SU SYSTEM | Chief Information Officer | Position Type: Full-Time Unclassified | Salary: Competitive | Application Deadline: March 13, 2026
Position Description:
This position reports to the Chief Financial Officer of the Southern University System.
The Chief Information Officer provides the technology vision and leadership in the development and implementation of the University’s information technology programs. The CIO of OTA will ensure systems meet the university’s needs and align with its strategic vision and the needs of its stakeholders. The CIO of OTA will ensure the technological infrastructure and all digital information are secure and that assets and systems are fully protected to maximize productivity and drive innovation that benefits students, faculty, and staff. This position is also responsible for protecting the security, confidentiality, integrity, and availability of University data and information systems. The CIO serves as a member of the CFO’s Leadership Team and must contribute to advancing the strategic direction of all Academic and Administrative Technologies at the university.
Position Responsibilities:
- Provides direct leadership for all IT services at the university and oversees all OTA staff in support of the network and its security, programming, desktop support, help desk, web services, information, and infrastructure support services. academic technology, classroom technology, computer labs and research computing, organized technology training and user assistance, telecommunications and other technology-related resources;
- Leads through active participation in campus-wide Technology governance and planning; provides effective service as liaison for stakeholders in campus administrative services on computing, data storage, and applications.
- Coordinates delivery of information technologies, applications, and services necessary to meet the highest level of user expectations through a blend of technical and administrative experience with strong communication and leadership ability.
- Leads IT strategic planning, utilizing knowledge of current trends and future directions of information technology, in support of the University’s mission and goals.
- Engages and educates Southern University System leadership and stakeholders to identify needs and establish proposed strategic priorities.
- Participates and coordinates in campus-wide assessments of research and administrative computing and infrastructure needs.
- Develops and maintains an effective OTA workforce with the appropriate mix of business knowledge and competencies in key technology areas.
- Builds a team dedicated to continuous improvement and exemplary customer service.
- Oversees technology and security aspects of proposal development for new and established programs.
- Oversees the contracting and performance of OTA service suppliers.
- Consults with stakeholders on project needs and identifies solutions for computing aspects of proposals.
- Ensures provision of necessary security certifications, audits, and other required IT oversight.
- Ensures systems can be restored or accessed in the event of a security incident or natural disaster.
- Strengthens the University’s preparedness, timely response, and rapid recovery in the event of a cyberattack, natural disaster, or other emergency.
- Provide opportunities for University students to gain Technology experience supporting campus technology operations.
Position Requirements:
- Leadership and management experience in OTA
- Knowledge of educational delivery systems;
- Experience implementing and deploying a relational database proprietary product, such as Banner by Ellucian;
- Demonstrated experience and recognition as a visionary leader in the field with a passion for creativity and a record of innovation;
- Demonstrated experience championing and providing superior service;
- Experience creating and implementing an organizational vision and mission aligned with institutional priorities;
- Experience promoting an effective professional development process, developing managers and staff who can meet or exceed operational and service goals;
- Knowledge of security issues, policy development, contract negotiations, legal issues regarding technology and technology applications, and business continuity;
- Experience supporting network and media infrastructure, systems development and application, along with web and client support;
- Experience making research-based, data-driven decisions, maximizing the use of computing and communication technology resources, and preparing, analyzing, and interpreting reports;
- Ability to recognize the transformative nature of technology and effectively promote the invaluable role it should play within the university environment.
Other Functions and Responsibilities:
- Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned; some evening, weekend, and holiday hours are required.
Supervision Exercised:
- Supervision is exercised over all technology areas on the campuses of the Southern University System.
- Provides leadership on the Chief Financial Officer’s Leadership Team and the office of Information Technology (OTA) at all levels of campus governance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Information Technology Management, Business Administration, Management, or a related field. (Relevant experience may be substituted for degree requirements.)
- 7-10 years of successful senior-level management experience in higher education that includes telecommunications, networking, instructional technology, ERP systems, distance education, and administrative applications.
- Demonstrated record of managing people in a dynamic and complex environment.
- Strong ability to build relationships with stakeholders. Confident, outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, comfortable maintaining high visibility and working effectively with a broad constituency.
HOW TO APPLY:
Send all applications and attachments to: [email protected]
APPLICATIONS SHOULD INCLUDE:
- A cover letter of interest detailing experience and alignment with the role.
- A comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV) or resume highlighting expertise and accomplishments.
- Full contact information (name, phone number, and email) for three professional references
For Confidential Inquiries Contact:
Dr. Amanda Washington Lockett – [email protected]
Jessica Horton – [email protected]
Dr. Will Anyu – [email protected]
A criminal background check and reference verification are required.
EEO/ADA Statement: The Southern University System complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal, state, and local laws. Southern University and A&M College forbids discriminating or harassing conduct that is based on an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, membership in uniformed services, and all other categories protected by applicable federal and state laws. This commitment applies to but is not limited to decisions concerning hiring and promotion, the administration of educational programs and policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other college-administered programs. Discriminatory acts of any kind are strictly forbidden.
