DIRECTOR-INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS
City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Technology Sector Strategy, the Director of Information Technology Programs provides academic leadership, development, and management oversight of academic programs and instructional information technology programs offered district-wide, and the execution of strategies designed to prepare IT students for career and transfer opportunities.
The Director of Information Technology Programs works in tandem with the AVC and faculty to realize the goals of the strategic plan for the IT Center of Excellence’s academic programs in alignment with the district’s strategic plan. Major accountabilities include:
- Execute strategic plan for the IT Center of Excellence with management oversight of the development and new and innovative courses and programs.
- Direct reporting and data analysis including implementing KPIs related to instructional improvement, student achievement, and credit program completion.
- Implement strategies related to academic preparation of prospective students at the middle school and high school level.
- Relationship management with various external partners including businesses, non-profit organizations, Chicago Public Schools, and other academic institutions.
Performs related duties as required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Provides leadership and coordination in the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of IT-focused degree and certificate instructional programs, along with related support services in alignment with current and emerging industry needs.
- Leads the implementation of continuous improvement strategy for IT program pathways, including cloud computing, software development, networking, and web development, in collaboration with district and college level administrators and Computer Information Systems (CIS) faculty.
- Coordinates the research, data collection, and evaluation activities of the program in collaboration with faculty and administration to increase certificate and degree attainment by increasing numbers of students.
- Collaborates with faculty, consultants, specialists, and industry partners on curriculum development and the implementation of computer technology courses and programs, with a focus on teaching excellence, student learning and success, and assessment of outcomes.
- Identifies, facilitates, and provides professional development opportunities in IT for faculty and instructors.
- Establishes effective communication channels among campus administrators, district-level administrators, and faculty to ensure the integrity of tech programs, enhance existing programs, and implement new program offerings and new technologies.
- Cultivates partnerships to maintain networks and strategic alliances with community-based organizations, industry associations, employers, and educational institutions, particularly those that provide additional resources for the district.
- Oversees the recruitment, identification, hiring, and supervision of specialists and consultants to ensure the development of curricula and/or teaching of specialized courses.
- Leads efforts to identify external funding opportunities and develop proposals for grants, serving as a subject matter expert in writing funding proposals.
- Oversees and ensures the preparation programmatic and fiscal reports required by grants.
- Maintains fiscal accountability for programs under the IT Center of Excellence in coordination with college administrators and the Business Office.
- Oversees and participates in the development of budgets, monitoring of budget expenditures, and the allocation of resources.
- Supports the facilitation of the districtwide advisory council, led by the Associate Vice Chancellor.
- Represents the IT Center of Excellence at local, regional, or national events and conferences.
- Supervises graduate interns assigned to the IT Center of Excellence as they work on various special projects.
- Performs related duties as required.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports To: Associate Vice Chancellor, Technology Sector Strategy
Direct Supervision: Graduate Interns
QUALIFICATIONS
- A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university required, preferably in Technical Education, Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Technology Management, or a related field. Master’s Degree preferred.
- Five years of work experience in a relevant technology field required.
- Three years of administrative and/or supervisory experience, preferably in a college setting.
- Experience in IT higher education accreditation processes and program review strongly preferred.
- Working knowledge of Computer Science and Information Technology competencies necessary for employment in the tech sector.
- Project management experience.
- Knowledge of and experience in long-range planning, program development, budgeting, and grant management.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Strong relationship management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a networked educational institution.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Commitment to equity and inclusion for all learners.
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).