Higher Education Interim Chief Information Officer

About the role

CampusWorks is actively searching for Interim and Project-Based Chief Information Officers prepared to deliver nationwide consultation to higher education institutions. These opportunities involve significant travel and may span short or extended durations. Assignments require an on-site presence, a hybrid model, or a combination, dictated by specific client requirements. The Interim Chief Information Officer holds a central role in synchronizing information technology strategy with the academic mission of each institution. This position demands the use of technology to foster innovation and enhance operational efficiency. Success in this role requires cultivating broad relationships across the campus community. The Interim CIO is entrusted with comprehensive oversight of IT planning, financial management, and support services. A deep comprehension of institutional operations is essential for leading and coordinating diverse IT teams effectively. The leader manages a blended workforce consisting of remote professionals and on-campus personnel. Collectively, this group is responsible for developing and implementing IT infrastructure and best practices. The objective is to elevate IT services and operational maturity, construct a high-performing IT organization, and ensure technology strategy reinforces institutional goals. Core competencies in IT governance, leadership, change management, and stakeholder engagement are mandatory for success in this critical capacity. Travel expectations reach a maximum of one hundred percent of time.

This role replaces the previous Campusworksinc position. It requires a candidate capable of defining technology priorities while guiding teams during nationwide engagements. The focus remains on aligning digital transformation with academic objectives through direct involvement and consistent leadership. The professional will own the complete lifecycle from initial intake to final operations, guaranteeing projects adhere to policy and satisfy user requirements.

Key responsibilities include conducting intake sessions with academic leadership to understand needs and evaluate existing systems. The CIO will architect technology roadmaps that convert campus strategic goals into concrete IT projects. A critical duty involves championing thorough reviews of vendor proposals, security assessments, and service designs prior to approval. Another essential task is coordinating the deployment of solutions through structured change initiatives, training programs, and clear communication channels. Building partnerships with internal campus units and external vendors is necessary to ensure tools align with institutional strategy. The CIO will establish operational rhythms to maintain service reliability, monitoring, and scalability. Driving governance frameworks that clarify decision rights, ownership, and accountability for IT assets is a fundamental duty. Applying change management methodologies will guide users, reduce resistance, and encourage adoption across various departments.

Requirements

Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of experience directing technology initiatives within higher education or similarly complex sectors. A strong grasp of IT systems, data structures, and the role of technology in supporting academic missions is required. The ability to travel full-time across the country is necessary to serve multiple client institutions. Proven experience leading or collaborating closely with both remote and on-site teams while maintaining clear standards is expected. A solid understanding of budgeting, resource allocation, and the constraints influencing technology decisions in education is vital. The ability to communicate effectively with executives, faculty, and technical staff, adjusting style for each audience, is essential.

Candidates must demonstrate integrity and the ability to operate independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. A commitment to fostering inclusive and diverse working environments is expected throughout all engagement activities. The role requires adaptability to varying campus cultures, policies, and technological maturity levels. Individuals must be comfortable working within matrixed organizational structures and navigating complex stakeholder landscapes. Professional judgment is required when handling sensitive institutional data and confidential information. The capacity to manage competing demands and deliver high-quality results under tight timelines is critical. A disciplined approach to documentation and process adherence ensures consistency and compliance across engagements.

Nice to have

Experience with established IT governance, change frameworks, and service design practices is highly valued. Proficiency with the tools utilized by CampusWorksinc is required for this position. Applicants should verify details on the official application page.

Practical notes

Travel expectations reach a maximum of one hundred percent of time.