Executive Director, Technology, Operations, & Strategy

About the Role

The University of La Verne is seeking a strategic, highly organized, and operationally focused leader to serve as Executive Director, Technology, Operations, & Strategy within the Office of the CDIO. This newly created position will act as the operational backbone of the technology organization, overseeing budgeting, vendor management, project governance, departmental operations, reporting, and administrative leadership. The role serves as a trusted advisor and right-hand partner to the CDIO, ensuring the efficient execution of strategic initiatives while maintaining strong operational discipline across the IT organization. This position will help drive accountability, improve processes, support decision-making, and coordinate priorities across teams and stakeholders throughout the University.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned operations professional who can bring structure, organization, and business acumen to a growing technology organization. While a strong understanding of technology operations is beneficial, this position is not intended to be deeply technical. Instead, success will come from leadership, operational excellence, financial stewardship, and the ability to translate strategy into execution.

Responsibilities

• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and vendor management for the technology organization.
• Lead project governance and departmental operations to ensure efficient execution of strategic initiatives.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the CDIO, supporting decision-making and coordinating priorities across teams and stakeholders.
• Maintain operational discipline and drive accountability within the IT organization.
• Improve processes and support organizational performance measurement.

Requirements

• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in operations, administration, project management, business management, or organizational leadership.
• Experience managing budgets, financial planning, vendor relationships, and operational processes.
• Demonstrated success supporting senior executives and leading cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting a CIO/CDIO, executive leadership team, or technology organization.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or complex multi-stakeholder environments.
• Knowledge of project portfolio management, governance, and organizational performance measurement.
• Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration (MPA), Higher Education, or a related field.
• PMP, Lean, Six Sigma, or related professional certification.