The University of Wyoming seeks a Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer
Click here to view position profile: https://summitsearchsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/UW_VPIT_CIO_Profile.pdf
Location: Laramie, Wyoming

The Position:
The Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer (VPIT/CIO) serves as the senior technology leader for the University working with university leadership, faculty, staff, and students to develop and communicate the status of technology plans and initiatives within the Division of Information Technology. Serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet, the VPIT/CIO is responsible for managing administrative and academic technology support staff and for promoting and delivering quality service to the University community. The VPIT/CIO is responsible for managing the centrally deployed services through units responsible for:

• Enterprise IT, infrastructure and security, 
• Applications and customer relationships, and
• Academic Technology Services and Data Center Operations.

The VPIT/CIO develops and implements a strategic plan for the Division of Information Technology that is consistent with the University's strategic plan, academic mission and research activity. Additionally, the VPIT/CIO oversees the budget, personnel, and policy development as they relate to information technology for the University. The VPIT/CIO is responsible for the development and execution of an information technology governance structure to ensure the organization's ability to effectively prioritize and properly resource new technology investments. The VPIT/CIO is a spokesperson and advocate for development and use of information technology, AI, and cybersecurity in instruction, research, and institutional operations. This position is also responsible for anticipating and maintaining a vision for future technology needs and for recommending strategies, priorities, policies, and projects that will best achieve the University’s mission and strategic objectives.

The VPIT/CIO engages and collaborates with all stakeholders to ensure information technology services are provided in an effective and efficient manner that supports the academic and administrative needs of the University. The scope of the VPIT/CIO role necessitates a high level of familiarity with the various constituent needs across a complex and growing university and a commitment to the personal engagement necessary to meet the diverse needs of all units.

At the University of Wyoming, the Division of Information Technology currently employs approximately 100 full-time staff and 100 students with a total expense budget of approximately $19 million. The VPIT/CIO will inherit a capable leadership team that manages on-campus and remote teams of IT professionals who work to ensure the students, staff, and faculty have the access, connectivity, and resources needed to be successful.

The University seeks an established leader who is prepared to develop and execute an IT strategy that drives the University forward in enhancing student experience and effectively supporting the academic, research, and administrative functions.

Responsibilities:

• Provides an information technology vision that enables the University to achieve its mission and strategic priorities while also positioning the University for the future.
• Creates and fosters a culture of IT service excellence demonstrating an ongoing commitment to leading a collaborative, service-driven organization.
• Manages the division’s functions and services in a timely, high-quality, and results-oriented manner consistent with the land grant mission of the University.
• Ensures the recruitment, retention, development, and evaluation of highly qualified personnel to support centralized IT operations. Fosters an inclusive environment of professional development and continuous improvement.
• Develops budget plans and prioritizes efforts to provide highly reliable services while also responding to requests for new services and enhancement of existing services.
• Ensures an effective governance structure, in collaboration with key leaders in each functional area, to prioritize and resource an array of IT projects/needs across the University.
• Supervises the acquisition and inventory of all computer hardware, software, and networking facilities; serves as the senior contact for vendors of computing hardware and software, participates in contract negotiations, and coordinates large technology purchases, site licenses, and volume purchasing agreements. Evaluates innovative opportunities to partner with IT service providers.
• Participates in capital project planning and expansion to ensure the technology needs of the University community are anticipated and met.
• Develops and implements policies and practices to safeguard the University’s technology infrastructure and data creating a reliable and secure infrastructure upon which enterprise applications, learning technologies, and research computing exist.
• Facilitates a comprehensive review and assessment strategy as decisions about major applications are considered.
• Understands current issues, opportunities, best practices and developments associated with information technology and cybersecurity as they relate to large, complex organizations implementing innovative and value-driven solutions to meet the University’s needs.
• Leads the institution’s implementation, training, and use of contemporary, consistent educational technology to assist in the delivery of on campus and online learning experiences.
• Drives collaboration across the University, promoting cooperation, integrated planning, and professional relationships that strengthen opportunities to share solutions to meet common needs, reduce duplication, and leverage collective investments across the University.
• Although not currently responsible for research computing, supports the University research enterprise through effective consultation and collaboration with the University’s Vice President for Research and Economic Development, and through partnership with the School of Computing, UW Libraries, and the Advanced Research Computing Center (ARCC).
• Collaborates in creating policies related to research data management.
• Represents the University within Laramie, across the state, and beyond around technology projects/initiatives.
• Participates in personal development that promotes strategic growth.

Qualifications:

• Ten years of progressively responsible professional and leadership experience, preferably in a higher education environment, including a senior leadership role(s) in delivering information technology services and programs for a large, complex organization.
• Master's degree and/or advanced degree in information technology or a related discipline.
• A comprehensive understanding of how universities work, and an in-depth knowledge of the technological demands of delivering reliable high-quality services to diverse user populations (e.g., students, faculty, researchers, staff, administrators), the regulatory requirements of information security (e.g., FERPA, HIPPA) and the ongoing evolution of cybersecurity.
• Experience managing a complex infrastructure and a working knowledge of successful project management approaches for large technology initiatives.
• Working knowledge of cloud technologies and application for a university.
• Adept at identifying and assessing future technological needs of the University and developing annual and longer-term budgets to address emerging needs.
• Skilled at managing a complex information technology organization while building and leading strong teams. 
• Evidence of active participation with peers (e.g., deans, vice presidents) within previous leadership teams.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing, and the ability to interact effectively with stakeholders throughout the University, within the State of Wyoming and beyond.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on data-driven decision-making.

UW offers a competitive salary and strong benefits including a retirement plan with a 14.19% University contribution (based on gross salary), excellent leave plans, (vacations, sick days, and holidays), a tuition waiver program, a recreation center membership opportunity, and a variety of on-campus dining and banking services.

