Assistant Director, IT Application Services - #002355

Posting Number EHRA853P Quick Link for Internal Postings https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/27964 Classification Title IT Manager III Working Title Assistant Director, IT Application Services - #002355 Department IT Applications & Systems Anticipated Hiring Range Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions. About WCU

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:

• 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.

Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.

Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Paid vacation and sick leave accrual begin after first month of employment. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus.

The Assistant Director IT Application Services reports to the Associate CIO, Director Applications & Systems.

The Assistant Director, as a member of IT Leadership, plays a role in setting IT direction and policies consistent with the mission of the university. This role provides opportunities to: learn about the activities and responsibilities of the entire university and understand IT's critical linkage to achieving WCU's strategic plan and goals; make a difference and implement new ideas and capabilities; solve problems; contribute to university goals; continue to learn ever-changing technology capabilities and academic applications; be a service and client satisfaction advocate; and be a leader impacting the entire university. The Assistant Director will lead a team of 12 full-time technical staff in continuing to build and sustain a leading service, quality oriented, innovative, and inclusive team working environment, centered around software application development and support.

The ideal candidate would be a professional with experience in the areas described, have demonstrated leadership capabilities, an enterprise-wide perspective, and a focus on client satisfaction. They will have the opportunity to be part of a dynamic team that aims for continuous improvement and be encouraged to try new things, think about creative solutions, and challenge current thinking.

Generalized duties include:

• Lead a team of direct reports to develop innovative solutions to existing issues/problems, identify new technology solutions, and foster relationships across IT and the university to effectively deliver IT application support and services.

• Coordinate with IT Project Management Office on large project installations or enhancements of advanced technologies:

participates in establishing rules, standards, guidelines and policies governing the work process, including quality and quantity of work.

• Evaluates budget needs and submits suggested priorities based on program objectives and costs; justifies needs to higher officials.

• Understand the business of information technology and proactively apply sound financial, human resource, and management expertise to enable the IT Division to support and meet the university's IT needs.

• Partner with IT directors and campus business managers to ensure the appropriate mix of IT services supports the university's needs.

• As a member of IT leadership, provide leadership to ensure long term planning for our technical/digital assets and operational excellence is in alignment with the IT strategic plan and needs.

• Cultivate an environment that promotes proactive, process, and prevention initiatives.

WCU IT provides opportunities for up to 40% remote work and extensive professional development. This position includes a robust benefits package. We support a culture of respect and belonginess for all employees. that respects our individual strengths, views, and experiences. This makes us a better team, drives innovation, and delivers better business results.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employment immigration sponsorship.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or another similar/related technical field, and 3 or more years of experience in a management position responsible for managing application development and support.

• Demonstrated ability to see the big picture of IT as well as the university; and provide leadership, perspective, and actions toward development and achievement of strategic goals.

• Demonstrated ability to lead a team in developing and achieving goals.

• Experience with project management, including negotiating scope and cost estimation.

• Strong ability to effectively lead, motivate, and manage others.

• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to analyze business data and processes.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct technical, financial, and trade-off analysis, and effectively present analysis results, options, and recommendations.

• Ability to handle sensitive information and confidential matters.

• Demonstrated ability to meet timelines and deliverables.

• Commitment to client service with ability to set and manage client expectations.

• Demonstrated focus on client satisfaction.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks/assignments at one time.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master's Degree from an accredited institution in an IT-related field.

• Five plus years of experience in the areas described in the position description.

• Five plus years of experience as a mid-level manager.

• Working knowledge of ERP, database management, SQL, SharePoint, .NET development, and Microsoft Power Apps.

• Experience in higher education IT

• Experience influencing across an organization.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated experience working with business/functional organizations.

• Strategic and creative thinker with proven analytical and problem-solving capability.

• Ability to function as a change agent.

• Understanding, knowledge, or experience in process analysis to improve operational capabilities and services. Experience with Six Sigma.

• Able to handle ambiguity.

Position Type Permanent Full-Time Number of Hours Per Week 40 Number of Months Per Year 12

Posting Text

Open Date 06/11/2024 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.

Please include a cover letter, resume and a listing of at least three professional references to include their complete contact information.

For questions or additional information please contact Dan Berk, Associate CIO and Director of IT Applications and Systems at djberk@wcu.edu or 828-227-3217.

Background/E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

Credential Verification

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

AA/EOE

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.

Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

University Safety

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.