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Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

Apply now Job no: 539574
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: San Diego
Categories: MPP, At-Will, Full Time, Information Systems & Technology, On-site (work in-person at business location)


San Diego State University

Seeks candidates for the position of

Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer 

San Diego State University seeks a seasoned, accomplished, and deeply collaborative leader to serve as Vice President for the Division of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer. This key position reports directly to the SDSU President Adela de la Torre and holds a seat on her Cabinet, the Council of Vice Presidents. Tasked as SDSU’s principal technology strategist and leader, the Vice President works closely with University leaders and other community members, leading information technology transformation initiatives across the institution. The Vice President oversees the efficient implementation of dependable, reliable, and secure information technology infrastructure, systems, and policies serving educational, research, staff, and administrative operations. 

The Vice President participates in the development of campus-wide policy through membership on the Council of Vice Presidents and engagement with the University Senate and the Associated Students Board of Directors. The Vice President works collaboratively with the Provost and other Vice Presidents to ensure coordination and integration of information technology strategy and services into the fabric of the University.

Utilizing exceptional communication, consultation, and advocacy skills, the Vice President drives technological evolution and new growth, cultivating innovative capabilities within the university and with external collaborators. The Vice President must be adept at both internal and external communications and regularly articulate and champion the value that such thoughtful innovation can provide. The Vice President leads efforts to facilitate student success by maintaining and optimizing IT infrastructures to foster an environment for academic achievement and provides strategic leadership on initiatives to enhance research capabilities through the effective implementation of technologies aligned with institutional goals and federal compliance regulations. Additionally, the Vice President shapes SDSU’s vision and leads the University’s information technology development as aligned with the University’s strategic priorities and other efforts to advance institutional strategic goals.   The Vice President must also collaborate with the wider CSU organization to enhance overall effectiveness and achieve system-wide objectives.   

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong emotional intelligence, embracing empathetic perspective-taking and autonomy, as well as strategic visioning and planning around information technology, to include systems, web and emergent technologies, such as generative artificial intelligence. They will possess the ability to drive institutional growth through external funding sources, federal grants, and other strategic partnerships. Other important qualities include demonstrated relational leadership, the ability to prioritize and motivate teamwork, the ability to work collaboratively and effectively to convey messages to internal and external audiences, and an appreciation for shared governance that enables valuable contributions from faculty, staff, and students.  

The Vice President will oversee over 215 employees and an annual budget of approximately $40 million to create and manage efficient and effective structures that successfully deliver on all functions, programs, and activities of the SDSU Information Technology Division. 

About SDSU

Each year, SDSU provides approximately 37,000 students with the opportunity to participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty, high-impact practices, and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. SDSU is committed to improving student success, advancing research and creative endeavors, contributing to the community, and building SDSU's culture of philanthropy.

  • Strategic Plan: We Rise We Defy: Transcending Borders, Transforming Lives
  • Federal designations as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI)
  • Alumni: About 500,000 and make up 60% of San Diego's workforce
  • Students (for fall 2023): 37,539
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 32,896
  • Graduate Enrollment: 4,643
  • Faculty & Staff: 5,182
  • Degree Programs: Bachelor’s degrees in 97 areas,  nearly 90 master’s degrees in 80 fields and 25 doctoral degrees (Ph.D., Ed.D, Au.D. and D.P.T.)
  • Graduation Rate: 79.8% (six years or less for first-time full-time freshman)
  • Annual Research: $192.2 million in awards (2023)
  • Athletic Teams: 18
  • Economic Impact: $5.67 billion in economic activity, supporting 42,000 jobs and creating $2.01 billion in labor income annually
  • Locations: 

San Diego State University is the oldest higher education institution in San Diego. Since its founding in 1897, the university has grown to become a leading public research university. 