About the Division of Information Technology:
The Division of Information Technology consists of three primary departments all of which are overseen by the Office of the Vice President for Information Technology: Academic Technology Services and Data Center Operations, Applications and Customer Relationships as well as Enterprise IT, Infrastructure & Security. The Division of IT supports over 330 technology-equipped spaces including classrooms, seminar rooms, conference rooms and auditoriums in addition to over 1,500 student computing lab nodes. The university-wide IT operations include supporting over 110 enterprise and departmental applications through both virtual and physical servers.

The Division of Information Technology is housed within the University of Wyoming’s Information Technology Center (ITC). The ITC is the centralized location for campus IT staff and houses a Tier II+ Data Center. The Center is designed to meet the computing and data needs of the University – students, administrators, faculty, and researchers. The ITC also houses the IT Help Desk. The Help Desk is the primary point of contact for computer support. It provides timely and professional phone, email, online chat, and remote support for hardware, software, connectivity, and UW computer access. A modern technology training room houses software training classes for faculty, staff, and students. The Walk-in Service Center is where expert-level advice and quick evaluation of software and hardware computing problems is provided.

ITC: General Facts

• 80,000 square feet
• 110 office spaces
• Make-IT Makerspace (3D printing, Vinyl, Laser Engraving, and more)
• Walk-in Service Center and device checkout
• WyoOne ID Office
• Wired and wireless data network access
• Computing and application development labs
• Computer training rooms
• Computer and Telecom Help Desks

ITC: Data Center Facts

• Highly flexible design
• University, research, and partnership co-location
• 6,000 square feet of raised floor with TIER II+ redundancy
• Space for over 200 computer server cabinets
• Designed for “lights out” operation
• High security – Biometric 2 factor authentication, video monitoring, etc.

For more information about the Division of IT, please visit https://www.uwyo.edu/infotech/aboutit/.

About the Institution:
Nestled amid the beauty of two mountain ranges in southeastern Wyoming, you will find the nationally recognized teaching and research institution, the University of Wyoming (UW). Established as a land-grant institution in 1886 when Wyoming was still a territory, UW has since grown to nearly 200 areas of study, drawing approximately 10,800 students from all 50 states and 83 countries. UW is known for its accomplished faculty and world-class facilities, its low student/faculty ratio, and quality undergraduate and graduate online and classroom-based programs within its 11 colleges and schools. To learn more, please visit http://www.uwyo.edu.

Throughout its existence, UW has been the only four-year public university in the state of Wyoming, and it maintains close relationships with the state’s eight community colleges. UW’s global impact begins with innovative undergraduate and graduate research opportunities and extends through state and federal partnerships and recent initiatives such as the School of Computing, Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Governor Gordon’s Wyoming Innovation Partnership. UW has played important roles in the lives of students and Wyoming residents for 138 years. Outside Magazine identified Laramie as “the perfect affordable mountain town,” noting the cost of living; access to outdoor activities; food, art and culture; and the influence of UW, including its academic and other offerings. Furthermore, Wyoming ranked #5 in the U.S. News and World Report’s “Best States for Higher Education”. In the area of tuition and fees, Wyoming ranks No. 2 in part because of its low cost for University of Wyoming students. UW’s tuition and fees for resident undergraduates are the lowest in the nation among doctoral degree-granting institutions. The University community is working collaboratively to help the University reinforce and strengthen its reputation as it adapts to changing economic factors in the state and beyond. The University’s strategic roadmap, “Forward for Wyoming 2023+: A Strategic Plan for the University of Wyoming,” demonstrates that it is an exciting time to be a part of UW as the institution embarks on ambitious and impactful initiatives.

Location: Laramie, Wyoming, a town with approximately 31,000 people, has a unique blend of sophistication and Western hospitality. UW not only provides an environment for success but also offers varied academic and lifestyle opportunities. Named the “#1 Small College Town in America” by College Value Online, Laramie boasts a moderate cost of living with no state income tax, incredible outdoor recreational opportunities, an eclectic downtown, and a great public school system.

To Apply:
The University of Wyoming, in consultation with Summit Search Solutions, Inc., will begin a confidential review of application materials immediately and continue until the position is filled; parties who apply by January 25, 2025 will be given first consideration. Please submit a CV/resume and a letter of interest upon application. All applications and nominations will be held in confidence. To apply online, go to: https://theapplicantmanager.com/jobs?pos=su436

For more information or to offer recommendations or nominations:
Karen Pedersen, PhD
Senior Consultant
Direct: 719-747-2545
kpedersen@summitsearchsolutions.com

UW is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer (UW Reg 4-1). The University does not discriminate in employment or personnel practices on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, creed, ancestry, political belief, pregnancy, or any other protected category or participation in any protected activity. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please call 307-766-2377 or email jobapps@uwyo.edu.

Pursuant to Wyoming State law, W.S. 19-14-102, as amended, an honorably discharged veteran who has been a resident of the state of Wyoming for one (1) year or more at any time prior to the date when the veteran applies for employment, or any surviving spouse who was married to such veteran at the time of the veteran’s death, who is receiving federal survivor benefits based on the veteran’s military service and is applying for employment, shall receive an interview preference during the applicant screening process with the University of Wyoming. At the time of application, the applicant must possess the business capacity, competency, education or other qualifications required for the position. If disabilities do not materially interfere with performance of job duties, disabled veterans will be given preference over able-bodied veterans. Appropriate documentation of veteran status must be provided at the time of application as outlined in the application process. No preference will be given to a veteran currently employed by a public department.

The University of Wyoming conducts background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of the background check.