Job Description

The University of New England invites applications and nominations for an innovative, strategic, and collaborative Vice President and Chief Information Officer (VP/CIO). This visionary leader will guide the University’s technology strategy at a time of significant institutional growth and digital reinvention. The VP/CIO position is an on-site leadership role, based on UNE’s campuses in Maine.

Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration, the VP/CIO will serve as UNE’s senior-most technology executive and a trusted advisor to University leadership. The VP/CIO will lead an integrated technology organization that supports academic innovation, data-informed decision-making, student-centered services, and enterprise transformation — anchored in a commitment to excellence.

The ideal candidate will inspire trust, drive change, and unite teams across the UNE community. This is an opportunity to reimagine digital experiences, enhance operational efficiency, and position UNE as a national model for technology-enhanced higher education.

To learn more about the University of New England, the Office of Finance and Administration, and this exciting leadership opportunity, we encourage you to review the

Benefits Overview

• Multiple health and dental plan options, plus vision coverage.
• Up to 8% retirement plan match.
• Generous leave time, including vacation, sick, and personal time, and 12+ holidays per year.
• Educational benefits :
• UNE tuition waiver for employees, spouses, and domestic partners.
• UNE tuition waiver for dependents of employees with 1 year of full-time service.
• 50% tuition reduction if less than 1 year of full-time service.

For more information about our outstanding benefits, please visit:

Nominations and Applications

The University of New England has retained the services of Josh Ward, Ph.D., at the executive search firm Korn Ferry to conduct the search. To request a copy of the full-length position description or to submit nominations, please contact Dr. Ward at the email address below. To apply for the position, applicants should submit a current and comprehensive resume. Applicants are welcome to also provide an optional letter of interest describing why you are interested in both the role of VP/CIO and the University of New England, why you are a good fit for the position based on your leadership experience, and why now is a good time for you to consider the opportunity.

For priority consideration, please submit at least your resume (as a PDF) as soon as possible to Josh.Ward@KornFerry.com.

Josh Ward, Ph.D.

Senior Client Partner

Education | Academic Medicine | Law

Korn Ferry

Josh.Ward@KornFerry.com

(405) 640-3994

Responsibilities

• Shape and lead UNE’s digital transformation strategy, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and strategic priorities, including artificial intelligence adoption and enterprise resource planning (ERP) modernization.
• Partner with executive leadership, deans, faculty, and staff to define and implement a university-wide technology vision that enhances the academic, research, and student experience.
• Design and implement a modern, transparent technology governance structure that empowers stakeholders, encourages collaboration, and aligns with university policies.
• Lead a high-performing IT team focused on service excellence, innovation, operational efficiency, and risk mitigation.
• Serve as a champion for AI integration, digital accessibility, cybersecurity, and data privacy across UNE’s platforms and processes.
• Advance UNE’s use of analytics, automation, and cloud-based systems to streamline operations and support student success.
• Foster inclusive and effective relationships across UNE’s Portland and Biddeford campuses and global sites to ensure the equitable delivery of digital services and support.
• Maintain a pulse on emerging technologies and higher education trends, offering proactive solutions and keeping UNE ahead of industry shifts.
• Ensure transparency in budget planning, resource allocation, and project prioritization through strategic IT portfolio management.
• Collaborate with technology vendors to maximize value from strategic partnerships.
• Serve on the University Cabinet with a dotted line to the President, providing strategic leadership on technology-driven institutional priorities.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in information technology, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within higher education or a similarly complex organization.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required; Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• Proven experience leading technology strategy and modernization initiatives, including AI integration, cloud migrations, ERP transformations, and IT governance.
• A demonstrated track record of collaborative leadership, emotional intelligence, and organizational influence across diverse and decentralized settings.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with a focus on translating technology into strategic value for varied audiences.
• Depth in project management, digital security, and compliance, as well as operational effectiveness and customer service.
• Forward-thinking mindset and passion for innovation, data, and academic support technologies.
• An understanding of the unique opportunities and responsibilities of working within a mission-driven, student-centered academic institution.

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