Director of Information Technology

Job Posting Title:

Director of Information Technology

Job Description:

Overview

The Director of Information Technology reports to the Vice President of Finance and Administration & Chief Financial Officer and serves as the Institute’s senior IT leader responsible for the strategic direction, planning, and operational management of information technology services.

This role provides leadership across all aspects of IT, including infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise applications, service delivery, data governance, and technology planning. In collaboration with the Claremont Colleges consortium, the Director ensures secure, reliable, and innovative technology services that support approximately 1,000 students, faculty, and staff and advance the Institute’s mission.

The Director partners with campus leadership to align technology initiatives with institutional priorities, improve operational effectiveness, and enhance academic and administrative experience.

Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) was founded in 1997 as the first higher education institution in the United States dedicated exclusively to education and research related to the applied life sciences. KGI offers innovative postgraduate degrees and certificates that integrate life and health sciences, business, pharmacy, engineering, and genetics, focusing on industry projects, hands-on industry experiences, and team collaborations. KGI employs an entrepreneurial approach and industry connections that allow students to become leaders in healthcare and the applied life sciences.
 

Located in beautiful Claremont, California, KGI is a member of the Claremont Colleges, a consortium of five undergraduate liberal arts colleges, two graduate institutions, and The Claremont Colleges Services, which provides shared institutional support services. Each nationally recognized college has its own campus, students and faculty, and distinctive mission, and each offers top-notch curricula, small classes, distinguished professors, and personalized instruction. The Claremont Colleges consistently place at the top of national college rankings, including Forbes, Money and U.S.  News and World Report, and the Princeton Review.

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field is required, with a Master’s degree preferred. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in information technology, including demonstrated leadership and management experience. Experience in higher education or similarly complex organizations is strongly preferred. The candidate must also have proven experience in IT operations, cybersecurity, enterprise systems, vendor management, and budgeting. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position may be considered.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Individuals must possess knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential function of the position or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

IT Leadership and Strategy

• Provide strategic leadership for all IT functions, aligning technology initiatives with institutional goals.

• Develop and maintain a multi-year IT roadmap, including infrastructure, systems, and cybersecurity priorities.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on technology trends, risks, and opportunities.

• Lead campus-wide technology planning efforts and support institutional strategic initiatives.

IT Operations and Service Delivery

• Oversee all IT services, including infrastructure, enterprise applications, help desk, and instructional technologies.

• Ensure reliable, secure, and high-performing systems, networks, and services.

• Establish and monitor service levels, performance metrics, and continuous improvement processes.

• Lead incident response and problem management for critical IT issues.

Cybersecurity and Risk Management

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive information security program.

• Lead cybersecurity strategy, risk assessments, and mitigation efforts.

• Oversee incident response, vulnerability management, and security monitoring.

• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, standards, and best practices.

• Coordinate third-party security assessments, audits, and vendor risk management.

• Promote campus-wide security awareness and training programs.

Infrastructure and Enterprise Systems

• Oversee IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, cloud services, and data storage.

• Ensure effective management of enterprise systems and applications supporting academic and administrative functions.

• Lead technology lifecycle planning, including upgrades, replacements, and modernization initiatives.

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery

• Develop and maintain business continuity and disaster recovery plans.

• Conduct regular testing and updates to ensure organizational resilience.

Financial and Vendor Management

• Develop and manage the IT operating and capital budgets.

• Oversee procurement, contracts, and vendor relationships.

• Evaluate technology investments to ensure cost-effectiveness and alignment with institutional priorities.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop IT staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and professional development.

• Promote cross-training and succession planning within the IT team.

Collaboration and Governance

• Serve as liaison between IT and campus departments to identify needs and deliver solutions.

• Participate in institutional governance and planning committees.

• Represent the Institute on the Claremont Colleges Information Technology Committee.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Finance and Administration & Chief Financial Officer.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Individuals must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, cybersecurity frameworks, and enterprise systems.

• Experience with IT service management principles (e.g., service delivery, incident management, continuous improvement).

• Ability to analyze complex technical and organizational challenges and develop effective solutions.

• Strong leadership and team management skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

• Experience with budgeting, financial planning, and vendor negotiations.

• Commitment to customer service and continuous improvement.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.

• Advanced knowledge of physical and virtual server environments and data storage technologies.

• Ability to discuss the Institute's technological status, needs, and plans, and interact with other Claremont Colleges IT leadership, including faculty, staff, and students with limited and advanced computing knowledge.

• Demonstrated ability to develop staff to train, coach, and lead professional IT staff toward professional and personal improvement, which benefits them and the institution as they grow professionally.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Must interact effectively with a culturally and ethnically diverse population of students, faculty, and staff.

• Able and willing to work weekend and evening hours, as needed.

Hours, Classification, and Status: 

This is a staff, full-time, benefits-eligible, exempt position.

The regular hours of this position are Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Hours will vary due to the needs of the Institute or department.

Salary range: $120,000 - $150,000 annualized. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training. Selected candidates will be offered a starting salary based on years of aligned experience and any specialized training or certifications (if preferred for the position). All offers will be made within the posted pay range and are not eligible for negotiation above the maximum. Our institute is deeply committed to equity and thus maintains a no-negotiation policy.

KGI offers a comprehensive compensation and benefit package. To learn more, visit https://services.claremont.edu/benefits-administration/ 

Physical and Mental Requirements

Ability to maintain good concentration level while dealing with interruptions; attention to detail with emphasis on accuracy; capable of giving, receiving, and analyzing information; formulating work plans; and articulating goals and action plans and sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods and standing for extended periods and reaching and extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Finger dexterity is required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than the whole hand(s) or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard. Communication skills using the spoken word. Ability to see within normal parameters. Ability to hear within normal parameters. Ability to bend and stoop, for example, to file. Ability to move about. Ability to lift and carry short distances up to 20 lbs., for example, to lift or move office supplies, computers, books, and packages.

Ability to travel locally as needed to meet business requirements, which may include driving or other modes of transportation. Occasionally required to stand for prolonged periods during activities/events on and off campus.

To Apply:

A confidential review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. To be ensured full consideration, please upload a letter of interest, resume, and at least three professional references (a manager, a direct report, if applicable, and a coworker).

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy:

Keck Graduate Institute is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate against qualified employees or applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all terms and conditions of employment.

Employment Eligibility:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without employer sponsorship. No visa sponsorship is available from Keck Graduate Institute.

KGI is a participating employer in E-Verify and uses the system to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees as required by federal law. For more information about E-Verify, please visit www.e-verify.gov.