CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

West Coast University Los Angeles - Irvine, CA

Full-time - Executive

Irvine, CA

Educational Services

About the position

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) plays a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction and operational efficiency of all Information Technology (IT) functions within a multi-faceted, multi-location academic and administrative environment. Reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer, the CIO is tasked with developing and implementing a comprehensive IT strategy that aligns with the organization's education-centric mission and supports the entire student lifecycle. This position is critical in ensuring that the organization leverages leading-edge technology to enhance educational outcomes while maintaining the security and integrity of enterprise systems and data against constant threats. In this role, the CIO will oversee all aspects of IT infrastructure, including applications development, systems management, data management, security and risk management, business reporting and analytics, and project management. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strategic leadership that is mission-focused and governance-driven, with a commitment to maintaining secure system stability. The CIO will work closely with institutional Presidents to ensure that the IT strategy is effectively communicated and implemented across the organization, advising the executive team on emerging technologies and digital transformation opportunities. The CIO will also be responsible for building and leading a high-performing IT team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. This includes managing day-to-day operations of the IT department to ensure efficient service delivery that meets business expectations. The role requires a strong focus on IT infrastructure management, ensuring the reliability, security, and scalability of IT systems, as well as developing and maintaining business continuity and disaster recovery plans to minimize disruptions. Additionally, the CIO will plan, execute, and oversee IT projects, managing a multimillion-dollar CAPEX budget while ensuring good governance and process documentation. The position also involves leading the IT governance committee to facilitate informed IT investment decisions and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and best practices. Vendor and budget management are also key responsibilities, requiring the CIO to develop and manage the IT budget while negotiating and maintaining relationships with IT vendors and service providers.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with institutional Presidents to develop and implement the IT strategy aligned with the organization's overall objectives.
• Communicate IT strategy and progress to the executive team and board of trustees.
• Advise the executive team on emerging technologies and digital transformation opportunities.
• Build and lead a high-performing IT team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the IT department, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery in alignment with business expectations.
• Manage IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, networks, and data centers.
• Ensure reliability, security, and scalability of IT systems.
• Ensure cybersecurity strategies are effective in protecting the organization's digital assets.
• Develop and maintain business continuity and disaster recovery plans to minimize disruptions and ensure data integrity and availability.
• Plan, execute, and oversee IT projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Oversee a multimillion-dollar CAPEX budget and manage the PMO office with an emphasis on good governance, process, and documentation.
• Prioritize IT initiatives and coordinate the evaluation, deployment, and management of current and future technologies.
• Lead the IT governance committee to help the organization make informed IT investment decisions.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and best practices.
• Develop and manage the IT budget, optimizing costs while maintaining service quality.
• Negotiate and manage relationships with IT vendors and service providers.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in computer science, information systems, electronics engineering, voice/data communications, public/business administration, or a related field required.
• Fifteen years related experience, with a minimum of 3-5 years proven track record as a CIO.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Prior experience within the higher-ed industry is a plus.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of current technology trends and best practices.
• Demonstrated knowledge of state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems.
• Knowledge of operating systems, networks, software applications, and hardware platforms.
• Command of current practices in the administration of technology-based instructional systems.
• Experienced in developing and implementing short- and long-range computer systems, capacity, technology, and operational plans.
• Effective in managing projects and people, participating in, and facilitating group meetings.
• Capable of managing and working effectively in a highly diverse ethnic and cultural community.
• Ability to motivate teams to produce quality materials within tight timeframes and manage several projects simultaneously.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
• Proficient in analyzing financial data and preparing reports and projections.
• Strong professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Skilled at self-directing, multi-tasking, and functioning well under pressure with deadlines and conflicting priorities.
• Adept at working with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule.
• Effective in exercising good judgment.
• Ability to travel/drive locally on a weekly, daily, and/or as needed basis.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in computer science, information systems, electronics engineering, voice/data communications, public/business administration, or a related field preferred.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) match
• Paid time off
• Holidays
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Adoption assistance
• Health savings accounts
• Employee discounts
• Commuter benefits
• Company paid life, AD&D and LTD insurance