Director of Information Technology

Purpose of the Position:

The Director of Information Technology for American Institute ensures operational excellence and continuous improvement for the informational technology solutions that focus on student information systems which currently include Anthology, CourseKey and LeadSquared.  This role collaborates with academic and administrative departments to enhance a hybrid learning experience, drive digital transformation and ensure the institution remains at the forefront of educational technology. 

What You’ll Do:

• Strategic Planning: Collaborate with the VP of IT to develop and implement a comprehensive IT strategy aligned with the institution’s mission and goals, focusing on enhancing the online learning experience. 
• Technology Infrastructure: Oversee the management and maintenance of the student information system, ensuring its reliability and performance.
• Cybersecurity: Implement and enforce cybersecurity policies and practices to protect institutional data and systems from threats and vulnerabilities. 
• Collaboration: Work closely with academic and administrative departments to identify and address their technological needs, supporting institutional projects and initiatives. 
• Innovation and Improvement: Stay abreast of emerging technologies and best practices, recommending and implementing innovative solutions to enhance IT services. 
• Policies and Procedures: Lead the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to the student information system. 
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and institutional policies related to information technology and data security. 
• Disaster Recovery: Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans to ensure the institution’s resilience in the face of IT disruptions. 
• Lead with Care: Lead, coach, and develop team members, fostering a culture of wellness, recognition and engagement.  Meet regularly with direct reports in one-on-one and group meetings to provide feedback and cultivate/maintain a positive work culture.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Career Level Expectations: 

• Recognized expert in professional discipline (typically obtained through post-secondary education and work experience).  
• Manages large projects or processes with limited supervision from people leader.  
• Coaches, reviews, and delegates work to proficient and entry-level professionals.   
• Addresses difficult and often complex problems that are typically solved through drawing from prior experience and in-depth analysis of issues, in collaboration with others.  
• Desire for growth and professional development.  

Required Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in IT-related field or equivalent experience.
• 3 + years of experience in IT leadership.
• 3+ years of experience in an IT infrastructure role.
• 3+ years of experience maintaining systems deployed in private and hybrid cloud configurations.
• Experience leading IT project implementation.
• Skills – communication skills, problem solving, time management, and an active learning mindset.
• Ability to professionally communicate fluently in verbal and written English.
• Ability to contribute to a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Preferred Requirements:

• Any advanced degree or equivalent experience and/or strong or advanced proficiency in any of the above required skills/experience.
• 3+ years of experience with learning management systems used in online education.
• 1+ years of experience implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies
• Certification in Microsoft Cloud technologies, networking, security or ITIL.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other business tools such as Microsoft Teams.
• Other skills or abilities – leadership, influence, conflict resolution and teambuilding.

Compliance: 

• Demonstrate knowledge of and carefully follow all applicable state laws and rules, federal and state compliance requirements and regulations including those prescribed by the U.S. Department of Education, accrediting agencies, state regulations and internal policies and procedures.  
• Effectively communicate compliance requirements to other staff as appropriate and quickly escalate any compliance concerns to the Compliance department. 

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• This is a full-time remote position with travel as required for meetings and conferences.
• Home office set up, quiet place to work, and ability to access high-speed internet connection.
• May require setup of computer equipment; accommodation consideration available upon request.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, as needed.