Special Instructions to Applicants : All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application. A cover letter is optional but welcomed. We suggest the documents be in a PDF format to avoid formatting issues.

Position Summary

The Director of Strategic Services & Operations works closely with the Deputy CIO to facilitate technology strategic planning, research, and ideate and implement innovative capabilities within IT. They are responsible for developing and driving strategic technology initiatives and fostering a culture of innovation. They explore emerging technologies and practices and support the OIT teams in the application of research, administrative, and student services. They will recommend opportunities in service solutions and process improvements and are a key driver of service excellence for the IT organization. This role works closely with the Deputy CIO to establish and manage an IT governance strategy and oversees the Project Planning & Management, Change Enablement, and Campus Services teams to ensure the successful implementation of key OIT initiatives. They will assist with developing and tracking service metrics and OKRs and recommend continuous improvements. This role will help lead a constituent-focused environment based on a culture of care and operational excellence. It will represent the Strategy and Innovation unit in the absence of the CIO when necessary. This role will be part of the OIT Senior Leadership Group, which is responsible for coordinating and implementing the OIT strategy.

A candidate for this role should have experience in an IT strategic leadership role (or support for such a role), ideally within higher education. They should have experience in strategic planning, business case development, road mapping, operational performance improvement, and project management. They will have experience leading, motivating, and developing diverse high-performing teams. They will have prior experience creating, socializing, and achieving service-level metrics, organizational goals, and OKRs. The candidate will have strong communication skills and experience working with all levels of the organization.

Workplace Requirements

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. This role will be expected to be onsite at least 4 days a week until after completing the 6-month probation period. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
• Six or more years of IT leadership experience driving strategic initiatives, fostering innovation, managing governance, and leading diverse cross-functional teams
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
• Skills
  • Strategic planning methodologies
  • Operating models & processes
  • Service design
  • Business case development
  • Strategic plan creation & execution
  • Strategic planning & roadmap development
  • Project coordination & management
  • Service Metric creation and oversight
  • Strong written and verbal communication

Preferences

• PMP certification, Leadership/Coaching certification, ITIL Certification
• MBA
• ITIL Certification
• Prosci certification
• Helpdesk experience
• Experience working in higher education

Essential Functions

• Works with OIT leaders and stakeholders to facilitate the development of new IT strategic plans based on the organization's desired cadence (e.g., 3-year, 5-year)
• As part of the strategic planning process, supports the identification and prioritization of strategic initiatives
• Supports ongoing maintenance, refinement, and success tracking based on metrics identified in the strategic plan
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• Actively conduct research into emerging technologies and best practices; work with Deputy CIO to identify where they can be applied to challenge areas within OIT or to address constituent needs
• Cross-train OIT teams on service-oriented behaviors and support the establishment of new or refined IT service management process
• Support the deputy CIO in cultivating strategic partnerships across functions, departments, external organizations, vendors, and industry experts to bring innovative solutions to the institution
• Support change management and training efforts related to technology initiatives, driving adoption and acceptance from stakeholders
• Support Deputy CIO in project portfolio planning and resource allocation tracking
• Collaborate with IT Campus IT Partners to leverage knowledge and Resources
• Regularly assess IT services, operations, and policies to identify improvement opportunities
• Assist with IT Governance process
• Oversee distribution of External Communications

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

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Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.