Director of Information Technology

About the role

We are seeking a visionary technology leader to serve as Director of Information Technology for the College of Sciences at North Carolina State University. This influential leadership position will oversee IT operations, drive strategic technology initiatives, and collaborate with university leadership to advance academic excellence through technology. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Sciences, the Director will lead a talented team of IT professionals and shape forward-thinking technology strategies that support teaching, research, and operational excellence across six academic departments.

Responsibilities

• Drive Strategic Technology Leadership: Develop and execute IT strategies aligned with the College’s mission and long-term objectives; lead strategic planning, innovation initiatives, and resource allocation; identify emerging technologies that enhance teaching, research, and administrative effectiveness.
• Oversee IT Operations & Infrastructure: Manage deployment, maintenance, upgrade, and support of hardware, software, servers, operating systems, and networked resources; ensure IT systems remain reliable, secure, scalable, and responsive to user needs; support instructional and administrative computing services.
• Lead and Develop High-Performing Teams: Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development for IT staff; foster a collaborative, service-oriented team culture; oversee recruitment, retention, training, and supervision of technical support personnel, including student employees.
• Manage Budgets and Technology Investments: Develop and administer annual IT budgets; steward resources effectively and maximize return on technology investments; lead procurement for IT hardware, software, and services.
• Champion Security, Compliance & Continuity: Establish and enforce policies to safeguard institutional data and technology assets; ensure compliance with regulations and industry standards; lead disaster recovery and business continuity planning.
• Provide strategic guidance on technology needs for classrooms, laboratories, buildings, and future facilities.
• Lead Technology Projects: Oversee complex IT projects from planning through implementation; deliver projects on time, within scope, and within budget; collaborate with departments to identify needs and implement effective solutions.
• Build Strong Partnerships: Serve as the primary IT resource for faculty, staff, and departmental leadership; collaborate with vendors, service providers, and campus partners; provide proactive guidance for instructional, research, and administrative technology needs.
• Represent the College on university-wide committees and initiatives: IT Strategic Advisory Committee, Academic IT Directors Committee, Campus IT Directors Committee, Data Science and AI Initiatives, and other technology governance groups.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education and Experience: Master’s degree and at least two years of relevant experience; or Bachelor’s degree with at least three years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience. As a management-level position, 1–2 years of supervisory experience is required.
• Other Required Qualifications:
  • Proven experience as an IT Director or similar leadership role.
  • Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, systems, and software.
  • Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • In-depth understanding of IT systems, architectures, and emerging technologies.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • A master’s degree (or higher) in a natural or mathematical science, engineering, or computer science (or related field) and three years of experience managing IT needs for an academic or research enterprise with at least 50 users.
  • Evidence of substantive continuing education and training in position-relevant areas of IT.
  • Experience in strategic planning and execution.
  • Experience with HPC, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data management.