Job Description

The Vice President for Technology & Chief Information Officer (CIO) provides visionary and strategic leadership and effective management for the University's Information Technology Services (ITS) division, reporting directly to the President.- The Vice President for Technology & CIO serves as a member of the President's Cabinet, participating with other Cabinet members in the executive leadership and daily operations of the University as a whole. The Vice President for Technology & CIO is delegated responsibility as the lead campus authority for information technology-related security and risk management; federal, state, and system compliance; professional standards of practice; policies and procedures; collective bargaining agreements implementation; and administration of budget, facilities, and resources. The Vice President for Technology & CIO is also an active partner with peers at other Minnesota State System institutions and the System Office in advancing information technology capabilities across the System.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Computer Information Science, Information Systems, Computer Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Management Information Systems, Geographic Information Science, or related field.

• Minimum of five (5) years' experience (with increasing levels of responsibility) leading and supervising a complex information technology service environment for a major organization.

• Demonstrated ability to recruit, lead, and supervise a team of professionals.

• Knowledge of key and emerging issues and trends, challenges and opportunities, current standards, and effective practices in information technology (e.g., cybersecurity, risk management, vendor management, disaster recovery planning, data governance, AI integration, accessibility, and balancing entrepreneurial and operational demands, etc.).

• Experience managing complex budgets, facilities and resources.

• Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to think creatively, innovate, and improvise, as needed.

• Collaborative work style; ability to effectively achieve goals with varying constituent groups across multiple divisions and locations.

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and written

• Evidence of demonstrated ability to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equity-minded learning and working environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Computer Science, Computer Information Science, Information Systems, Computer Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Management Information Systems, Geographic Information Science, or a related field.

• Demonstrated awareness of the role and function that information technology plays in the life of a comprehensive university, including familiarity with accessibility standards and compliance in education technologies.

• Demonstrated track record of taking a highly collaborative and respectful approach with colleagues, supervisors, and team members, especially when working on large and complex problems.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead in an environment of collective bargaining and shared governance.

• Demonstrated track record of supporting decision that prioritize organizational outcomes over divisional outcomes.

• Proven success in leading transformational initiatives including cloud migrations, data governance, and digital teaching/student support technologies.

• Demonstrated history of helping team members develop and upskill/reskill to meet evolving demands.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with external stakeholders including business, industry, and partner/parent organizations, to achieve high priority goals and objectives; Demonstrated ability to succeed in influencing parent organizations and other external governing bodies.

• Evidence of a clear commitment to continuous improvement and adoption of best practices.

• Experience working in public higher education and within state systems.

Priority will be given to those who apply by 3/31/2026

SMSU is accepting nominations for this position. Please complete the nomination form linked here or found on the SMSU Job Opportunities website. 

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)

Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Telework (Yes/No)

No

About

Southwest Minnesota State University is one of seven universities in the Minnesota State system. SMSU gives highest priority to excellence in teaching and preparing students to be lifelong learners through quality undergraduate teaching/advising and close student/faculty relationships. Its mission, dating back to 1967, provides access to university-level programs in liberal arts & professional studies. The University has a special commitment to the educational needs of the people in its service region reflected through its curricula, cultural programs, diversity of staff and students, cooperative relationships with the public and private sectors, and regional institutions. The 216-acre campus encompasses 24 modern, interconnected, and accessible buildings. Marshall (pop. 13,000) is the hub of a rich agricultural area and offers a variety of cultural, recreational and educational opportunities. The position is an opportunity to be part of a vibrant, dynamic and growing institution that is searching for exceptionally talented people.

Southwest Minnesota State University complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. You can find our Annual Security and Fire Safety Report online at Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (smsu.edu). This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Southwest Minnesota State University. If you prefer a hard copy, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 507-537-7252.

We are committed to responding to the educational needs of our changing communities and to providing opportunities for enhancing knowledge, skills, and values in a supportive learning environment. We recognize and assert the value of inclusion as an ethical imperative and as a necessity for academic rigor, student success, and lifelong learning. Our goal is to strive for inclusive excellence in our commitment to preparing all students and employees for success.

Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota

Southwest Minnesota State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and/or gender in education programs and activities. SMSU maintains compliance with the federal Title IX law, Minnesota statute § 135.A.15 (Campus Sexual Misconduct Policy), and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustee's, 1B.3 Sexual Misconduct policy and 1B.3.1 Response to Sexual Violence and Title IX Sexual Harassment procedure. For a comprehensive review of the aforementioned federal, state, system, and university policies, please go to https://www.smsu.edu/administration/titleix/index.html.

Southwest Minnesota State University is a member of the Minnesota State system and is an equal opportunity educator and employer. SMSU is committed to equal employment opportunities for all applicants and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. SMSU does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. Women, diverse populations and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States. Requests for reasonable accommodation of a disability during the application and/or interview process should be made to the Affirmative Action Office, 507-537-6208. For TTY communications, contact Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529. This vacancy notice is available in alternative format upon request.

About Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, System Office

With its 31 institutions, including 24 two-year colleges and seven state universities, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system is the largest single provider of higher education in the state of Minnesota. The colleges and universities operate 54 campuses in 47 Minnesota communities and serve about 250,000 students in credit-based courses. Overall, the system produces about 33,500 graduates each year. In addition to credit-based courses, the system offers customized training programs that serve about 153,200 employees from 6,000 Minnesota businesses each year. The law creating the system was passed by the Minnesota Legislature in 1991 and went into effect July 1, 1995. The law merged the state's community colleges, technical colleges and state universities into one system. The system is separate from the University of Minnesota.

Connections working at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, System Office