Chief Information Officer

Job Title:

Chief Information Officer

Location:

Savannah State Recruiting Loc

Regular/Temporary:

Regular

Full/Part Time:

Full-Time

Job ID:

298811

About Us

Savannah State University established in 1890, is the first public historically black college or university in the state of Georgia and the first institution of higher learning in the city of Savannah. The university's students select majors from five colleges:

• Business Administration
• Education
• Engineering and Computing
• Media, Arts, and Communication
• Science and Humanities

The campus is by far the most picturesque in the state of Georgia. The moss-laden sweeping oak trees, expansive marsh and historic architecture create a resplendent yet tranquil atmosphere. Beneath the beauty and splendor is a vibrant residential campus bursting at the seams with the vim and vigor of quality collegiate life: relevant academic majors, engaging lectures, cutting-edge research, quality student-faculty engagement and a nurturing environment.

Job Summary

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) provides executive leadership for the University's strategic use of information technology in support of its mission and institutional goals. Reporting to the Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs, the CIO leads and manages the Information Technology Services (ITS) unit, which supports academic and administrative computing, networking and telecommunications, classroom and instructional technology, end user support, and cybersecurity operations.

As the University's principal technology leader, the CIO establishes vision and direction for institution wide IT strategies and initiatives. Because the scope of Information Technology Services spans all colleges and administrative units, the CIO works closely with diverse constituents across the University and must be committed to meeting a broad range of academic and administrative technology needs.

The CIO is responsible for anticipating future technology needs and recommending strategies, priorities, and initiatives that align with and advance the University's strategic objectives.

This position is classified as a position of trust and requires a credit check.

NOTE

: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not offer sponsorship for employment visas.

Responsibilities

Strategic IT Leadership \& Governance (20%)

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, university-wide IT strategy aligned with institutional priorities and strategic plan.
• Serve as a trusted technology leader for the campus community by advancing technology strategy, cybersecurity, data governance, and digital innovation in support of institutional operations, academic excellence, and student success.
• Establish strong IT governance frameworks, policies, and accountability structures.

Digital Transformation \& ERP Implementation (20%)

• Lead the transition from legacy systems (e.g., PeopleSoft) to modern ERP platforms such as Workday.
• Oversee system configuration, data migration, user adoption, training, and change management.
• Ensure seamless integration across Finance, HR, Student Information Systems, and academic technologies.

Technology Asset \& Lifecycle Management (15%)

• Direct procurement, deployment, maintenance, and retirement of all technology assets.
• Ensure fiscal responsibility, sustainability, and alignment with institutional priorities.
• Optimize enterprise applications and infrastructure investments.

Artificial Intelligence \& Emerging Technologies (10%)

• Identify and implement AI-driven tools to enhance operations, student success, and decision-making.
• Ensure ethical, secure, and responsible use of AI technologies.
• Lead innovation initiatives that position the University as a forward-thinking institution.

IT Operations, Cybersecurity \& Compliance (15%)

• Oversee enterprise IT operations, infrastructure, classroom technologies, and enterprise applications.
• Lead a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy aligned with federal and state regulations (FERPA, HIPAA, GLBA).
• Ensure business continuity, disaster recovery, and risk mitigation.

Organizational Leadership \& Talent Development (15%)

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development for IT staff.
• Build a high-performing, future-ready technology organization.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Budget \& Resource Management (5%)

• Develop and manage the IT budget.
• Negotiate vendor contracts and partnerships.
• Maximize return on investment across all technology initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, business administration, or a related field, with 10\+ years of progressively responsible IT leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success leading and supervising IT teams, including workforce development, collaboration, and performance management.
• Proven experience managing enterprise-level IT initiatives, including strategic planning, systems architecture, ERP platforms, telecommunications, data systems, web technologies, and IT service delivery.
• Demonstrated expertise in cybersecurity and information assurance, including security governance, risk management, compliance, incident response, disaster recovery, and protection of sensitive and regulated data.
• Broad knowledge of current and emerging technologies, including computing infrastructure, networking, cloud solutions, AI, and cybersecurity best practices.
• Strong fiscal management experience, including IT budgeting, forecasting, resource allocation, and cost-effective investment planning.
• Experience negotiating, managing, and evaluating vendor, contractor, and third-party service relationships.
• Demonstrated understanding of how technology supports teaching, learning, research, and administrative operations.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with a demonstrated commitment to transparency, customer service, and cross-campus collaboration.
• High degree of professional judgment, initiative, and adaptability, with the ability to operate effectively in a complex, evolving institutional environment.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle highly sensitive and personal information with sound judgement, tact and discretion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a closely related field
• Significant professional experience in a higher education IT environment.
• Experience implementing methods and processes to systematically define, measure and improve the development and delivery of IT services.
• Experience establishing or working in a mature IT governance structure that guides priorities and maintains IT's alignment with institutional priorities.

Proposed Salary

The proposed salary range for this position is $138,000\.00 to $143,000\.00 annually.

Knowledge, Skills, \& Abilities

• Strategic planning, organizational leadership, and change management
• Strong financial acumen and budget oversight
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable insights
• Expertise in enterprise systems, cloud platforms, and cybersecurity frameworks
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and large-scale initiatives

Apply Before Date

Review of applications will begin upon receipt. For best consideration, apply by June 15, 2026\.

Contact Information

For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources at [email protected]. For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251\.2644, or email [email protected].

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8\.2\.18\.1\.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8\.2\.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6\.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653\.

Institutional Values

At Savannah State University, five core values shape everything we do:

• Belonging - Building a community where all voices are valued and respected.
• Collaboration - Working together across disciplines and communities for shared success.
• Discovery - Pursuing knowledge, research, and exploration that expand horizons.
• Excellence - Committing to superior achievement in every endeavor.
• Resilience - Rising stronger through challenges with determination and adaptability.

These principles guide our culture, inspire our teams and define the kind of workplace we strive to build; one where every individual can thrive, contribute, and grow.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Savannah State University, as determined by Savannah State University, its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

All employment processes and decisions, including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and tenure, shall be free of ideological tests, affirmations, and oaths, including diversity statements. The basis and determining factor for all such decisions should be that the individual possesses the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the role, and is believed to have the ability to successfully perform the essential functions, responsibilities, and duties associated with the position for which the individual is being considered. At the core of any such decision is ensuring the institution's ability to achieve its mission and strategic priorities in support of student success.

For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy please contact the Savannah State University, Office of Human Resources at [email protected]. Individuals requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [email protected].

Other Information

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• The work is typically performed in an office setting while sitting at a desk or table with intermittent standing, bending, or stooping.
• The work may require lifting light objects up to 15 pounds.
• Periods of overnight travel may be required

Supervisory And Management Responsibility

• This position has direct supervision of up to 6 personnel.
• The position has supervision of the Information Technology Services unit.

Special Applicant Instructions

• Applicants must include a list containing the name, e-mail address and telephone number for three (3) professional references (e.g. supervisor, mentor, colleague).
• Applicants must upload transcript(s) with the application. Unofficial are acceptable. Official transcript(s) required upon hire.