Director of IT

Position Summary:

The School of Nursing (SON) is seeking a dynamic and proficient Director of Information Technology (IT) to join our team. This position will lead our IT initiatives and operations for a community of approximately 900 students and 100 faculty and staff. The ideal candidate will be skilled in both Mac and Windows environments and adept at troubleshooting a variety of devices, including computers, iPads, and tablets. This role requires a problem-solver who can work independently with a small team and who thrives in a collaborative environment. Strong communication skills are essential to effectively support our diverse and vibrant academic community.

Key responsibilities include serving as lead in the areas of academic, research, educational, and clinical IT domains in planning, innovation, organizational agility, and service delivery to bring alignment between VCU Technology Services and the SON.

This position provides direct supervision of the SON IT team and plays a key role in the integration, support and coordination across the units by leveraging a broad IT portfolio including:

• AV & Classroom (AVC)
• Client Services (CS)
• Research Systems
• Simulation Technology

Additionally, this position will actively collaborate with VCU Technology Services, the Office of the Senior Vice President for Health Sciences, the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, VCU Health Information Security, Audit & Compliance Services, and numerous other programs to proactively identify risks, drive innovation and implement IT strategies that align with modern industry best practices.

Primary Purpose and General Responsibilities:

• Directs, communicates, integrates and is accountable for the overall success of IT projects, programs, and/or initiatives ensuring alignment with critical strategic priorities across the SON IT portfolio.
• Leads workforce development and analysis efforts as well as IT talent management that includes recruitment, retention, and professional development of the IT workforce.
• Enhance the compliance and risk management posture of the School of Nursing in conjunction with VCU Information Security, Audit and Compliance Services, Procurement, University Counsel, and other stakeholders.
• Proactively identify opportunities, drive innovation and cost-effective IT strategies that align with modern industry best practices.

Core Responsibilities:

IT Management and Governance

• This position is responsible for developing the strategic objectives and goals for the SON IT division. The incumbent will provide leadership with technology solutions in support of the instruction and research missions of the School.
• Provides guidance and collaborates with VCU Technology Services to implement technology solutions for the School and acts as primary liaison to the central IT organizations.
• Recruits and retains highly qualified IT staff and emphasizes professional development of staff.
• Develops and maintains IT budget, in coordination and consultation with the Associate Dean for Business and Administration.

Infrastructure and Data Management

• Identifies and prioritizes system development projects based on priorities set by senior management.
• Implements VCU Information Security Standards, develops and monitors policies related to the use, purchase and allocation of hardware and software.
• Maintains IT infrastructure for the School, including servers.
• Monitors the renewal and replacement/updating of classroom/conference room AV and computer equipment

Employee Performance Management

• Employee expectations are clear, well communicated, and relate to the goals and objectives of the department or unit.
• Staff receive frequent, constructive feedback.
• Staff have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to accomplish goals.
• Ensures all staff meet the requirements of performance management, and complete evaluations by established deadlines with proper documentation.
• Address and document performance issues as they occur.

Software Management

• Manage software licenses for the School.
• Evaluate and submit new software acquisitions and yearly renewals to VCU IT Governance as required.

Risk Management

• Demonstrates a commitment to risk assessment (considering cost, benefit, and impact).
• Utilizes identified internal control mechanisms.

End User Support Management

• Responsible for the computer, software, and audiovisual activities of the School.
• Provides support and direction for end users in the selection and use of hardware/software systems and programs to support a complex research environment.
• Oversees the purchase, installation, and maintenance of all hardware/software for the SON faculty and staff.
• Assists with employee onboarding by ensuring connection to the network is completed with appropriate network access and security levels granted based on position.
• Ensures that all software and hardware modifications are thoroughly tested and documented. Notifies leadership and end-users of changes, as appropriate.
• Oversees the Troubleshooting of hardware/software problems and the implementation of remedial measures to insure optimal working environments are maintained.

Network and Data Management

• Responsible for all aspects of the daily operations, access and security.
• Directs and controls the activities related to data planning and development and the establishment of policies and procedures pertaining to its management, security, maintenance, and utilization.
• Provides effective and efficient storage, retrieval, customization and archiving of data.

Computer Operations Management

• Directs and manages the SON computer inventory, to include servers, communications software and hardware, and audio-visual equipment.
• Plan, organize and support employee needs to accommodate multi-location operations.
• Develops and optimizes IT procedures to meet federal, state, local, and university requirements.

Server Support

• Monitor and maintain SON Windows and Linux servers.
• Upgrade, install, and configure new software to meet VCU and SON IT objectives.
• Implement security protocols and procedures to prevent potential threats.
• Mitigate server vulnerabilities to comply with VCU requirements.
• Performing diagnostic tests and debugging procedures to optimize computer systems.
• Documenting processes.
• Developing data retrieval and recovery procedures.