Director of Information Technology
About the role
The Director of Information Technology (IT) serves as the University’s strategic technology leader and a member of the Leadership Council, responsible for overseeing the institution’s IT infrastructure, operations, and digital ecosystem in alignment with Northwood’s mission and strategic priorities. The Director leads enterprise digital transformation, ensuring secure, reliable, and forward-looking systems that enhance student experience, workforce productivity, and institutional effectiveness. This role advises the President and senior leadership on technology strategy, investments, risks, and opportunities, including the responsible use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, data analytics, and cybersecurity tools.
Responsibilities
Lead, manage, and develop the IT department, including hiring, coaching, and performance management.
Build a service-oriented, innovative, and accountable IT culture.
Establish and enforce IT policies, standards, and best practices.
Collaborate with University leaders to improve technology services and innovation.
Manage IT budget aligned with institutional priorities.
Develop and implement IT strategy aligned with the University mission and priorities.
Serve as primary advisor to leadership on technology investments and risks.
Identify emerging trends impacting higher education and competitiveness.
Ensure IT infrastructure is scalable and future-ready.
Lead prioritization of digital initiatives.
Lead strategy for AI, automation, analytics, and cloud technologies.
Establish governance and ethical frameworks for emerging technology use.
Identify practical use cases that enhance learning and operations.
Promote digital fluency across the University.
Monitor technology landscape and position the University for future success.
Oversee IT systems, networks, applications, and infrastructure.
Ensure reliability and performance of technology operations.
Strengthen cybersecurity protections.
Manage vendor relationships for quality and cost-effectiveness.
Maintain operational documentation and service standards.
Lead digital transformation and system modernization efforts.
Implement technologies to improve efficiency and user experience.
Foster continuous improvement and innovation.
Use data and metrics to guide decisions.
Monitor and report IT performance.
Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and privacy requirements.
Establish governance practices supporting accountability and transparency.
Develop disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
Mitigate IT-related risks including cybersecurity and data privacy.
Conduct regular audits and assessments.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in IT or related field; Master’s preferred.
10+ years IT experience, with leadership experience.
Experience leading strategic IT or digital transformation initiatives.
Strong knowledge of IT systems, cybersecurity, and enterprise applications.
Experience advising senior leadership on technology strategy.
Strong collaboration and communication skills.
Proven problem-solving ability in dynamic environments.
Expectations
Northwood University stands apart in higher education with a philosophy grounded in The Northwood Idea — emphasizing freedom, free enterprise, personal responsibility, and limited government. We seek individuals who are both accomplished in their professions and inspired by the power of enterprise to improve lives. The ideal candidate will feel a strong alignment with Northwood’s mission and values, embracing a culture of academic excellence, accountability, and earned success.
About Northwood University
Northwood University develops free-enterprise leaders who drive global social and economic progress by promoting the importance of free enterprise, ethics, individual freedom, personal responsibility, rule of law, and earned success. Private, nonprofit, accredited, and guided by The Northwood Idea, Northwood University specializes in managerial and entrepreneurial education at a full-service, residential campus located in Midland, Michigan. Northwood Online is offered in multiple states and online for students with transfer credits and work experience who are looking to complete their undergraduate degree. The DeVos Graduate School of Management offers MBA and Master of Science degrees in Finance, Business Analytics, Human Resources, and Organizational Leadership with day, evening, and online delivery options. The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is delivered online, with a differentiated focus on leadership and business analytics using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. International education is offered through study abroad and at International Program Centers in Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sri Lanka, Ghana, and France. Learn more about America's Free Enterprise University at www.northwood.edu.