- Salary
- $239k – $298k
- Location
- Hartford, CT
- Type
- Full-time
- Department
- Administration
- Seniority
- C-Level
- Closing date
- Today
- Source
- ApplyToJob
Description
Posted: 9/25/2026
| System Office | Reports to the CSCU Chancellor |
Connecticut State Colleges & Universities (CSCU) invites applications for the position of Vice Chancellor & Chief Information Officer (VC/CIO).
The VC/CIO is CSCU’s senior technology executive and serves as a key advisor to the Chancellor and a member of the Chancellor’s executive leadership team. The VC/CIO provides both strategic and operational leadership for the System Office information technology organization, including direct supervision of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). In addition to leading systemwide technology strategy, governance, shared services and major technology investments, the VC/CIO is responsible for the operation and performance of critical enterprise technology environments, including Banner, the CT State learning environment, and System Office-supported security, network and internet infrastructure. The role works in partnership with institutional presidents, CIOs and technology leaders to ensure these services are secure, reliable and responsive to institutional needs while advancing common priorities across CSCU.
CSCU is seeking an experienced, collaborative and forward-looking technology leader who can balance systemwide strategy and coordination with the distinct needs of CSCU’s institutions. The successful candidate will help shape the future of technology across CSCU, strengthen cybersecurity and enterprise services, improve the experience of students, faculty and staff, and ensure technology investments deliver measurable value.
About Connecticut State Colleges & Universities
Connecticut State Colleges & Universities (CSCU) is a multi-institution public higher education system comprising four regional state universities: Central Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University and Western Connecticut State University; Connecticut State Community College, a singly accredited institution with twelve main campus locations; and Charter Oak State College, a fully online institution.
CSCU provides affordable, accessible and high-quality educational opportunities that help students achieve their personal and professional goals while supporting Connecticut’s workforce and economic needs. Across its institutions, CSCU is focused on expanding access, increasing student success and completion, and strengthening pathways to rewarding careers and continued education.
The Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer plays a critical role in advancing this mission. Technology is central to how CSCU serves students, supports faculty and staff, protects information and resources, and enables effective operations across the System. The next VC/CIO will have the opportunity to shape CSCU’s technology strategy, strengthen cybersecurity and enterprise services, modernize systems and infrastructure, and foster greater coordination across institutions while ensuring that technology investments support student success, institutional effectiveness and the System’s long-term priorities.
The Opportunity
The next VC/CIO will lead the development and execution of CSCU’s information technology vision, strategy and roadmap while helping the System respond to a rapidly changing technology environment.The role provides leadership across areas including:
- Enterprise technology strategy and digital transformation
- Cybersecurity, information security and technology risk
- System Office infrastructure, networking and telecommunications
- Enterprise academic and administrative technology
- Data, analytics, artificial intelligence and cloud technologies
- IT governance, policies and standards
- Shared technology services
- Technology procurement, strategic sourcing and vendor management
- Accessibility and digital inclusion
- Business continuity, disaster recovery and technology incident response
Scope of the Role
CSCU is a multi-institution public higher education system with technology needs spanning academic and administrative systems, cybersecurity, infrastructure, data, digital services and enterprise platforms. As a System Office executive, the VC/CIO works closely with System and institutional leaders to coordinate systemwide priorities, establish governance and standards, strengthen shared services, and determine where services are best delivered locally, collaboratively or at the system level.The System’s enterprise technology portfolio supports areas including student information, learning management, financial management, human resources, advancement, library services, emergency operations and facilities management.
The System Office information technology organization directly operates several of these platforms for CT State, including the Ellucian Banner ERP and related applications, Blackboard Learn learning management and the systemwide information security environment, and it delivers shared infrastructure and services to the institutions. Institutional CIOs and their teams report within their own institutions and operate campus technology services; the VC/CIO leads across CSCU through governance, standards, shared services and partnership.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as CSCU’s chief technology strategist and lead the development and implementation of the System’s technology vision, strategy and roadmap.
- Advise the Chancellor and executive leadership on technology opportunities, investments, risks and emerging trends.
- Lead System Office information technology operations, including computing, network and telecommunications infrastructure, and the System’s portfolio of shared technology services.
- Lead CSCU’s IT governance framework and work with institutional technology leaders to establish appropriate systemwide standards, policies and practices.
- Chair and facilitate ongoing collaboration among CIOs and technology leaders across CSCU.
- Supervise the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and provide executive leadership for CSCU’s Information Security Program, including cybersecurity strategy, data protection, technology risk, incident response, recovery and continuity planning.
- Advance the responsible use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, analytics and cloud computing.
