What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director for Information Technology, College of Natural Sciences position at The University of Texas at Austin?
Job Posting Title:
Executive Director for Information Technology, College of Natural Sciences
College of Natural Sciences
All Applicants
40
Exempt
Apr 01, 2025
Expected to Continue
UT MAIN CAMPUS
General Notes
About The University of Texas at Austin What starts here changes the world. Founded in 1883, The University of Texas at Austin ranks among the top 40 best universities globally, with national programs across 19 colleges and schools. By creating educational opportunities for all and leading cutting-edge research at scale, the university fosters positive social change, technological advancement, and economic progress, proving that change really does start here.
About The College of Natural Sciences Discovery starts here in the College of Natural Sciences, where we are changing the world through transformative experiences, education and research. Our dedicated team of nearly 2,000 staff and faculty work together to support educational and research excellence in Texas. Join us and pave the way for the next generation of leaders and breakthroughs in science, technology, and mathematics.
Recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Large Employers, UT Austin offers outstanding employee benefits and total rewards packages, including:
Purpose
The Executive Director for Information Technology within the College of Natural Sciences will be responsible for the strategic direction, management, and execution of information technology (IT) resources and initiatives. The role will lead the IT department in supporting the college’s strategic plan and mission of community, discovery, and impact at scale by ensuring the effective use of technology across all research, education, and administrative functions. This position will collaborate with university IT leadership for comprehensive cybersecurity measures and IT risk management. The ideal candidate will be both hands-on and visionary, bringing solutions that meet day-to-day needs while offering consistency, scale, reliability, and simplicity to the institution.
Responsibilities
OPEN
Working Conditions
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left-hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled into your application. The application is one page, and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
Employment Eligibility:
Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.
Retirement Plan Eligibility:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Pay Transparency:
The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
Employment Eligibility Verification:
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:
Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.
The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.
Executive Director for Information Technology, College of Natural Sciences
College of Natural Sciences
All Applicants
40
Exempt
Apr 01, 2025
Expected to Continue
UT MAIN CAMPUS
General Notes
About The University of Texas at Austin What starts here changes the world. Founded in 1883, The University of Texas at Austin ranks among the top 40 best universities globally, with national programs across 19 colleges and schools. By creating educational opportunities for all and leading cutting-edge research at scale, the university fosters positive social change, technological advancement, and economic progress, proving that change really does start here.
About The College of Natural Sciences Discovery starts here in the College of Natural Sciences, where we are changing the world through transformative experiences, education and research. Our dedicated team of nearly 2,000 staff and faculty work together to support educational and research excellence in Texas. Join us and pave the way for the next generation of leaders and breakthroughs in science, technology, and mathematics.
Recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Large Employers, UT Austin offers outstanding employee benefits and total rewards packages, including:
- Competitive health benefits
- Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
- Teachers Retirement System of Texas (a defined benefit retirement plan) as well as additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
Purpose
The Executive Director for Information Technology within the College of Natural Sciences will be responsible for the strategic direction, management, and execution of information technology (IT) resources and initiatives. The role will lead the IT department in supporting the college’s strategic plan and mission of community, discovery, and impact at scale by ensuring the effective use of technology across all research, education, and administrative functions. This position will collaborate with university IT leadership for comprehensive cybersecurity measures and IT risk management. The ideal candidate will be both hands-on and visionary, bringing solutions that meet day-to-day needs while offering consistency, scale, reliability, and simplicity to the institution.
Responsibilities
- IT Strategy Development: Create and implement IT strategies that support the college’s academic, research, and administrative goals.
- Support for Research and Learning: Collaborate with faculty, education, and researchers to provide IT solutions that enable cutting-edge research and support innovative teaching methods.
- Team Leadership and Development: Lead, mentor and develop a team of IT professionals to ensure the reliability, security, and efficiency of college-wide systems and infrastructure. Foster a collaborative and growth-oriented team culture focused on delivering exceptional service.
- Data Management and Security: Implement and uphold policies for secure and ethical handling of academic, research, and administrative data.
- Fostering Innovation: Inspire a forward-thinking IT culture that champions progress and creativity, aligning technology initiatives with the institution’s mission to advance education and research. Leverage AI-driven solutions to spearhead transformative projects, streamlining operations, driving data-informed decision-making, and unlocking new efficiencies. Seek out emerging learning technologies, including intelligent tools and systems, to enhance productivity.
- Budget Management: Manage budgets and technology investments, ensuring responsible allocation of resources and alignment with institutional priorities.
- Collaboration with Stakeholders: Engage with administrative leaders, faculty, researchers, staff, and students to align technology initiatives with the college’s mission, ensuring the needs of a large and diverse community are met. Represent CNS in university-wide initiatives and maintain relationships with external vendors and technology partners.
- Risk and Crisis Management: Partner with Information Technology Services (ITS) to develop and execute plans for college disaster recovery, system outages, and other potential IT-related risks.
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 10 years of progressive responsibility in an information technology role.
- At least 5 years of proven IT leadership experience, including direct management of IT staff, preferably within a large university or public agency.
- Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, project management, and budget management.
- Proficiency in data management, security and compliance best practices.
- Proven track record of developing and implementing IT strategies, defining requirements, and managing projects.
- Outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Commitment to providing excellent customer service, with a focus on understanding and meeting the needs of all partners.
- Master’s degree in information technology, computer science, or related field.
- In-depth knowledge of UT Austin policies, procedures, and business applications.
OPEN
Working Conditions
- May work in standard office conditions
- Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
- Use of manual dexterity
- Work outside standard office hours could be required occasionally during peak periods and special events.
- Resume/CV
- 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
- Letter of interest
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left-hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled into your application. The application is one page, and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
Employment Eligibility:
Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.
Retirement Plan Eligibility:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Pay Transparency:
The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
Employment Eligibility Verification:
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:
- E-Verify Poster (English) [PDF]
- E-Verify Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
- Right To Work Poster (English) [PDF]
- Right To Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.
The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.
