Posted by Northwood University is seeking a Director of Information Technology in Midland, Michigan for a full-time leadership position overseeing the university’s technology infrastructure, IT operations, cybersecurity, and digital environment.
The Director of Information Technology will serve as the university’s strategic technology leader and a member of the Leadership Council. The position reports to the Vice President for Finance and Administration and involves advising senior leadership on technology investments, risks, emerging technologies, and digital transformation.
The successful candidate will help guide the university’s use of artificial intelligence, automation, data analytics, cloud technologies, cybersecurity tools, and other technology initiatives while ensuring that IT services remain secure, reliable, scalable, and aligned with institutional priorities.
Job Overview
- Job Title: Director of Information Technology
- Company: Northwood University
- Location: 4000 Whiting Dr, Midland, MI 48640
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Department: Information Technology
- Reports To: Vice President for Finance and Administration
- Experience: 10+ years of IT experience, including leadership experience
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in IT or a related field
- Preferred Education: Master’s degree
- Job Level: Strategic IT leadership
- Salary: Not stated in the listing
About Northwood University
Northwood University is a private, nonprofit, accredited university located on a full-service residential campus in Midland, Michigan. The university focuses on managerial and entrepreneurial education and is guided by what it describes as The Northwood Idea, which emphasizes free enterprise, ethics, individual freedom, personal responsibility, rule of law, and earned success.
The university also provides online education and graduate programs, including an MBA and master’s programs in areas such as Finance, Business Analytics, Human Resources, and Organizational Leadership. Its international education offerings include study abroad and International Program Centers in Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, Ghana, and France.
Director of Information Technology Job Description
The Director of Information Technology will provide strategic leadership for Northwood University’s technology environment. The role combines executive-level technology planning with responsibility for IT infrastructure, operations, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and emerging technology.
The Director will work closely with university leadership to ensure that technology investments support institutional priorities and improve the student experience, workforce productivity, and overall institutional effectiveness.
The position also requires the Director to advise the President and senior leaders on technology strategy, opportunities, risks, and responsible approaches to emerging technologies.
Key Responsibilities
The Director of Information Technology will be responsible for:
IT Leadership and Management
- Leading and developing the IT department.
- Hiring, coaching, and managing employee performance.
- Building a service-focused, innovative, and accountable IT culture.
- Establishing and enforcing IT policies, standards, and best practices.
- Working with university leaders to improve technology services.
- Managing the IT budget according to institutional priorities.
Strategic Technology Planning
- Developing and implementing an IT strategy aligned with the university’s mission.
- Advising leadership on technology investments and risks.
- Identifying emerging technology trends that may affect higher education.
- Ensuring technology infrastructure can scale and support future needs.
- Prioritizing digital initiatives across the university.
Emerging Technology Leadership
- Leading strategies involving artificial intelligence, automation, analytics, and cloud technologies.
- Establishing governance and ethical frameworks for emerging technology.
- Identifying practical technology applications that can improve learning and university operations.
- Promoting digital fluency throughout the institution.
- Monitoring developments in the technology sector and preparing the university for future opportunities.
Systems, Infrastructure, and Cybersecurity
- Overseeing IT systems, networks, applications, and infrastructure.
- Maintaining reliable and effective technology operations.
- Strengthening cybersecurity protections.
- Managing technology vendors with attention to service quality and cost-effectiveness.
- Maintaining operational documentation and service standards.
Digital Transformation and Innovation
- Leading digital transformation and modernization initiatives.
- Introducing technologies designed to improve efficiency and user experience.
- Encouraging continuous improvement and innovation.
- Using data and performance metrics to support decision-making.
- Monitoring and reporting IT performance.
Compliance, Risk, and Governance
- Ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and privacy requirements.
- Establishing governance practices that promote accountability and transparency.
- Developing disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
- Managing risks related to cybersecurity and data privacy.
- Conducting regular IT audits and assessments.
Qualifications and Requirements
Candidates interested in the Director of Information Technology position should meet the qualifications specified by Northwood University.
Required qualifications include:
- A bachelor’s degree in information technology or a related field.
- At least 10 years of IT experience.
- Leadership experience within IT.
- Experience leading strategic IT or digital transformation initiatives.
- Strong knowledge of IT systems, cybersecurity, and enterprise applications.
- Experience advising senior leadership on technology strategy.
- Strong collaboration and communication skills.
- Demonstrated problem-solving ability in dynamic environments.
A master’s degree is preferred.
Salary and Benefits
The job listing does not provide a specific salary or salary range for the Director of Information Technology position.
Northwood University lists several benefits for the position, including:
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Pet insurance.
- 403(b) retirement plan.
- AD&D insurance.
- Health insurance.
- Employee discount.
- Vision insurance.
Who Should Apply?
This position is suited to an experienced IT professional with substantial leadership experience and a background in strategic technology management.
Strong candidates should be capable of leading an IT department while also working with senior university leadership on technology investments, cybersecurity, digital transformation, emerging technologies, and institutional strategy.
The university also emphasizes alignment with its mission and values. Candidates should be comfortable working in an environment that emphasizes academic excellence, accountability, personal responsibility, free enterprise, and earned success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job title?
The position is for a Director of Information Technology.
Where is the position located?
The position is based at 4000 Whiting Dr, Midland, Michigan 48640.
Is the Director of Information Technology position full-time?
Yes. The listing identifies the position as full-time.
How much IT experience is required?
The listing requires 10 or more years of IT experience, along with leadership experience.
What degree is required for the position?
Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in IT or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
Who does the Director of Information Technology report to?
The Director reports to the Vice President for Finance and Administration.
Does the role involve cybersecurity?
Yes. Cybersecurity is an important part of the position, including strengthening protections and managing IT-related cybersecurity and data privacy risks.
Does the position involve artificial intelligence?
Yes. The Director will lead strategy related to emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, automation, analytics, and cloud technologies.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience criteria should submit their application.
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