Director of Information Technology Systems

Vancouver, BC

Since 1936 Columbia College has offered quality educational programs, including a University Transfer Program fully integrated into the BC Transfer System, an Associate Degree Program certified by the Ministry of Advanced Education, a University Preparatory Program, and a High School Program certified by the Ministry of Education. Thousands of Canadian and international students have progressed through Columbia College's programs to Canadian universities or successful careers.

Director of Information Technology Systems

The Director of Information Technology Systems will play a pivotal role in shaping the technological landscape at Columbia College. This leadership position requires a strategic visionary who can drive innovation, implement effective IT strategies, manage risks associated with IT system security, data protection, and business continuity, and consider the college's business needs to ensure seamless operations.

Start date: April 2024

The working schedule will be Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (35 hours per week). Some time flexibility might be required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Planning: Develop and execute a comprehensive IT strategy aligned with the College’s mission and goals, leveraging technology to enhance teaching, learning, and administrative functions.
Innovation Leadership: Lead the exploration and implementation of cutting-edge technologies and solutions that enhance the college’s competitive edge and improve service delivery and operational efficiency. Stay abreast of emerging trends and advancements in IT to identify opportunities for innovation.
Team Leadership and Management: Provide strong leadership to the IT team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, continuous improvement, and excellent customer service. Mentor and develop team members to build a high-performing IT department.
System Administration and Infrastructure Management: Oversee the administration and maintenance of the College’s IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, and cloud services, to ensure reliability, security, and scalability, and minimize risks associated with IT systems.
Project Management: Manage IT projects from inception to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality standards. Coordinate with stakeholders across departments to gather requirements and ensure successful implementation.
Security and Compliance: Implement robust security measures and protocols to safeguard the College’s IT assets, sensitive data, and privacy. Ensure compliance with regulations and standards relevant to higher education and the College’s business operations.
Vendor Management: Evaluate, select, and manage relationships with IT vendors and service providers using best practices in third part vendor risk assessments for information technology, to ensure quality of service, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with the College’s needs and objectives.
Budget Planning and Management: Develop and manage the IT department’s capital and operating (CAPEX and OPEX) budget, both on an annual and five-year plan basis using technology replacement best practices, by allocating resources effectively to support strategic initiatives and operational needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Training and Development: Promote a culture of continuous learning and skill development within the IT team, providing training opportunities and resources to enhance technical proficiency and stay ahead of industry trends.
Disaster Recovery and Incident Response: Develop, manager and coordinate the disaster recovery plan and incident response protocol and be willing and able to provide hands-on technical support and troubleshooting assistance, when necessary, especially during critical incidents or system outages.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent experience in enterprise technology infrastructure preferred.
Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in information technology, with at least 3 years in a leadership or managerial role, with a proven track record of improving the environment and ability to mentor the team.
Proven track record of developing and implementing IT strategies that drive innovation and support organizational objectives.
Experience with cloud computing, cybersecurity, data architecture, data privacy and governance, system administration, and vendor selection.
Strong technical expertise across a broad range of IT systems, platforms, and technologies, including:
Identity and Access Management, including user and device lifecycles
Automation
Digital transformation. Understanding/experience implementing ITIL, COBIT or similar service delivery framework.
Understanding/experience with implementing NIST or similar cybersecurity framework. CISSP or similar cybersecurity certification is an asset.
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
Experience working in higher education or a similarly complex organizational environment is highly desirable.

WHAT WE OFFER:

In addition to working with an inclusive, progressive group of people, we offer a competitive compensation package which includes:

$140,000 - $165,000 as the annual gross salary range, based on full-time hours, qualifications, and relevant experience
All Columbia College employees are covered by the Columbia College Employment Agreement, including a robust health and dental benefits package, a generous RRSP plan, and vacation.
Fitness and a Professional Development Allowance after completing full-time hours.

At Columbia College, we foster a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. The College invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including groups traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to the further diversification of our Institution.

We thank all applicants for their interest in the position; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Apply