Director of IT

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Information Technology provides strategic leadership and hands-on oversight of DWU’s technology infrastructure, systems, and services. This role ensures that information technology effectively supports the University’s academic mission, administrative operations, long-term strategic goals and is a valued member of the university’s leadership council. The Director leads IT planning, security, and service delivery while fostering a collaborative, service-oriented culture across campus.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Develop and implement a comprehensive IT strategy aligned with DWU’s mission and institutional priorities.

• Advise senior leadership on technology trends, risks, and opportunities impacting higher education.

• Lead technology planning, budgeting, and lifecycle management of systems and infrastructure.

IT Operations & Infrastructure

• Oversee campus networks, servers, cloud services, telecommunications, classroom technology, and enterprise systems.

• Ensure high availability, reliability, and performance of IT services.

• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and licensing agreements.

Cybersecurity & Data Governance

• Lead cybersecurity strategy, including risk management, incident response, and compliance with applicable regulations (FERPA)

• Establish and enforce policies related to data security, privacy, access control, and disaster recovery.

• Oversee backup, business continuity, and disaster recovery planning.

Academic & Administrative Technology Support

• Partner with Academic Affairs to support learning management systems, instructional & classroom technology, and faculty innovation.

• Collaborate with administrative offices (Admissions, Finance, Registrar, Student Life, etc.) to optimize systems, workflows and reporting requirements including knowledge of SQL.

• Ensure responsive, customer-focused IT support for faculty, staff, and students.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, and mentor IT staff, fostering professional growth and accountability.

• Establish clear service standards, documentation, and performance metrics.

• Promote collaboration, clear communication, and a culture of continuous improvement.

Policy, Compliance & Documentation

• Develop and maintain IT policies, procedures, and standards.

• Ensure compliance with accreditation, audit, and regulatory requirements related to technology and data.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible IT experience or bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or a related field.

• Demonstrated knowledge of enterprise systems, networks, cybersecurity, and IT service management.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences.

• Proven ability to manage budgets, vendors, and multiple priorities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Leadership and supervisory experience.

• Experience in higher education or a mission-driven organization.

Work Environment & Expectations

• Primarily on-campus with occasional evening or weekend availability as needed.

• On-call availability for major system outages or security incidents.