IT Director

Overview

Job Title: Information Technology Management

Working Title: IT Director

Location: Salt Lake City, UT (Campus); this position requires residing in Utah and regular on-site presence with potential for hybrid telework needs as supported by operational requirements.

Summary

This role provides leadership for the information technology, data infrastructure, and cybersecurity environments supporting the Utah Data Coordinating Center (DCC) and affiliated national data programs. Responsibilities focus on reliability, security, and ongoing evolution of technology platforms that support large-scale, data-intensive research and federally sponsored programs. The position leads multiple IT functional areas through managers and senior staff and collaborates with DCC executive leadership, principal investigators, and federal sponsors to align technology capabilities with research objectives, compliance requirements, and operational sustainability. The role supports responsible adoption of advanced analytics and AI capabilities and contributes to program growth through sponsor engagement and new initiative development. The role sits on the DCC Executive Committee and works with senior leadership across biometrics, industry and business development, clinical operations, human resources, finance, and faculty leadership to ensure technology strategy and execution supports organizational priorities.

This position is based in Utah and requires regular on-site presence. Due to on-premises data center infrastructure and locally managed systems, in-person collaboration with operations, facilities, and technical staff is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Technology leadership: Planning, implementation, and management of technology platforms supporting DCC research and national data coordination
• Oversight of IT functional areas including infrastructure, systems operations, networking, data platforms, business intelligence, application support, technical assistance centers, and IT program management
• Ensuring availability, performance, and reliability of mission-critical systems
• Oversight of analytics and AI-enabled platforms with appropriate scalability, security, and governance

• Infrastructure and operations: Oversight of hybrid infrastructure environments, including on-premises and externally hosted platforms
• Establishment of standards for system monitoring, maintenance, optimization, and lifecycle management
• Ensuring infrastructure meets availability, resiliency, disaster recovery, and continuity requirements
• Participation in in-person operational responsibilities related to data center operations and incident response

• Cybersecurity, risk, and compliance: Oversight of security posture across technology environments, including network, endpoint, and data protection controls
• Development and enforcement of policies governing secure system operations and data stewardship
• Ensuring compliance with institutional, sponsor, and federal security and privacy requirements
• Security leadership for regulated systems, supporting governance, risk management, and audits
• Coordination of security operations and assurance activities across DCC systems in partnership with the RSO function and UIT, with clear reporting and accountability
• Establishment of governance expectations for emerging technologies, including AI and automation

• National program and sponsor support: Technology and operational leadership for nationally sponsored data programs
• Partnership with principal investigators and federal stakeholders to align technical execution and compliance with sponsor expectations
• Oversight of staffing models and operational processes supporting national technical assistance and data coordination activities
• Support for proposal development and technical positioning for new and expanded initiatives

• Planning and financial stewardship: Assessment of organizational needs and emerging technologies to inform IT planning and prioritization
• Technical input to support evaluation of new research opportunities and partnerships
• Design of scalable, cost-effective technology solutions aligned with funding models
• Oversight of IT budgeting, recharge activities, and resource utilization

• Leadership and engagement: Leadership of IT teams through managers and senior staff, with clear expectations and accountability
• Promotion of operational excellence, security awareness, and continuous improvement
• Trusted advisory support to DCC leadership on technology strategy, risk, and readiness
• Representation of the DCC in institutional and sponsor-facing forums as appropriate

Qualifications

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Strong knowledge of enterprise IT operations and infrastructure management
• Understanding of cybersecurity, governance, and compliance in regulated research environments
• Ability to align technology decisions with organizational mission and funding considerations
• Experience leading technical teams through management layers
• Effective communication skills with technical and non-technical stakeholders

Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 12 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 10 years of directly related work experience. This is a Director-Level position in the Management track. Job Code: M34626; Grade: M24; Expected Pay Range: $115,490-$155,956.

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience. Director level requires the stated combination of education and experience as above.

Preferences: see the listed qualifications and experience; applicants will be screened according to preferences.

Benefits and Additional Information

Type: Benefited Staff. The University participates in Utah Retirement Systems (URS). Additional information on URS, background checks, and nondiscrimination policies is provided by the institution. A criminal background check and/or drug screen may be required. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants. Reasonable accommodations in the application process are available upon request. The University of Utah does not discriminate in employment per applicable laws. For nondiscrimination information, see the official campus resources.

Learn more about benefits at the designated benefits site.

Travel, Work Environment, and Physical Requirements

Travel: occasional travel may be required. Work environment is typically office-based with some on-site duties; physical requirements include typical office activities.

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