Director, Information Technology

Structure
The Director of Information Technology is an exempt (salaried) position employed by the University of Cincinnati Foundation (UCF) and reports to the Vice President of Technology, Information & Philanthropic Strategy (TIPS).

Focus
The Director of Information Technology is a responsible for aligning that the UC Foundation’s technology resources with its strategic priorities to advance the Foundation’s mission. This role combines strategy and hands-on leadership to ensure IT services are reliable, secure, cost-effective, and user-friendly, while protecting one of the Foundation’s most valuable assets – its data.

The ideal candidate is a creative, driven, and empathetic leader with both technical expertise and a growth mindset. They excel at technical infrastructure & capabilities, problem-solving, and building strong partnerships across diverse teams.

Specific duties

• Partner with the VP to develop & execute a technology strategy that enhances UCF’s fundraising capacity and operational excellence.
• Lead IT operations (systems administration, service desk, ITIL and cyber security) to proactively meet UCF's needs, ensuring collaboration, clear communication, and transparent prioritization.
• Lead a security program, encompassing risk management, incident response, identity and access management, and data security. Serve as UCF’s information security officer.
• Plan, build, and maintain a resilient IT infrastructure, ensuring scalability and performance.
• Participate in IT governance processes to prioritize and manage technology initiatives in alignment with organizational goals.
• Participate in data governance efforts to ensure compliance with PCI, HIPAA, and other regulatory standards while promoting data-driven decision-making.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders including UC IT; fostering a collaborative and balanced relationship that capitalizes on opportunities for shared services when feasible, aligning strategic priorities and problem solving in a collaborative approach.
• Recruit, lead, motivate and manage a team of IT professionals; establish objectives, set performance standards and productivity metrics, and evaluate performance; provide appropriate levels of training, mentoring and professional development. Assign and direct projects and oversee day-to-day operations of the team.
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies to improve internal operations and enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Oversee technical contracts and third-party vendors to ensure cost-effective and efficient technology solutions.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to mature internal operations and work processes using technology.
• Devise, write, establish and monitor IT policies and procedures.
• Model and expect impeccable partnership and excellence when interacting with end-users and partners.
• Serve as the reviewer of technical documents and contracts for third-party vendors to ensure efficient and cost-effective technological equipment and software.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Team and Cultural Expectations

As a member of the TIPS Director’s team, the Senior Director of IT is expected to:

• Model professionalism, civility, and integrity as a leader and peer.
• Build and maintain partnerships within TIPS, the UC Foundation, and UC IT by embracing transparency, collaboration, and open communication.
• Commit to continuous personal and professional development.
• Make decisions with input but not information paralysis.
• Support team morale, advocate for change when necessary, and celebrate success.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 5-7 years of progressive IT leadership experience or advanced degree with 3-5 years of experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing cloud infrastructure, Microsoft 365, and cybersecurity best practices.
• Proficiency with Okta or other cloud identity providers.
• Experience leading, mentoring and building high-performing IT teams.
• Proven ability to design, implement and support enterprise systems.
• Knowledge of IT governance, data governance and change management processes.
• Experience with ITSM and ITIL best practices is a plus.
• Entrepreneurial and innovative mindset with a willingness to challenge assumptions.
• Strong problem-solving, project management and communication skills.
• Ability to build strategic relationships and collaborate across organizational boundaries.
• Experience working in a higher education environment preferred

What We Offer 

This role offers a unique opportunity for a driven professional early in their leadership career to grow within a supportive environment. With access to mentorship, professional development, and meaningful partnerships across the university, the Director of IT will play a vital role in shaping the future of the UC Foundation.

The anticipated starting salary range for the Director of IT role is $120,000-$140,000 annually. When determining the final offer amount the UC Foundation considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, external market data, as well as, market and business considerations when making compensation decisions. 

At the UC Foundation, we understand the importance of providing both a desirable work environment as well as benefits that provide our employee’s peace of mind and work/life balance. We offer a total rewards package inclusive of performance based bonus, as well as, competitive health and wellness benefits, tuition remission, retirement with employer match, paid parental leave, and paid vacation, sick time and holidays, including calendar year-end closing. To learn more, visit our careers page. 

Physical Demands 

This position is considered to have light work. Exerting up to 20lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. This position requires the operation of a motor vehicle. This position also requires:

• Climbing
• Standing
• Walking
• Pushing
• Pulling
• Reaching
• Lifting
• Finger use
• Talking
• Hearing
• Repetitive motion of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, this position is subject to outside environmental conditions and indoor conditions.

Pre-Hire Requirements

The UC Foundation seeks talented, collaborative and mission-focused individuals to join our advancement team in driving philanthropic support for the University of Cincinnati and UC Health. All offers of full-time employment are contingent upon passing a criminal background check and drug test. Positions requiring a degree are also contingent upon education verification.

Salary : $120,000 - $140,000