Director, Information Technology

Overview

The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, located on the George H. Cook Campus, is one of the largest schools of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. We pursue excellence in research, teaching, and outreach in areas of study that address the biological spectrum from molecules to ecosystems. Our emphasis is on both the fundamental sciences and the social and human dimensions.

We offer 21 undergraduate majors, including plant and animal sciences, microbiology, biotechnology, agriculture and food systems, landscape architecture, food and nutritional sciences, ecology and evolution, marine science and oceanography, environmental sciences and meteorology, human ecology, entomology, and environmental economics. In addition to instruction in the classroom, field, and laboratory, our students have opportunities for experiential learning on and off campus, including a growing emphasis on international experiences through short- and long-term study abroad.

Students also have access to a robust program of applied research and outreach hosted by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station laboratories, farms, business incubators, and marine stations throughout the state.

Posting Summary: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Director, Information Technology for the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. Reporting to the Sr. Associate Dean for Finance and Administration, the IT Director provides strategic leadership and oversight of all information technology operations within the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) and the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS).

This includes web development, IT research and innovation, information security, and advanced research computing. The position also has overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of the unit s technological infrastructure, equipment, and associated staff and budgets. The IT Director will ensure alignment between functional leads, departmental staff, and central university IT initiatives to foster improved communication, reduce redundancy, and enhance the efficiency and quality of IT services delivered to faculty, staff, and students.

Ultimately, this approach balances the benefits of embedded departmental expertise with the advantages of coordinated, school-wide IT governance. Working directly with the Office of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and OIT leadership, the Director will receive institutional guidance and implement central IT policies and initiatives under the purview of the CIO s office and will represent SEBS/NJAES in all OIT functional groups and committees as requested.

The Director provides timely, accurate, and strategic guidance regarding technology needs, changes, and opportunities to the administration, faculty, and staff of SEBS/NJAES. Under the Director s leadership, SEBS/NJAES researchers benefit from high-performance computing resources, analytics, and custom software solutions that streamline data processing, web development, and laboratory management. The position also leads the Programming and Web Development Office, supporting faculty, staff, students, and research centers on campus and across the state.

Among the key duties of the position are the following:

• Ensures secure, scalable, and reliable systems.
• Develops and enforces IT policies.
• Provides expert guidance on cybersecurity, infrastructure modernization, and emerging technologies.
• Fosters innovation, efficiency, and data accessibility to advance the teaching, research, and outreach missions of the unit.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree in computer science or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of seven years of directly related experience managing a large information technology department, with evidence of increasing responsibility in a leadership or managerial role that demonstrates knowledge and understanding of strategic planning, team-building, management, and leadership skills.

Certifications/Licenses:

• A valid driver s license would be required for this position.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to analyze and solve complex technical issues.
• Extensive knowledge of networking devices and protocols, programming databases, computer hardware, software, interface design and implementation, technical support and security.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining high morale and productivity for a large team. Creativity, teamwork and resourcefulness are necessary to accomplish ambitious goals with finite resources.
• Excellent communication skills, including presentation skills and the ability to write and edit public communication.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Web development and experience designing, querying, and maintaining relational databases for secure web applications.

Equipment Utilized:

• MS Office Suite and web forms design.
• Familiar with or ability to learn the office equipment, software,…