Chief Information Officer
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Southern University System seeks a forward-thinking, strategic chief information officer (CIO) to provide technology vision and leadership for one of the nation's premier Historically Black College and University systems. This pivotal role represents an exceptional opportunity to shape the digital future of a multi-campus system serving thousands of students across Louisiana.
Reporting to the chief financial officer of the Southern University System, the CIO will serve as a key member of the CFO's leadership team, providing strategic direction for all academic and administrative technologies across the system. This position requires a visionary leader who can align technology initiatives with the university's mission while ensuring that systems, infrastructure and digital information assets remain secure, innovative and responsive to the evolving needs of students, faculty and staff.
The ideal candidate will bring extensive senior-level management experience in higher education technology, with demonstrated expertise in telecommunications, networking, instructional technology, ERP systems (particularly Banner by Ellucian), distance education and administrative applications. This leader will excel at building relationships across diverse stakeholder groups, championing superior service delivery and creating an organizational culture focused on continuous improvement and innovation.
This position calls for a confident leader with outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, comfortable maintaining high visibility and working effectively with a broad constituency. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to recognize technology's transformative nature and effectively promote the invaluable role it plays within the university environment, all while protecting the security, confidentiality, integrity and availability of university data and information systems.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Strategic Leadership and Vision: Provide technology vision and leadership in the development and implementation of the university's information technology programs. Ensure that systems meet the needs of the university and align with the strategic vision of the university and its stakeholders. Lead IT strategic planning, utilizing knowledge of current trends and future directions of information technology, in support of the University's mission and goals.
Direct Leadership of IT Services: Provide direct leadership for all IT services of the university and oversee all Office of Technology and Applications (OTA) staff in support of the network and its security, programming, desktop support, help desk, web services, information and infrastructure support services, academic technology, classroom technology, computer labs and research computing, organized technology training and user assistance, telecommunications and other technology-related resources.
Technology Governance and Planning: Lead through active participation in campus-wide technology governance and planning. Provide effective service as liaison for stakeholders in campus administrative services pertaining to computing, data storage and applications. Engage and educate Southern University System leadership and stakeholders to identify needs and establish proposed strategic priorities.
Service Delivery Excellence: Coordinate delivery of information technologies, applications and services necessary to meet the highest level of user expectations through a blend of technical and administrative experience, with strong communication and leadership ability. Build a team dedicated to continuous improvement and exemplary customer service.
Infrastructure and Security Management: Ensure the technological infrastructure and all digital information assets are fully secure to maximize productivity and provide innovation beneficial to students, faculty and staff. Protect the security, confidentiality, integrity and availability of university data and information systems. Ensure provision of necessary security certifications, audits and other required IT oversight.
Workforce Development: Develop and maintain an effective OTA workforce with the appropriate mix of business knowledge and competencies in key technology areas.
Promote an effective professional development process, developing managers and staff who can meet or exceed operational and service goals.
Vendor and Contract Management: Oversee the contracting and performance of OTA service suppliers. Consult with stakeholders on project needs and identify solutions for computing aspects of proposals. Oversee technology and security aspects of proposal development for new and established programs.
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery: Ensure systems can be restored or accessed in the event of a security incident or natural disaster. Strengthen the university's preparedness, timely response and rapid recovery in the event of a cyber-attack, natural disaster or other emergencies.
Assessment and Innovation: Participate and coordinate in campus-wide assessments of research and administrative computing and infrastructure needs. Recognize the transformative nature of technology and effectively promote the invaluable role it should play within the university environment.
Student Engagement: Provide opportunities for university students to gain technology experience supporting campus technology operations.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS
Education: Master's degree in computer science, computer information systems, information technology management, business administration, management or related field preferred (relevant experience may be substituted for degree requirements).
Experience: Seven to 10 years of successful senior-level management experience in higher education that includes telecommunications, networking, instructional technology, ERP systems, distance education and administrative applications. Demonstrated record of managing people in a dynamic and complex environment.
Technical Expertise: Experience implementing and deploying relational database proprietary products such as Banner by Ellucian. Knowledge of educational delivery systems. Experience supporting network and media infrastructure, systems development and application, along with web and client support. Knowledge of security issues, policy development, contract negotiations, legal issues regarding technology and technology applications, and business continuity.
Leadership and Vision: Demonstrated experience and recognition as a visionary leader in the field with a passion for creativity and a record of innovation. Experience creating and implementing an organizational vision and mission aligned with institutional priorities.
Leadership and management experience in OTA or similar higher education IT organization.
Relationship Building: Strong ability to build relationships with stakeholders. Confident, outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, comfortable maintaining high visibility and working effectively with a broad constituency.
Service Excellence: Demonstrated experience championing and providing superior service. Ability to coordinate delivery of information technologies, applications and services necessary to meet the highest level of user expectations.
Strategic Decision Making: Experience making research-based, data-driven decisions, maximizing the use of computing and communications technology resources, and preparing, analyzing and interpreting reports.
Team Development: Experience promoting an effective professional development process, developing managers and staff who can meet or exceed operational and service goals. Ability to build a team dedicated to continuous improvement and exemplary customer service.
