Chief Information Technology Officer

Chief Information Technology Officer

Job ID: 285105
Location: Columbus State University
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular

About Us

Great universities inspire the very best in us. They nurture new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative problem-solving. They challenge students to discover their passions - and to turn those passions into thriving careers that improve our world.

Columbus State University is exactly that kind of place. With exceptional facilities, ideal class sizes, and unique field experiences, our students have room to create. Here, every faculty and staff member is part of the educational process, actively mentoring students and championing each new step in their journey.

Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia and offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees. Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays (if applicable). Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today.

Department Information

University Information and Technology Services

Job Summary

Columbus State University (CSU) seeks a forward-thinking, results-driven Chief Information Technology Officer (CITO) to lead a comprehensive digital transformation aligned with the Better Together 2030 strategic plan. The CITO serves as the university's senior technology executive and a key member of the President's Executive Leadership Team, providing strategic vision, leadership, and execution for all IT systems and services.

This pivotal role oversees the full life cycle management of university technology assets, including infrastructure, software systems, and emerging platforms. The CITO also leads the implementation of the Workday ERP system, the decommissioning of legacy platforms such as PeopleSoft, and the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance operations, student success, and institutional innovation.

Partnering with senior leadership, faculty, staff, and students, the CITO will modernize CSU's technology landscape to ensure robust cybersecurity, operational efficiency, and academic excellence. The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution, offering deep expertise in higher education systems and a proven ability to lead complex change with collaboration and clarity.

Responsibilities

Significant Duties & Responsibilities include: Strategic IT Leadership and Planning (20%) - Develops and executes a university-wide IT strategy that supports CSU's academic, research, and operational priorities, serving as a trusted advisor to the President's Executive Leadership Team on technology, cybersecurity, and data governance.; Digital Transformation and ERP Implementation (25%) - Directs the phased transition from PeopleSoft to Workday ERP across Finance, HR, and Student Information functions, managing system configuration, data migration, user training, change management, and legacy system decommissioning.; Technology Asset and Software Life Cycle Management (10%) - Oversees the acquisition, deployment, maintenance, and retirement of all university technology assets and software systems, ensuring fiscal responsibility, sustainability, and alignment with strategic priorities.; Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology (15%) - Identifies and implements AI-driven tools (e.g., automation, virtual assistants, analytics) to streamline operations, enhance student outcomes, and support decision-making, ensuring ethical use and data privacy.; IT Governance, Operations, and Cybersecurity (20%) - Oversees IT operations, infrastructure, enterprise applications, classroom technologies, and cybersecurity, ensuring compliance with USG policies and regulations (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA, GLBA).; Team Member Skill Development and Organizational Leadership (5%) - Provides vision and mentorship to the University Information and Technology Services (UITS) team, designing professional development programs to build expertise in emerging technologies, ERP systems, and leadership skills.; Budget and Resource Management (5%) - Prepares and monitors the IT budget, negotiates vendor contracts, and optimizes resources to maximize return on investment.

Required Qualifications

Required Qualifications include: Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field.; Minimum of 10 years of progressive IT leadership experience, with significant expertise in higher education.; Demonstrated success integrating AI tools and digital platforms in a complex organizational context.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications include: Master's degree preferred.; Direct experience leading a successful ERP implementation (preferably Workday).; Advanced certifications such as CISSP, PMP, or ITIL, and a strong record of digital transformation leadership.

Proposed Salary

The proposed annualized salary range for this position is $160,000 - $195,000 and includes full benefits.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities include: Proven Skills in - Strategic planning, project management, and organizational leadership., Negotiating with vendors and contractors to secure favorable terms., Budget preparation, forecasting, and financial oversight., Leading diverse teams in dynamic environments., Communicating complex technical concepts to diverse audiences., Managing technology life cycles and enterprise software platforms., Designing and delivering training for technical and non-technical teams.; Demonstrated Ability to - Build strong relationships across the university, from students to executive leadership., Inspire and lead IT teams to achieve operational and strategic goals., Implement and support ERP and AI systems in higher education., Translate technical language into actionable insight for non-technical stakeholders., Align advanced technologies (e.g., AI, Workday, cloud platforms) with institutional strategy., Foster a culture of continuous improvement and inclusive innovation.; Desired Competencies - Strategic mindset with an ability to translate vision into execution., Collaborative leadership style with change management experience., Evidence of delivering technology solutions that improve student and institutional outcomes., Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in technology practices and team culture.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources via email at

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at .

Institutional Values
•  Excellence: Actively engaging outstanding methods in teaching, academic discovery, creative pursuits, student success, cultural enrichment and the overall campus community.
•  Creativity: Pursuing distinction through inquiry and innovation, challenging convention and focusing on solutions.
•  Engagement: Dynamic civic involvement and participation of students, faculty, staff and alumni in the university experience.
•  Sustainability: Advancing fiscal responsibility, well-being, innovation, lifelong learning and environmental stewardship.
•  Inclusion: Cultivating and championing a campus environment that welcomes diverse backgrounds, ideas, perspectives and practices.
•  Servant Leadership: Leading through ethical empowerment and service. Conditions of Employment

All selected candidates are required to submit and successfully pass a background investigation to include reference checks and verification of academic credentials (if applicable). Other additional requirements may be required based upon specific position duties:
•  A credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage;
•  Pre-employment drug testing for positions with high-risk responsibilities.
•  Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive a Columbus State University fleet vehicle or other vehicle designated as a fleet vehicle. A successful drug screening will be required as a condition of employment a randomly thereafter. Applicants for positions of trust may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment.

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