Chief Technology Officer

Position Summary

With OAD supporting Advancement work for Columbia University, the Technology team plays a critical role in not only supporting the technical needs of the department but also schools and programs as well as on how they can leverage technology for giving and engagement.

The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) reports to the Deputy Vice President for Administration, with the primary role of ensuring that the Office of Alumni and Development (OAD) achieves its goals and objectives through technology. The CTO is responsible for providing vision and leadership in the development and implementation of strategic planning and budgeting for all aspects of technology for OAD. This includes but is not limited to OAD-wide information systems, information security, database development and accessibility, all telecommunication systems, audio-visual equipment and systems and the integration of technology in the community. The CTO is responsible for the prioritization, execution, reconciliation and deliverables of major OAD projects and will participate, along with other senior leaders, in the evaluation of various OAD initiatives.

The CTO should have excellent knowledge and experience in IT systems and infrastructure as well as a strategic and business mindset.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for establishing, communicating and directing a technology team based on a strategic IT roadmap and develop IT objectives that align with the department and community goals.
• Partner with DVP for Administration to identify and execute ongoing projects including change management, project prioritization, and allocation of resources.
• Directs, mentors and coaches staff within the OAD Technology division by assigning and delegating tasks, providing direction and training, resolving problems, communicating expectations, emphasizing the highest level of customer service and integrity.
• Oversees a technology budget as well as services in support of technology infrastructure, hardware, software, user support, web design and application development/integration needs.
• Partners with The Data Strategy and Information Management Team to understand their needs while managing the technical infrastructure that houses organizational data.
• Partners with schools and programs to understand their technical needs for Advancement work at the university.
• Serves as the principal liaison for OAD within the University and with external groups on technology issues.
• Work closely with the OAD technology team to manage operational efforts that continue to align with best technology practices.
• Determines and manages the strategies for maintaining vendor relationships and integrations with OAD systems.
• Develops recommendations for and implements all approved policies related to and governing the use of computer hardware and software purchase, installation, access, and security in accordance with University-wide requirements and policies.
• Engages key administrative leaders and constituents throughout the University community.
• Forges relationships with CUIT and other central administrative units to ensure compliance with University policies and direction.
• Collaborate with members of the OAD technology team to maximize existing technology resources.
• Partners closely with Executive Director for Emerging Technologies in exploring new technological opportunities.
• Benchmarks technology usage in peer Ivy League institutions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree and 8-10 years of related experience is required.
• Must be a results- and goal-oriented individual with the persistence and patience necessary to work effectively with a variety of internal and external constituents.
• Must have the ability to detect emerging trends and make recommendations for change.
• Must possess a high degree of personal integrity and ethics. Ability to gain credibility with diverse constituencies.
• Strong IT experience in the following areas: information security, software development, project management, strategic planning, IT governance, consultancy, systems architecture and administration, client support, storage, virtualization, and operational management.
• Experience with vendor management required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree is highly desirable.
• Experience in a multi-vendor distributed computing environment that includes responsibilities for systems, networking, planning, and operations, in a research/academic environment is preferred.
• Familiarity with national research computing and networking initiatives preferred.

Other Requirements

• Subject to business needs, the Office of Alumni and Development supports a hybrid work arrangement for this position. Options will be discussed during the interview process.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.