The Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer (CIO) provides strategic vision, leadership, and hands-on engagement in aligning the needs of students, faculty, and staff with innovative and effective information technology solutions. This position oversees the development and implementation of the College’s technology plan, providing direction and oversight for computing and telecommunications systems and services that support institutional priorities.
In addition to setting strategy, the CIO is expected to be an active, engaged leader—willing to work alongside the team, troubleshoot challenges, and contribute directly to solutions when needed. This position serves as a member of the Executive Council, playing a key role in advancing the College’s mission through both leadership and operational excellence.
- Provides leadership, vision and management to the division of Information Technology.
- Hires, supervises, trains, and evaluates a team of information technology professionals, leading from within the team by providing clear direction, hands-on support, and shared accountability for outcomes.
- Responsible for all the College technology solutions, including network and systems, telecommunication systems, media equipment and systems, servers (and server management), along with technical support for the College students and staff.
- Responsible for the revision and compliance with the College's Technology Plan.
- Leads the development, design, compatibility and implementation of new applications and changes to existing computer systems and software packages.
- Meets with stakeholders to assess new computing technologies and the feasibility of system enhancements to determine potential value for the College.
- Ensures the continual functioning of mission critical operations.
- Develops, reviews and evaluates all backup and disaster recovery procedures and plans specific to areas of responsibility.
- Provides leadership on all technology-related aspects of College construction and renovation projects.
- Provides project coordination, planning and leadership for all technology projects ensuring scope and direction of each project is on schedule and within budget.
- Participates in appropriate committees and task forces as assigned.
- Performs other job-related duties and projects, as assigned, in support of the College's mission.
Additional Duties
Supervisory Responsibilities
Serves as the executive supervisor for all Information Technology employees.
Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the institution’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
- Knowledge and understanding of the current and developing strategic information requirements of a higher educational institution.
- Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management.
- Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
- Strategic planning and advanced leadership skills.
- Knowledge and understanding of the academic and administrative functions of a higher educational institution.
- Ability to lead and direct technical and administrative staff.
- Ability to identify and secure alternative funding/revenue sources.
- Ability to provide strategic guidance and counsel to clientele in the assessment and development of existing and/or proposed systems.
- Advanced working understanding of the information technology environment of a higher educational institution.
- Ability to develop requests for and evaluate proposals in reference to leading-edge information services technology.
- Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
- Organizational planning and development skills.
- Knowledge of financial/business analysis techniques.
- Knowledge of current trends and developments in information technology.
Physical Demands
This job requires continuous talking or hearing, frequently standing, sitting, and walking, frequently reaching with hands and arms, frequently gripping, or feeling with hands, typing/repetitive movement, occasionally climbing or balancing, occasionally stooping or kneeling.
Working Conditions
- Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment with limited exposure to physical risk.
Health and Safety Standards
All employees of Piedmont Community College who must enter an outside agency for the purpose of their work will be expected to adhere to the health and safety standards of that agency. This includes background checks, vaccinations, or any other requirements set forth by the agency.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or related area from an accredited institution required (Master’s degree preferred); at least 10 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Experience in a North Carolina Community College System institution required.
Licenses and Certificates: Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO) certification preferred.
Specialized Training: Current information technology industry-recognized certification in one of the functional areas managed such as, networking, security, or infrastructure preferred.
