REQUIREMENTS

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Several years of progressive experience in IT leadership roles, preferably in a post-secondary institution or an organization of similar complexity, and a track record in the implementation of large digital infrastructure projects.
• An enterprise systems mindset and a track record of identifying and removing barriers to efficiency and responsiveness.
• Strong knowledge of information security and risk management best practices.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and a deep focus on, and commitment to, excellence in customer service.
• Evidence of significant strategic leadership and operational management of Information Services in a dynamic and complex environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of trends in information technology advancements and their application to the core business of the University in addressing relevant issues such as infrastructure, academic data, and security.
• A track record of strategic planning experience, encompassing conceptual and analytical skills, the ability to set direction and use sound judgement to make critical decisions that are aligned with the overall strategic direction of the University.
• Past leadership of initiatives to steer institutional performance including the development and implementation of technology-related organizational initiatives.
• Experience presenting to and supporting Board committees; possesses knowledge of governance structures.
• Strong relationship building skills to work co- operatively in partnership with a variety of individuals and groups at all levels within the University and externally in industry and in the broader community.
• Effective negotiation skills.
• Drive, commitment, and passion for the mission of the University and its values.

GENERAL PURPOSE

The CIO is an institution-wide leader, advocate, and steward of the University’s educational, research, outreach, and administrative initiatives through leadership of the institution’s central and shared IT units and by leading IT-related initiatives.
Reporting directly to the Vice President (Finance and Operations) (VPFO) and working closely with members of the University’s Leadership Team, the CIO establishes clear IT priorities and related metrics in alignment with the institutional and academic objectives of the University.
As a member of the University Leadership Team, the VPFO’s Leadership Team, and the IT Governance Committee, the CIO serves as a catalyst and leader for fostering a campus-wide IT community committed to working collectively through the delivery, support, and maintenance of academic, administrative, and general campus IT services.
The University of Guelph’s IT Strategy (https://www.uoguelph.ca/cio/it-strategy-summary) provides the roadmap for IT services at the institution; a key priority for the incoming CIO will be the development of our future IT Strategy which will algin to our overall strategic plan and charts the course for our institution’s IT and digital future.
The CIO provides leadership to Computing and Communications Services (CCS), which is the University’s central IT unit, and shares responsibility for various IT units distributed across campus through co-reporting relationships with other Vice-Presidents, Deans, and Associate Vice-Presidents. A key component of maintaining these relationships is through participation in various IT governance groups.