Job Title: Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Department: Information Technology

Reports To: Office of the President

Institution: West Virginia Wesleyan College

Location: Buckhannon, West Virginia

Employment Type: Full-time Position

Position Summary

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for all information technology, digital infrastructure, and data systems across the college. The CIO ensures that technology supports and advances the college’s academic mission, enhances the student experience, strengthens operational efficiency, and promotes innovation in a resource- conscious liberal arts environment.

The CIO will champion the thoughtful integration of technology to enrich teaching, learning, research, and campus life while maintaining a strong focus on data security, accessibility, equity, and fiscal responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, forward-looking IT strategic plan aligned with the college’s academic priorities, strategic plan, and long-term vision.
• Oversee Computing Services, Audio Visual, Service Center, and the Helpdesk.
• Participate in various campus committees to support institutional initiatives and cross-functional collaboration.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the President, Cabinet, faculty, and staff on all matters related to technology, digital transformation, and data-informed decision making.
• Collaborate with academic leaders to integrate technology that enhances liberal arts education, including support for hybrid learning and innovative pedagogies.
• Serve as a member of the Strategic Advisory Council for Independent College Enterprise which is a non-profit consortium of private colleges that share information technology resources and consolidate operational functions to improve efficiency.

Technology Infrastructure & Operations

• Oversee the design, implementation, and management of robust, reliable, and scalable IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, cloud services, telecommunications, and classroom/AV technology.
• Ensure high availability and performance of critical systems such as the Learning Management System (LMS), email, and enterprise applications.
• Lead digital transformation initiatives that improve administrative processes and the overall campus experience.

Information Security & Compliance

• Develop a strong culture of cybersecurity awareness and risk management.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive information security policies, disaster recovery plans, and business continuity strategies.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations (FERPA, GLBA, GDPR, etc.) and higher education security standards.

Digital Transformation & Process Modernization

• Lead the comprehensive digitization and modernization of administrative processes across the College, reducing reliance on paper-based and manual workflows.
• Partner with leaders in Finance, Human Resources, Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Advancement, and other administrative units to identify opportunities for process improvement through technology.
• Develop and implement digital solutions that enhance efficiency, improve service delivery, strengthen compliance, and support data-informed decision making.
• Oversee the evaluation, selection, and implementation of workflow automation, document management, electronic forms, electronic signature, and enterprise process management systems.
• Promote the integration of institutional systems to eliminate redundant data entry, improve data accuracy, and create seamless user experiences for students, faculty, and staff.
• Lead initiatives to establish a digitally enabled campus environment where core business functions—including accounting, budgeting, procurement, human resources, payroll, student services, and institutional reporting—operate through secure, efficient, and largely paperless processes.
• Develop a multi-year roadmap for administrative technology modernization that aligns with the College's strategic priorities and financial resources.
• Measure and communicate the operational and financial impact of digital transformation initiatives through clearly defined performance metrics.

Budget & Resource Management

• Manage the IT department budget effectively, balancing innovation with fiscal prudence typical of a liberal arts institution.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for cost optimization, including cloud migration, shared services, and strategic partnerships.
• Oversee procurement and vendor relationships for technology goods and services.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing IT team, fostering a collaborative, service- oriented, and inclusive culture.
• Promote professional development and stay current with emerging technologies relevant to higher education.

Stakeholder Engagement & Service Delivery

• Build strong partnerships with faculty, students, and staff to understand needs and deliver responsive, user-centered technology services.
• Promote digital equity and accessibility.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Information Systems, Educational Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive leadership experience in information technology, preferably in higher education.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing IT strategy in a complex organizational environment.
• Strong understanding of liberal arts education and a commitment to the unique mission of small, residential colleges.
• Proven track record in cybersecurity, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences.
• Experience with common higher education systems (e.g., Ellucian Colleague, Blackboard, etc.).
• Demonstrated success in leading digital transformation or major technology modernization projects.
• Experience working in a liberal arts college or similar mission-driven, resource-constrained environment.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies such as AI, learning analytics, cloud computing, and data governance.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with a collaborative, consultative leadership style.
• Service-oriented mindset with a passion for supporting academic excellence and student success.
• Ability to balance innovation with practicality and fiscal responsibility.
• High integrity and sound judgment are critical in a small-college setting.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.