Transformative Perspective: Ability to recognize the transformative nature of technology and effectively promote the invaluable role it should play within the university environment.
APPLICATION AND NOMINATION PROCESS
PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY
The search committee will begin review of application materials immediately and continue until an appointment is made. To assure full consideration, application materials should include:
- Letter of interest
- A comprehensive CV/resume
- Full contact information (name, phone number and email) for three professional references
FOR CONFIDENTIAL INQUIRIES, CONTACT:
Dr. Amanda Washington Lockett, President, Amanda.Lockett@tm2search.com
Jessica Horton, Associate Principal, Jessica.Horton@tm2search.com
Dr. Will Anyu, Associate Principal, Will.Anyu@tm2search.com
ABOUT SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
The Southern University System stands as a premier network of historically Black colleges and universities, serving as Louisiana's only public HBCU system. Established to provide accessible, quality higher education to underserved populations, the system has grown into a vital educational force that transforms lives and strengthens communities throughout Louisiana and beyond.
Comprised of multiple campuses including Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge (the flagship institution), Southern University at New Orleans, Southern University at Shreveport and the Southern University Law Center, the system serves thousands of students annually. Each institution within the system maintains its unique identity while contributing to the collective mission of academic excellence, research innovation and community engagement.
Southern University has built a distinguished reputation for producing graduates who excel in diverse fields including STEM, business, education, law and the liberal arts. The system's commitment to research, particularly in areas critical to Louisiana's economic development, has positioned it as a key contributor to the state's knowledge economy and workforce development initiatives.
The system's strategic priorities emphasize student success, academic innovation, community partnerships and institutional sustainability. Through comprehensive support services, cutting-edge facilities, and dedicated faculty and staff, Southern University System continues to uphold its founding mission of providing transformative educational experiences that empower students to become leaders and change agents in their communities and professions.
With a rich heritage spanning decades, the Southern University System remains committed to excellence, equity and opportunity, serving as a beacon of hope and advancement for generations of students seeking to achieve their educational and professional aspirations.
ABOUT BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana's capital city, offers a dynamic blend of southern charm, cultural richness and modern amenities that make it an exceptional place to live and work. Located along the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge serves as the economic, educational and political hub of Louisiana, providing residents with diverse opportunities for professional growth and personal enrichment.
The city is home to a thriving arts and culture scene, featuring world-class museums, performing arts venues, historic sites and annual festivals that celebrate the region's unique Creole and Cajun heritage. From the Louisiana State Capitol to the USS KIDD Veterans Museum, Baton Rouge offers rich historical experiences alongside contemporary cultural attractions.
Baton Rouge's culinary landscape showcases the best of Louisiana cuisine, with renowned restaurants serving everything from traditional gumbo and crawfish to innovative fusion dishes. The city's food culture reflects its diverse population and celebrates the flavors that make Louisiana cuisine famous worldwide.
The region offers an affordable cost of living compared to many metropolitan areas, combined with excellent educational opportunities, quality healthcare facilities and abundant recreational options. From outdoor activities along the Mississippi River and nearby state parks to professional sports and entertainment venues, Baton Rouge provides a well-rounded lifestyle for individuals and families.
With a growing economy anchored by petrochemical industries, healthcare, education and government sectors, Baton Rouge offers professional stability and opportunity. The city's strategic location provides easy access to New Orleans, Lafayette and other major Gulf Coast destinations, enhancing its appeal as a place to call home.
ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP
The Southern University System benefits from experienced and visionary leadership committed to advancing the mission of the institution and ensuring its continued excellence. The chief financial officer, to whom the CIO reports, leads the system's financial and administrative operations with a strategic focus on sustainability, innovation and institutional effectiveness.
The CFO's leadership team comprises senior administrators who collaborate to support the university system's strategic priorities, foster operational excellence and ensure that resources align with institutional goals. This collaborative leadership approach creates an environment where innovation thrives and where each leader contributes their expertise toward the collective success of the system.
The incoming chief information officer will join this accomplished team at a pivotal moment in the system's development, with opportunities to shape technology strategy, drive digital transformation and support the academic and administrative missions across all Southern University campuses.
The leadership team values collaboration, innovation and a commitment to excellence, creating a supportive environment for professional growth and institutional advancement. The CIO will work closely with campus presidents, academic deans, student affairs leaders and other senior administrators to ensure that technology initiatives support and enhance the educational experience for all stakeholders.
ABOUT TM² EXECUTIVE SEARCH
TM² Executive Search specializes in providing exemplary executive talent acquisition consultation for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), predominantly Black institutions (PBIs) and other organizations looking to attract highly qualified, motivated, accomplished diverse candidates at all levels of the administration. TM² Executive Search is committed to supporting the Black college community and developing the future of HBCU leadership.
We use our combined experiences in higher education, organizational development and executive search to partner with institutions to build highly effective and functioning leadership through increasing the quality of talent acquisition and developing strategic leaders. TM² Executive Search serves as the official educational talent search subsidiary of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
For more information about TM² Executive Search, visit tm2search.com.
