Southwestern University, a nationally recognized independent liberal arts college, invites applications and nominations for the newly created position of Chief Information Officer who will build on existing strengths and lead the integration of the A. Frank Smith, Jr. Library and the Information Technology Services area on campus.  This position reports to the President of the University and is a member of the University’s Senior Staff and provides executive level campus leadership for all library and information technology operations and issues related to the institution.

The Chief Information Officer position’s primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:  providing strategic and operational planning, organizational management and development, and financial planning, budgeting, and control responsibility for the A. Frank Smith, Jr. Library and the Information Technology Services area; serving as the chief strategist and visionary with the ability to effectively communicate that vision to the campus community and outside constituencies; serving in a consultative/instructive role to the campus to maintain a contemporary understanding of the rapidly changing impacts of digital technology on information, learning, teaching and administration; collaborating with administration, academic leadership, faculty, staff, students, and the campus community to define overall information resource policies, standards, and services, and setting priorities for annual projects as well as institutional investment in information resources and technology; developing strategic relationships with other colleges, universities, cultural institutions, consortia, and professional organizations for collaborative projects and on issues and trends pertaining to libraries and information technologies; serving as the primary spokesperson and advocate for information resources and technology at the University and in the larger higher education community; working to obtain external funding to support information resources and technology initiatives; serving as an administrative liaison to the Faculty Library Committee and the Technology Advisory Committee; preparing reports for the Board of Trustees as requested.

Position Requirements: Master’s degree (or equivalent related professional experience); Undergraduate degree; a minimum of ten years experience in information technology and/or library services senior management (with in depth knowledge of both), encompassing strategic planning, complex organizational structures, project planning, budgeting, management, and process transformation; experience within a higher education institution and a demonstrated understanding of the operational and intellectual culture of a private, liberal arts university; demonstrated knowledge of the current and potential impact of digital technologies in a higher education environment; demonstrated successful experience implementing major library and IT initiatives; demonstrated understanding of a wide spectrum of information resource and technology activities including digital publishing, technology infrastructure, academic and research computing, instructional technology, and library systems; understanding and commitment to a liberal arts education, including demonstrated ability to collaborate with a liberal arts faculty and all other University constituents; demonstrated ability to unite the various constituencies represented within the University community in regard to the library and information technology area; demonstrated record of an open, collegial management style; knowledge of current major national issues in technology in higher education; ability to be creative and engage others in creative conversations; excellent computer skills utilizing software and enterprise systems; demonstrated leadership skills; willingness to adhere to the University’s core values; have knowledge, understanding, and acceptance of cultural differences and the diversity within the campus and community; demonstrated professional manner with all internal and external University constituents; ability to be flexible, adjust to fluctuating priorities, and produce a reliable work product; and, proven ability to perform well in stressful situations.  Preferred Position Qualifications:  Ph.D. strongly preferred.  Prior teaching experience desirable (preferably within a liberal arts institution); three or more years experience at a senior management level position in a liberal arts college/university.

Southwestern University is a selective, undergraduate institution committed to a broad-based liberal arts, sciences and fine arts education. Southwestern currently enrolls approximately 1,300 students and maintains a student to faculty ratio of 11 to 1. In addition to a number of other national organizations, Southwestern University is a member of two consortia of liberal arts colleges, the Associated Colleges of the South and the Annapolis Group. Located in Georgetown, Texas, 28 miles north of downtown Austin, Southwestern is affiliated with The United Methodist Church. Southwestern University is committed to fostering a diverse educational environment and encourages applications from members of groups traditionally under-represented in academia. For information concerning the University, visit our web site at www.southwestern.edu.

Interested persons may submit letter of interest, CV or resume, the names, addresses and phone numbers of three professional references, and salary history and expectation to: Chief Information Officer, Job #436, Southwestern University, Office of Human Resources, P.O. Box 770, Georgetown, TX  78627-0770 or FAX:  512-863-1880 or e-mail to: hrjobs@southwestern.edu.  Electronic submissions preferred.  Individuals wishing to make nominations should use this same contact information.

Review of resumes will begin on December 1, 2011 and continue until the position is filled.   For best consideration, applicants should submit their materials before December 1, 2011.  Only those applications that include all the information requested will be considered.  Anticipated start date is July 1, 2012. All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of the University’s Background Check Policy process.  Southwestern University is an equal opportunity employer.  EOE/M/F