• Director of IT

    Dakota Wesleyan University
    Job Description
    POSITION SUMMARY
    The Director of Information Technology provides strategic leadership and hands-on oversight of DWU’s technology infrastructure, systems, and services. This role ensures that information technology effectively supports the University’s academic mission, administrative operations, long-term strategic goals and is a valued member of the university’s leadership council. The Director leads IT planning, security, and service delivery while fostering a collaborative, service-oriented culture across campus.
     
    ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
    Strategic Leadership & Planning
    • Develop and implement a comprehensive IT strategy aligned with DWU’s mission and institutional priorities.
    • Advise senior leadership on technology trends, risks, and opportunities impacting higher education.
    • Lead technology planning, budgeting, and lifecycle management of systems and infrastructure.
    IT Operations & Infrastructure
    • Oversee campus networks, servers, cloud services, telecommunications, classroom technology, and enterprise systems.
    • Ensure high availability, reliability, and performance of IT services.
    • Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and licensing agreements.
    Cybersecurity & Data Governance
    • Lead cybersecurity strategy, including risk management, incident response, and compliance with applicable regulations (FERPA)
    • Establish and enforce policies related to data security, privacy, access control, and disaster recovery.
    • Oversee backup, business continuity, and disaster recovery planning.
    Academic & Administrative Technology Support
    • Partner with Academic Affairs to support learning management systems, instructional & classroom technology, and faculty innovation.
    • Collaborate with administrative offices (Admissions, Finance, Registrar, Student Life, etc.) to optimize systems, workflows and reporting requirements including knowledge of SQL.
    • Ensure responsive, customer-focused IT support for faculty, staff, and students.
    Team Leadership & Development
    • Lead, and mentor IT staff, fostering professional growth and accountability.
    • Establish clear service standards, documentation, and performance metrics.
    • Promote collaboration, clear communication, and a culture of continuous improvement.
    Policy, Compliance & Documentation
    • Develop and maintain IT policies, procedures, and standards.
    • Ensure compliance with accreditation, audit, and regulatory requirements related to technology and data.
     
    REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
    • Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible IT experience or bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or a related field.
    • Demonstrated knowledge of enterprise systems, networks, cybersecurity, and IT service management.
    • Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences.
    • Proven ability to manage budgets, vendors, and multiple priorities.
     
    PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
    • Leadership and supervisory experience.
    • Experience in higher education or a mission-driven organization.
     
    Work Environment & Expectations
    • Primarily on-campus with occasional evening or weekend availability as needed.
    • On-call availability for major system outages or security incidents.
     
    Contact Information
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