Vice President for Information Technology

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC), a comprehensive public university located in the nation’s capital, seeks an energetic, forward-thinking, and student-centered leader to serve as its first Vice President for Information Technology (VPIT). The successful candidate will advance the University’s mission by leading, directing, and managing all IT plans, schedules, policies, programs, and suppliers in support of the University’s information technology, network communications, operation systems, computer services, and management information systems. This position will be critical to the success of an institution that embraces a mission of identifying and responding to the unique challenges facing urban populations.

The Institution: Founded in 1851, the University of the District of Columbia is a historically black university and the only public university in Washington, D.C. It is also the nation’s only exclusively urban land-grant university, with a unique focus on enhancing the quality of life for urban populations and building bridges to span the educational gaps that divide communities. UDC enrolled approximately 5,000 students pre-COVID from the local region, nearly every state in the nation, and more than 80 foreign countries. Students matriculate in associate, baccalaureate, graduate/professional, and law degree programs as well as workforce training and professional programs. Embracing its essence as a public, historically black, urban-focused, land-grant university in the nation’s capital, UDC is dedicated to serving the needs of the community of the District of Columbia and producing lifelong learners who are transformational leaders in the workforce. At a point of historic stability, the University is poised to build and enhance operations in the pursuit of customized, innovative, and supportive education to elevate any person. Through the current UDC strategic plan, The Equity Imperative, the University is positioned to be the national model for urban student success and a part of higher education’s leading edge. For additional information about the University, please visit www.udc.edu

The Position: Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Vice President for Information Technology serves as the principal technology and information leader for the University, providing the vision and management for developing and implementing information technology strategies and initiatives across UDC. The VPIT will be a key leader and collaborative partner, working with other academic and administrative leaders to further institutional goals and outcomes as well as address and maintain crucial IT-related academic requirements of the different colleges and schools at the University.  In addition to driving operational excellence through improved business processes and enterprise systems, the VPIT takes a lead in managing cybersecurity, improving access to critical information needed to support decision-making, and ensuring the most effective use of institutional resources. The VPIT will benefit from an existing mature Institutional Capacity and Readiness Taskforce governance structure at UDC that taps the support and expertise of key university leaders and provides both a significant budgeted portfolio for new investment and institutional support for life-cycle replacement. The VPIT is the key executive accountable for all information systems at UDC, ensuring technology support to meet the needs of the University. The VPIT provides leadership and also develops and manages resources related to personnel, budget, and technology for the delivery of effective information technology and networking services. The VPIT evaluates the unit’s performance and progress toward goals and objectives, develops a talent strategy that anticipates the unit’s staffing needs, and establishes effective processes, procedures, and reporting metrics. 

Qualifications: The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator with outstanding interpersonal skills and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and creating and maintaining inclusive learning and work environments. In addition, the VPIT will be an experienced IT professional with budget management experience. The successful candidate will possess leadership experience within a complex organization with multiple stakeholders. Such experience will include strategic planning, project planning, visioning, and process transformation. The successful candidate must also have an understanding of and appreciation for higher education, demonstrating either direct experience in a college or university setting or the ability to translate their experience to the higher education setting.  Ideally, the new VPIT will be a visionary and strategic thinker with experience leading change, developing IT strategy, and balancing innovation, operations, and financial needs. A bachelor’s degree and five years of experience in the information technology field is required; a master’s degree is preferred.

Location: The University of the District of Columbia is located in the heart of the nation’s capital. One of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, with rich cultural, educational, and political traditions, the District is also within driving distance of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chesapeake Bay. In addition to its many green spaces, museums, and historical points of interest, Washington, D.C. is home to thriving art and entertainment venues, international cuisine, as well as professional and amateur sporting events and teams.

Application: Interested candidates should submit only a cover letter and resume to RPA Inc. at itudc@rpainc.org. For a confidential discussion about this opportunity or to make a nomination, please contact Kira Heath, Search Manager, or Isaac Karaffa, Vice President and Senior Consultant, at the email address above. The review of candidates will begin on April 19, 2021, and first-round interviews will commence thereafter. 

The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.