Associate Vice President, Digital and Technology Services

COMPETITION NUMBER: 882
CLOSING DATE: OCTOBER 25, 2024 @11:59PM MST

 

NorQuesters are difference makers and NorQuest College is a place of connection, a hub for business leaders and innovation, a catalyst for research focused on society’s biggest challenges and a vital partner to government, industry and the community.  We are growing and are looking for a talented individual to join the College in the role of Associate Vice President (AVP), Digital and Technology Services.


Reporting to the Vice President, Administration & Chief Financial Officer, the AVP, Digital and Technology Services is accountable for providing overall strategic direction and oversight for technology divisions and departments at the College. They are the most senior leader responsible for digital services and technology across the College.
 

The AVP, Digital and Technology Services is a cross-institutional role and the successful candidate will provide strategic expertise and advise including overseeing the development of strategic plans that align with overall College strategy, while focusing on managing technology and cybersecurity-related risks, optimizing the use and costs of technology and leading the development of an exceptional user experience.  

 

HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The AVP, Digital and Technology Services will be responsible for:
 

Strategic Leadership

  • Overseeing the provision of technology-related services and solutions to support the academic and operational needs of the college.
  • Providing innovative strategic leadership in developing and executing, monitoring and adjusting strategies associated with technology systems, policies and processes across the organization. 
  • Overseeing the implementation and maintenance of a college-wide Digital Strategy that focuses on business processes, applications, capabilities, digital literacy, and data (including use of artificial intelligence).
  • Overseeing and guiding Digital and Technology governance across the college. 
  • Ensuring that technology and network infrastructure evolve in a manner that supports college-wide strategic plans while creating a safe and secure digital environment and managing associated risks. 
  • Ensuring a safe technology environment through strong controls and leading cybersecurity posture.
  • Partnering with leaders and individuals across the college to support technological influences on teaching and learning, technology within the classroom and efficiency in operations.
  • Collaborating with Director, Information, Risk and Compliance to ensure effective governance of college information and data.
  • Oversees the provision of technology-related services and solutions to support the academic and operational needs of the college.
  • Provides innovative strategic leadership in developing and executing, monitoring and adjusting strategies associated with technology systems, policies and processes across the organization. 
  • Oversees the implementation and maintenance of a college-wide Digital Strategy that focuses on business processes, applications, capabilities, digital literacy, and data (including use of artificial intelligence).
  • Oversees and guides Digital and Technology governance across the college. 
  • Ensures that technology and network infrastructure evolve in a manner that supports college-wide strategic plans while creating a safe and secure digital environment and managing associated risks. 
  • Ensures a safe technology environment through strong controls and leading cybersecurity posture.
  • Partners with leaders and individuals across the college to support technological influences on teaching and learning, technology within the classroom and efficiency in operations.
  • Collaborates with Director, Information, Risk and Compliance to ensure effective governance of college information and data.
  • Providing data-driven advice to teams within the Technology division and across the organization.
  • Promoting technology innovation to improve the College’s efficiency and performance.
  • Monitoring the return on investments in technology.
  • Ensuring all necessary roles are established to meet the College’s technology needs.
  • Coaching and mentoring senior members of the division.
  • Ensuring continuous delivery of Information Technology (IT) services by overseeing service legal agreements and monitoring IT system performance.
  • Overseeing the administration of the central enterprise systems and ensure the effectiveness of IT systems and services.
  • Working cross-divisionally to advise the Strategic Operations Committee, Executive Committee, and the Board of Governors.

 

External Research and Integration

  • Assessing research, collaborating with external parties, and evolving and adapting College technology strategy and systems to thrive in a dynamic technology environment.
  • Developing strategies for advancing partnerships, technology platforms and external relationships.
  • Strategically monitoring the management of hardware and software licenses in the context of long-term College needs.
  • Communicating technology strategies in partnership with divisional leaders.

 

Project Management

  • Approving, prioritizing and controlling projects and the project portfolio as they relate to the selection, acquisition, development and installation of major information systems.
  • Reviewing hardware and software acquisition and maintenance contracts while pursuing master agreements to capitalize on economies of scale.
  • Establishing lines of control for current and proposed information systems.
  • Actively working to remove barriers that may place projects at risk.
  • Overseeing the lifecycle of transformational projects managed by the Strategic Project Management Office

 

WHAT YOU BRING:

  • A master’s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Science, Cybersecurity, Business Administration or related discipline.
  • A certification in enterprise architecture, project management, change management, and other Information Technology Systems areas are desirable.
  • An approximate 15-20 years of broad experience in Information Technology with a proven track record of remaining up-to-date with emerging trends and considerations.
  • A minimum of 10 years leading within a large, complex organization.
  • Proven strategic planning, organization and execution skills in an IT setting.
  • Thorough experience with systems design and development from business requirements analysis through day-to-day management.


WHAT MAKES YOU A DIFFERENCE MAKER?

  • The ability to quickly comprehend complex technologies.
  • Flexibility and the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing market.
  • Sound judgement in high-pressure situations.
  • Outstanding analytical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
  • Highly developed strategic leadership and team building skills.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills, including the ability to motivate a large, diverse employee base and maintain a collaborative environment.
  • Ability to oversee the successful management of multiple complex projects and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent understanding of project management principles.
  • Considerable knowledge of business theory, business processes, management, and budgeting.
  • Expert technical knowledge of data processing, hardware platforms, computer systems, enterprise software applications, and outsourced systems.
  • In-depth knowledge of federal and provincial laws and regulations related to IT.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively convey technical information to a wide range of audiences.
  • Proven persuasion and negotiation skills.

 

SALARY: $171,804 - $204,789 reflective upon what you bring, AKA your education and experience. This is a full-time permanent position with immediate access to our great pension and benefit programs.   

 

We offer flexible work options. We strive for balance between a flexible work environment, connectedness to the campus community, and ensuring NorQuesters are set up to succeed in their roles and responsibilities.

 

Additional Information: 

To support the College in this critical search, we have partnered with Mullen Leadership Recruitment.  If this opportunity excites you, we invite you to submit your resume and cover letter in confidence to connect@mullenleadership.com.

 

Pre-Employment Checks will be completed to assess the candidate’s suitability for a role. These checks may include (but are not limited to): references, criminal record check, academic verification, etc. For applicants who have completed post-secondary studies from outside of Canada, it is recommended they obtain an assessment of their credentials from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator, such as:

 

 

We encourage applicants to include the assessment certificate as part of their application.


Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

We're on a journey to become an inclusive, anti-racist, and decolonized organization. NorQuesters are trailblazers – we are curious, creative, and innovative - our lived experiences are honoured, creating accessibility and a sense of belonging for everyone.


NorQuest 2030 We Are Who We Include shares our strength and difference comes from who is included, and along with our students we are learning and growing to listen deeply and say what we feel.

NorQuest College is committed to being an employer of choice for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people by recognizing, respecting, and supporting Indigenous people's self-determination through the institution’s work in decolonization, reconciliation, and Indigenization.

Accessibility: At NorQuest, we are who we include. We strive to provide access and accommodation throughout the recruitment, application, and selection process. We want to create opportunities for you to confidently be your authentic self. If you would like an accommodation at any stage of the process, please reach out to Careers@norquest.ca.

PSST: Only candidates shortlisted for an interview will be contacted and we’ll make sure to do this within 28 days of the closing date.