications.
- Understanding of technologies relevant to higher education and research.
- Knowledge of privacy, security, and compliance.
- Contract management skills.
- Ability to manage information technology assets.
- Ability to balance competing objectives to achieve strategic goals.
- Understanding of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience in leading high-performing teams.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to cultivate an environment that builds effective teams.
- Experience working collaboratively with staff and external partners.
