Job Description

The Office of the President is committed to fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation. We prioritize the well-being and engagement of our faculty, staff and students to create a supportive and inclusive environment for learning and growth.
The Interim Chief Information Officer ("CIO") reports to the President and Vice Chancellor and collaborates as a key member of the University's senior executive team, which holds collective responsibility for achieving UPEI's mission, vision and goals. The interim CIO will ensure that IT services and systems support and enable the university's educational, research, and administrative functions. This role involves strategic planning, leadership, and collaboration with various stakeholders to enhance the university's digital infrastructure and services.


UPEI is seeking an Interim Chief Information Officer for a minimum period of 1 year, during which the position will be refined prior to seeking an ongoing appointment for which the Interim Chief Information Officer would be eligible.

WHAT WE OFFER:

Flexible work arrangements Comprehensive Health and Dental Post Retirement Benefits Tuition Waivers Health and Wellness on Campus available to staff Professional Development Opportunities

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership: Lead and manage the IT Systems and Services department, fostering a collaborative and innovative culture. Mentor and develop IT staff to ensure high performance focused on service excellence and digital transformation. IT Infrastructure: Oversee the management of the university's IT infrastructure, including networks, data center, enterprise systems, and cybersecurity. Budget Management: Develop and manage the IT budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources and alignment with strategic priorities. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with academic and administrative departments to identify technological needs and opportunities. Provide technology solutions that support teaching, research, and administrative functions. Policy Development: Develop and enforce IT policies, procedures, and standards to ensure data security, compliance, and efficient operations. Innovation and Research: Promote and support innovative uses of technology in teaching and research. Stay current with emerging trends and technologies in higher education. Vendor Management: Manage relationships with external IT vendors and service providers. Negotiate contracts and ensure quality service delivery. Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks associated with IT operations, including cybersecurity threats and data breaches. Reporting and Evaluation: Monitor and report on the performance of IT services and initiatives. Use data and feedback to drive continuous improvement. Work with the President to provide information and support to the Board of Governors and its committees. Participate in University governance by serving as a member of the University Senate.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Master's Degree: In Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field. Relevant professional certifications (e.g., PMP, ITIL, CISSP. Lean/ 6 Sigma) are highly desirable. Senior Leadership Experience: Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in IT management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role, preferably within higher education or a similarly complex environment. Proven experience in developing and implementing comprehensive IT strategies aligned with organizational goals. Experience in leading effective IT Governance. Direct experience working in or with higher education institutions, understanding their unique IT needs and challenges would be an asset. Demonstrated success in managing large-scale organizational technology enablement projects, from inception to completion, ensuring they meet organizational objectives. In-depth knowledge of IT infrastructure, enterprise systems, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Familiarity with emerging technologies and their applications in higher education. Strong understanding of data governance, data analytics, and business intelligence. Comprehensive knowledge of cybersecurity threats, trends, and best practices. Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop a diverse IT team. Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Experience in developing and managing IT operational and capital budgets, ensuring effective allocation of resources. Ability to manage relationships with external vendors and service providers, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness. Ability to develop and articulate a clear vision for the university's IT future, aligning technology initiatives with institutional goals. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Ability to anticipate and address challenges proactively. Expertise in using data to inform strategic decisions and improve IT services. Familiarity with relevant laws, regulations, and standards affecting IT in higher education, such as GDPR, PIPEDA, and other data protection and privacy laws. Experience in developing and implementing risk management strategies to protect the university's digital assets and information systems. A passion for and understanding of higher education and the desire to play a key role in preparing students to become exceptional members of civil society regionally, provincially, nationally, and internationally is essential. A career history demonstrating personal values such as integrity, openness, transparency, inclusiveness, mutual respect, trust, respect for cultural and ethnic diversity, and a caring and a respectful approach to all interpersonal relationships. Click here for UPEI Leadership Framework