SDSU provides a research-oriented, high-quality education for undergraduate and graduate students and contributes to the solution of problems through excellence and distinction in teaching, research, and service. The university strives to impart an appreciation and broad understanding of the human experience throughout the world and the ages. This education extends to diverse cultural legacies and accomplishments in many areas, such as the arts and technology; the advancement of human thought including philosophy and science; the development of economic, political, and social institutions; and the physical and biological evolution of humans and their environment. SDSU pursues its mission through its many diverse departments and interdisciplinary programs in the creative and performing arts, the humanities, the sciences, and the social and behavioral sciences.

About the Division of Information Technology

The mission of the Information Technology Division is to develop the long-term infrastructure, services, and strategy necessary to support the University’s mission of teaching, learning, discovery, and engagement. The goal of the Information Technology Division is to provide secure Information Self-Service. The IT Division has the responsibility of stewarding core IT assets on campus and the obligation to provide the services, training environments, and community building necessary to realize the benefits of those investments across the San Diego State University community. The following units are housed within the IT Division and provide a variety of resources and services across campus.

  • Information Technology Finance and Administration
  • Information Technology Security Office
  • Instructional Technology Services
    • Academic Technology Research and Strategic Initiatives (ATRSI)
    • Accessible Technology Initiative
  • IT User Services 
  • OneIT Community
  • Enterprise Resource Planning 
  • Networking and Public-Private Partnerships (P3)
  • IT Network and Infrastructure
    • IT Infrastructure Operations
  • Research and Cyberinfrastructure
  • Web Services and Infrastructure

Candidate Qualifications 

Qualified candidates will possess an advanced degree and relevant experience working within or in direct collaboration with institutions of higher education. Expertise must include managerial, administrative, strategic, and tactical experience commensurate with the responsibilities of the Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer position. They should have extensive experience managing and leading a large team of information technology personnel, and experience managing in a collective bargaining environment is preferred. The ideal candidate will be a recognized leader with a strong track record of innovative thought leadership with a strong professional presence, and superior interpersonal and communications skills. The ideal candidate will have leadership proficiency in data architecture strategies and cybersecurity and is a collaborator and consensus builder who can effectively lead change. They possess a commitment to public service, a demonstrated high level of personal integrity, and a strong record of achievement.   

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University will offer a competitive salary based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. San Diego State University also offers a rich benefits package that includes:

  • Extensive Leave benefits: 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year;
  • Retirement security through a CalPERS defined benefit pension (with CalPERS and UC Retirement Plan reciprocity) and retiree healthcare benefits;
  • An array of health, dental, and vision coverage at no-cost or low-cost to the employee; and
  • California State University system fee reduction program (fee waiver) for the employee or their qualified dependent

Anticipated hiring range:  $290,000 - $310,000 annually

Diversity and Community at SDSU

At SDSU, we believe that our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Through our commitment to equity and inclusion, we encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement, as reflected in our Principles of Community

SDSU, federally designated as a Hispanic-Serving and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution residing on Kumeyaay land, is known for its long-standing efforts advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. At SDSU, we commit to the equitable diversification of both students and employees and to providing and enhancing the ability of our students to contribute to community-minded diversity initiatives.

We care about our community members – who they are, where they came from and where they are going. To support community gathering and opportunities for people to learn about themselves and others, the University has cultural centers, Employee Resource Groups and hosts programs and events throughout the year in support of our individual identities and collective diversity.

Application and Search Process 

NextSearch has been engaged to assist with this important search.  All nominations and expressions of interest should be directed to:  

Elaine Peters, Executive Recruiter
elaine@nextsearch.com 
(949) 400-1132  

Applicants shall provide a cover letter detailing their interest in the role, a resume, and a diversity and inclusion statement detailing their commitment and/or contribution to equity, diversity, and inclusion.  

Initial review of the required application materials will begin on June 21, 2024.  To receive full consideration, apply by June 20, 2024. The position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to complete the background check satisfactorily may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

SDSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers all qualified candidates for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered military and veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Casie Martinez at cmartinez12@sdsu.edu.

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