Executive Director of Information Technology/CIO

Executive Director of Information Technology/CIO

The Executive Director of Information Technology/Chief Information Officer (CIO) provides leadership, vision, strategic planning, and manages the implementation of all aspects of the Information Technology (IT) Department to support the academic mission and the administrative services of the University. The Executive Director will ensure that technological solutions and support are aligned with the overall university strategy to achieve both short-term and long-term goals. This position also oversees the department and student fee budgets, vendor evaluation and selection, interfaces with the other universities and colleges of the Montana University System, and supervises the systems, network, AV, development, and service desk teams. Technical support and escalation are also important aspects of this position. Familiarity in systems and networking technologies is important.

Information Technology

Information Technology

Professional

Fiscal Year

Exempt from Collective Bargaining

1.0

Yes

Annual

Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

MUS

Open

Executive Director
Provide strategic leadership and vision for innovative use of technologies to enhance the university’s operations.
Develop and implement department goals, priorities, and strategies.
Oversee and direct the implementation and ongoing management of all technology services. Develop short-term goals and a long-range information technology master plan in consultation with various campus groups.
Oversee the recruiting, hiring, retention, and development of IT personnel.
Responsible for policy, procedure, and standards development which facilitate and enhance the use of technology services.
Responsible for the development and stewardship of the IT department and student fees budgets. Oversee contract negotiations and purchasing with IT service providers and vendors while developing and maintaining relationships with the providers.
Provide project management and/or coordination for campus, multi-campus, or MUS System technology projects.
Oversee information security activities including vulnerability management, incident identification and handling, security education, and risk assessment.
Provide guidance and consultative oversight on data stewardship and effective management of data across the university as part of the Data Governance Council.
Provide thought leadership on emerging technologies and innovation in IT infrastructure and services.
Participate in strategic and operational planning committees.
Manage annual IT personnel performance review process.
Provide technical support and escalation when necessary

Information Technology Operations
Ability to work in and with teams that may include other IT staff members as well as a variety of technical individuals from other MUS campuses, technology vendors, and university employees.
Provide technical escalation support for IT team members, as necessary.
Continually work on the ongoing development and enhancement of system performance and monitoring methodologies, procedures, and processes.
Actively seeks opportunities for system improvements, new technology trends, enhanced capabilities, and products for the advancement of Information Technology operations.
Ability to clearly communicate, document, and share processes, standards, and procedures to increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and security of the technology infrastructure

Physical Demands:
Working conditions are psychologically demanding, requiring the ability to distribute efforts over several concurrent problems along with frequent operating demands.
The ability to lift and move objects weighing in excess of 50 pounds frequently.
Some contact with computer machinery presents possible electrical or mechanical hazards.
The availability of setup or maintenance windows may not be obtainable during regular working hours; therefore, the employee may be required to work during non-typical business hours in order to install, maintain, or correct problems with the technology infrastructure.

Experience Required:

• Demonstrated track record of progressively responsible experience in information technology management.
• Demonstrated significant track record of information technology organizational change management.
• Demonstrated experience in technology planning and strategic innovation.
• Demonstrated significant experience in a broad array of information technologies including server administration, network administration, operations, security, customer support, administrative systems, and application development.
• Demonstrated experience fostering a productive team environment to meet the needs of a diverse organization.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out complex projects requiring knowledge of business and technological principles and practices.

• Demonstrated experience partnering with external constituents to plan and develop IT solutions. • Demonstrated a history of being a technical contributor for multiple areas of IT operations.

Education Required:
Bachelor’s degree in a technology or business-related field (such as Computer Science/Engineering, Information Technology, or Management).

Experience Preferred:
Demonstrated experience ln higher education leadership

Education Preferred:
Advanced degree, or an equivalent combination of degree and experience.

Yes

STAFF - VA - 2600028P

1

12/01/2025

11/19/2025

11/27/2025

Yes

Applicants will be reviewed and interviewed on an ongoing basis after the screening date. The screening date begins 10 calendar days after a position is posted on the employment website.