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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Employment offers are contingent on individuals being accepted into the graduate program.
Dakota Wesleyan University is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
Send cover letter, resume, and a list of three references to: carol.grode-hanks@dwu.edu
