Job Description
The Chief Information Officer ( CIO ) holds a vital role within Syracuse University serving as a pivotal member of the Chancellor’s Council. The CIO’s primary responsibilities encompass the formulation and execution of strategies aimed at ensuring that Information Technology Services ( ITS ) plays a central role in supporting both the academic and administrative functions of the University. Additionally, the CIO assumes day-to-day leadership of the ITS department. The CIO acts as a driving force for aligning information technology objectives across campus into a centralized vision and the CIO serves as the primary facilitator in aligning the University’s technology acquisition and deployment initiatives. The Office of the CIO is comprised of the following departments: Academic Technology Services, Business Office, Core Infrastructure Services, Digital Accessibility Services, Enterprise Application Systems, Enterprise Technology Group, and Information Security. The Office of the CIO actively engages in campus-wide collaborations, offering support for various initiatives such as University Research Computing, a joint endeavor involving the campus research community and technology groups throughout the university. Furthermore, the Office of the CIO plays a significant role in overseeing the ITS MakerSpace in partnership with Learning Environments and Media Production ( LEMP ), as well as the Digital Scholarship Space ( DSS ). Syracuse University has retained Korn Ferry, a national and global executive search firm, to assist in this search. All applications, inquiries, and nominations, which will remain confidential, are invited. Application review has begun and will continue until the position has been filled. Applications should include a detailed resume and a letter of interest that highlight the applicant’s interest in the role and relevant experience. Applicants are urged to submit their materials as soon as possible, using SyracuseCIO@kornferry.com
Responsibilities
The key responsibilities for the CIO include, but are not limited to: Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive information technology strategic plan in alignment with the academic strategic plan. Collaborate with senior leadership, key stakeholders, and other University experts to assess and anticipate information technology needs. Engage with faculty, staff, and students to understand their technological needs and challenges. Operations Management: Oversee on-premises and cloud infrastructure, software applications, cybersecurity measures, and information technology support services. Ensure optimal performance, security, and reliability of information technology systems. Budget and Resource Management: Develop and manage the information technology budget, ensuring cost-effective resource allocation and strategy for the investment in emerging technologies. Cybersecurity and Data Governance: Maintain comprehensive cybersecurity protocols to protect institutional data and assets. Collaborate with leaders on campus to assist in the creation of a data architecture, data warehousing, data governance, and IT policies while adhering to regulatory guidelines and industry best practices. Vendor and Contract Management: Establish and maintain strategic vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and ensure service level agreements are met regarding security, privacy, and system availability. Promote collaboration between internal stakeholders and external vendors. Conduct periodic reviews of vendor relationships and services to ensure they meet business needs most efficiently across the University. Team Leadership and Development: Lead and mentor the IT team, promoting a collaborative and inclusive environment. Manage staff recruitment, performance evaluation, and professional growth opportunities.
Qualifications
Syracuse University seeks a highly strategic and collaborative leader who has demonstrated success in leading digital transformation in a dynamic and complex environment. The successful candidate will exhibit innovative thinking and the ability to quickly build trust with internal and external stakeholders. They will leverage past and present experiences to drive progress and meet goals while maintaining strong relationships with faculty, staff and students. While no one person will embody all of the qualities enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal characteristics: An undergraduate degree is required; an advanced degree in computer science, information technology, business administration, or a related discipline is preferred. In lieu of an advanced degree; candidates with longstanding experience in comparable positions at institutions of similar size and scope as Syracuse University will be considered. While not mandatory, certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional ( CISSP ), Information Technology Infrastructure Library ( ITIL ), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control ( CRISC ), and Certified Information Systems Auditor ( CISA ) are preferred.