- Lead business analytics and organizational change efforts that support the effective implementation of systemwide technology initiatives.
- Champion technology solutions that improve student access, engagement and success, strengthen institutional effectiveness, and enhance the overall digital learning experience.
- Provide strategic leadership for technology accessibility and digital inclusion.
- Lead technology procurement, contracting, strategic sourcing and vendor relationship management, including CSCU’s major enterprise technology contracts and service agreements.
- Oversee significant technology investments and work with System Office Finance and institutional leadership to maximize value and make effective use of CSCU resources.
- Work with institutional leaders to evaluate infrastructure, enterprise applications, support services and operating models and identify opportunities to improve service, efficiency, accountability and return on investment.
- Lead, develop and mentor a diverse team of technology professionals and build a collaborative, high-performing technology organization.
- Represent CSCU with state and federal agencies, higher education organizations, technology partners and other external stakeholders.
Qualifications
Candidates must demonstrate:- Proven success leading information technology organizations within large, complex, multi-site institutions serving diverse stakeholder populations.
- Extensive experience developing and executing enterprise technology strategies that align with organizational goals and support long-term institutional needs.
- Expertise in managing the security, privacy and governance of highly sensitive and confidential information, including personally identifiable information (PII), customer data and institutional records.
- Experience providing executive leadership for the design, implementation, operation and maintenance of complex technology infrastructure, systems and applications.
- The ability to effectively communicate technical concepts, opportunities, risks and requirements to executive leadership and other non-technical stakeholders.
- Proven success leading and developing professional, managerial and technical staff in a collaborative and results-oriented environment.
- Demonstrated experience overseeing significant operating, capital and personnel budgets and ensuring effective stewardship of organizational resources.
Education and Experience
A master’s degree in information technology, computer science, business administration, public administration, higher education administration or a closely related field, and a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible technology leadership experience in higher education or another large, complex organization, is required.Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in higher education administration and technology leadership.
- Experience working in a unionized environment.
- Demonstrated experience leading enterprise-wide digital transformation, cybersecurity, governance and shared services initiatives.
- Proficiency in one or more languages in addition to English.
Leadership Approach
The successful candidate will understand that CSCU’s technology environment requires both systemwide leadership and strong institutional partnerships.The VC/CIO will be expected to establish clear strategy and direction, build trust across institutions, bring people together around shared challenges, and develop solutions based on service quality, value, risk, operational effectiveness and the needs of students and institutions.
This role offers an opportunity to shape technology strategy at the system level while working alongside experienced institutional leaders and technology professionals throughout CSCU. Regular engagement with CSCU institutions across Connecticut, including travel among CSCU locations, is expected.
Application Process
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applications received by October 23, 2026 will receive priority consideration.
Salary and Benefits
Salary Range: The salary range for this position is $238,502-$298,128 annually (Executive 4). The salary offered will be based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, including education and job-related experience, as well as internal equity.
Benefits: CSCU offers a comprehensive State of Connecticut benefits package designed to support employees’ health, well-being and financial security. Benefits include generous paid leave; a choice of retirement plans; comprehensive health insurance options; and access to a range of supplemental benefits that provide additional opportunities for financial protection and retirement planning. Eligible employees may also have access to course privileges for themselves and eligible family members, subject to applicable policies and requirements.
Selection Procedure:
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applications received by the priority consideration date will receive full consideration during the initial review of candidates.
Following the priority consideration date, application materials will be evaluated by the Search Committee. Candidates selected for further consideration will be those who best meet the minimum and preferred qualifications and who have submitted all required application materials.
Applications received after the priority consideration date may continue to be reviewed and considered until the position is filled.
Candidates selected to advance in the process will be contacted for interviews. Following the interview process, finalists will be recommended for further consideration by the Hiring Manager, who will make the final selection and recommendation for employment. The selection process may also include additional assessments or exercises, as appropriate, to evaluate candidates’ qualifications for the position.
Background Screening:
All employment, if offered, is contingent upon proof of citizenship or employability under the requirement of the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) and the successful passing of a background check, including granting permission to contact current and previous employers for verification. CSCU is committed to providing a safe campus community. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check and, when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
Continuing Notice of Nondiscrimination
CSCU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or criminal record. For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies, please contact [email protected].
CSCU Equity Statement:
CSCU commits to bold and disruptive change by actively identifying, naming, and dismantling structural racism, systemic poverty, and other barriers; establishing equitable and anti-racist policies and practices; and empowering students, faculty, staff, and administrators to advance racial, social, and economic justice. Our core collective responsibility is to continuously assess practices and policies and transform the world we live in by eliminating inequities.
CSCU IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, M/F