Associate CIO for Operations and Infrastructure

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine.

Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm; Occasional after-hours as needed.

Please provide name and contact information for three professional references.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 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 online 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 online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

3-5 years of experience in higher education

The Associate CIO of Operations and Infrastructure provides the overall leadership and is responsible for the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of the University of Georgia's ( UGA) network infrastructure, services, and data center operations. This role ensures the integrity, security, and efficiency of UGA's network across its campuses and oversees a broad range of network, data center, and telephony operations. It ensures integration of emerging technologies such as AI, cloud orchestration, and automation platforms. Oversees services provided to internal and external customers across the enterprise.

Normal office environment.

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Leads and directs the EITS organization's work responsible for the ongoing strategy and operational support for the UGA network across all campuses. Manages and coordinates multiple cost recovery services and other revenue sources including the University's Network Support Partnership. Develops and implements strategies to ensure network scalability, reliability, and security.Proactively explore and assess AI-powered solutions that add value, whether by enhancing service delivery informing better decisions, improving user experiences, or increasing operational efficiency within the department and across UGA.

Oversees all network operations and infrastructure teams, including the Data Center Operations, and cellular coverage. Ensures strict adherence to UGA policies and best practices, industry best practices, and change management protocols to maintain operational integrity and security. Acts as the primary liaison for coordinating work with external vendors, ensuring effective collaboration and service delivery.

Approves technology and human resource plans for assigned teams. Conducts regular meetings with staff to review work status, address challenges, and provide advice, guidance, and constructive feedback. Encourages team growth through mentorship and development, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment. Encourages staff to identify and experiment with AI-driven tools that improve team performance, reduce manual workload, and enhance infrastructure resilience.

Works closely with university departments and divisions to ensure the network systems are aligned with UGA's academic, research, and service missions. Coordinates efforts across campus to ensure network services meet the evolving needs of faculty, staff, and students, facilitating seamless collaboration and communication, as well as serving as the IT POC for campus projects.

Initiates and drives the implementation of improvement processes to enhance customer satisfaction and relationships. Provides coaching on decision-making processes, prioritization, and alignment between IT and business units. Continuously seeks to refine processes that align IT resources with business outcomes, ensuring efficient service delivery.

Champions workforce deployment strategies for IT resources, ensuring clear communication and minimal disruption during change initiatives. Develops action plans, timelines, and frameworks to anticipate and manage changes within the IT organization. Manage change within the IT organization.

Partners with senior business leaders to develop and support an integrated network, infrastructure and business strategy. Engages with University leadership to identify opportunities for improvement and ensures alignment between network infrastructure operations and broader University goals. Leads efforts to evaluate and modernize infrastructure systems in support of the University's strategic goals including readiness for AI, hybrid cloud, and smart campus technologies.