Director of Information Technology

Job Level
Senior position
Job Category
Director
Sector
  • Technology
Job Status
Areas of Responsibility
  • Information Technology
Reporting to the Associate Dean for Finance and Operations, the Director of Information Technology (IT) provides leadership, vision, and management to the IT department. The incumbent is responsible for the overall planning, organizing, and execution of all IT functions for the administrative units of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) including on-line application processes; electronic document management; support and maintenance of the GSAS server infrastructure (hosted VM instances), desktop computers and other hardware; report development, IT vendor relations, software issues; and the development of new technical solutions. Oversees the proper functioning of IT and AV equipment in all GSAS spaces. Responsible for GSAS compliance with all relevant IT and security policies. 

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: 

Responsible for the GSAS server infrastructure, desktop computers, telecommunications, and related IT hardware. Ensures the integrity and continual operation of GSAS external services, including CRM, Drupal, and VM infrastructure. Responsible for deploying, monitoring, maintaining, developing, upgrading, securing, and supporting of GSAS IT systems, including servers, PCs, operating systems, telephones, software applications, and peripherals. Oversees the smooth functioning of IT and AV equipment in all GSAS spaces. Responsible for the ordering, acquisition, inventorying, and disposition of hardware and software. Works collaboratively with other University IT departments to deliver IT services and support. Provides expertise and support during system upgrades, installations, conversions, and file maintenance. 

Alongside the Associate Dean for Finance and Operations, establishes data requirements and designs, develops, produces, and maintains queries and reports to support GSAS business functions and data analysis needs. Supports the development of the GSAS CRM, including the creation of workflows, forms, entities, and elements. Writes custom code for CRM customization and integrates the CRM with other data sources using CRM connector tools. Provides recommendations to maintain and improve data integrity and works with GSAS offices to implement and track such efforts. Develops and implements all IT policies and procedures, including those for architecture, security, standards, purchasing, and service provision. Develops and maintains a business recovery plan. Manages compliance for administrative software licenses and with all relevant internal and external IT and data security policies. Communicates regularly with executive management and GSAS staff regarding IT issues. 

Analyzes business needs and recommends technical solutions. Provides expertise and support for GSAS on-line applications. Works with GSAS offices, particularly the Admissions Office, to develop, maintain, and troubleshoot electronic data feeds across various systems. Develops and implements custom IT solutions to GSAS business needs as required. Oversees the provision of end-user services, including help desk and technical support services. Ensures the creation and maintenance of all written IT documentation, including manuals, agreements, and documentation of modifications and upgrades. In conjunction with the Associate Dean for Finance and Operations, negotiates and administers IT vendor and consultant contracts and service agreements. Develops standard operating procedures and best practices. Works with GSAS staff to develop strategies and plans to enhance client services, improve user effectiveness, and foster innovation. 

Improves and acquires skill through self-training and approved courses. Keeps current with the latest technologies. Creates and maintains professional relationships within and outside Columbia University to assist with GSAS technology plans and personal skill development. Other related duties as assigned.  

Bachelor's degree or equivalent and a minimum of four years' related experience required.  
Demonstrated experience with maintaining, upgrading, and securing a complex server infrastructure required. 

Must be detail oriented, able to collaborate with a variety of people, and present a positive customer service attitude. Requires excellent attention to detail, good judgment, excellent organizational and project management skills, excellent oral and written communication skills, and strong interpersonal communication skills. 

Accuracy in handling detailed work and excellent follow-through required. Demonstrated organizational ability, including ability to work under pressure and on deadline. Sensitivity in handling confidential material required.  

**Interested individuals must supply a resume and a cover letter to be considered an applicant.**  

 
Advanced degree strongly preferred. Experience with on-line application systems and electronic document management systems highly desired. Ability to promote innovative workflow management a plus. Preference for individuals with knowledge of federal privacy and information security regulations. Familiarity and experience with AV equipment support highly desired. Strong reporting skills (Business Objects, Crystal Reports, Business Intelligence) highly desired. Demonstrated experience in maintaining accurate data across several integrated systems highly desired. Experience in the following is also highly desired: Salesforce Admin with knowledge of VisualForce and APEX, FormAssembly, Active Directory, development skills including Python and Javascript, Drupal, Windows Service 2016, and SQL.  
TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT (35%) - Responsible for the GSAS server infrastructure, desktop computers, telecommunications, and related IT hardware. Ensures the integrity and continual operation of GSAS external services, including CRM, Drupal, and VM infrastructure. Responsible for deploying, monitoring, maintaining, developing, upgrading, securing, and supporting of GSAS IT systems, including servers, PCs, operating systems, telephones, software applications, and peripherals. Oversees the smooth functioning of IT and AV equipment in the Graduate Student Center, Graduate Writing Studio, and other GSAS spaces. Responsible for the ordering, acquisition, inventorying, and disposition of hardware and software. Works collaboratively with other University IT departments to deliver IT services and support. Provides expertise and support during system upgrades, installations, conversions, and file maintenance. 

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING (35%) - Alongside the Associate Dean for Finance and Operations, establishes data requirements and designs, develops, produces, and maintains queries and reports to support GSAS business functions and data analysis needs. Supports the development of the GSAS CRM, including the creation of workflows, forms, entities, and elements. Writes custom code for CRM customization and integrates the CRM with other data sources using CRM connector tools. Provides recommendations to maintain and improve data integrity and works with GSAS offices to implement and track such efforts. Develops and implements all IT policies and procedures, including those for architecture, security, standards, purchasing, and service provision. Develops and maintains a business recovery plan. Manages compliance for administrative software licenses and with all relevant internal and external IT and data security policies. Communicates regularly with executive management and GSAS staff regarding IT issues. 

TECHNICAL SUPPORT (20%) - Analyzes business needs presented by GSAS offices and recommends technical solutions. Provides expertise and support for GSAS on-line applications including the admissions and fellowship applications. Works with GSAS offices, particularly the Office of Admissions, to develop, maintain, and troubleshoot electronic data feeds across various systems. Develops and implements custom IT solutions to GSAS business needs as required. Oversees the provision of end-user services, including help desk and technical support services. Ensures the creation and maintenance of all written IT documentation, including manuals, agreements, and documentation of modifications and upgrades. Under the supervision of the Associate Dean for Finance and Operations, negotiates and administers IT vendor and consultant contracts and service agreements. Develops standard operating procedures and best practices, including providing written protocols and guidance to IT staff and to end-users. Works with GSAS staff to develop strategies and pla.ns to enhance client services, improve user effectiveness, and foster innovation.  

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (5%) - Improves and acquires skill sets through self-training and approved courses to move forward with advances in technology. Keeps current with the latest technologies. Creates and maintains professional relationships within and outside Columbia University to assist with GSAS technology plans and personal skill development. 

Other relevant duties as assigned. (5%)