Description

Summary:

Directs activities relative to IT strategy and planning, operations, policies, procedures, projects and processes for the Methodist University School of Medicine Technology Department including, but not limited to architectural design, network performance, data center/cloud computing, infrastructure hardware, computer and network management system software, telecommunications, application development and training environments and related programs. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in Methodist University’s Mission, Vision and Values. Reports directly to the Chief Information Officer of Methodist University. This position will direct professional staff of two or more employees and, from time to time, temporary contractual or vendor staff.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Develops and implements the IT Strategic Plan aligned with the medical school’s goals and objectives.
• Directs, organizes, and assigns tasks for the activities and procedures of the work unit related to the acquisition, implementation, maintenance, and technical support of systems, data center/cloud computing operations, telecommunications and network hardware and software information technologies and projects for Methodist University School of Medicine.
• Manages the evaluation, selection, installation, testing, documentation, training, and support, including system cost estimates and vendor management and oversight of complex custom and commercial computer-based information technologies, telecommunications systems and related projects for Methodist University. Represents Methodist University School of Medicine in matters relating to contract discussions and negotiations with outside vendors.
• Identifies emerging technologies and trends to enhance teaching, learning, research and administrative processes.
• Assesses and prioritizes designated Methodist University School of Medicine’s instructional, operational and strategic technical and network service needs and prepares written plans with the organizational units related to accomplishing the responsibilities of the units for both short- and long-term.
• Provides formal and informal technical, telephony and network service consulting, evaluation, estimation, capacity planning, analysis and design internally and externally for the School of Medicine.
• Manages and oversees the selection, implementation and use of technology-based learning solutions. This includes collaborating with faculty and staff to identify instructional technology needs and develop solutions as well as developing and delivering training programs for faculty and staff on the use of instructional and other technology tools to enhance users’ IT skills and promote best practices in technology usage.
• Ensures the availability, performance, and scalability of IT infrastructure to support critical operations.
• Serves as a key leader for Methodist University School of Medicine Information Technology disaster recovery plans. Ensures redundant network infrastructure plans and data storage system strategies to provide high availability business continuity service.
• Hires, develops, and retains competent, productive and quality conscious IT staff.
• Develops, monitors, and administers the School of Medicine’s annual IT operating and capital expense budgets and plans and recommends annual and multi-year capital expenditures, ensuring cost-effective utilization of resources.
• Ensures compliance with relevant regulations and standards in the healthcare and education sectors.
• Co-develops and enforces IT security policies, procedures and standards to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with applicable regulations (e.g. HIPAA, FERPA).
• Implement appropriate security measures, including access controls, encryption, and monitoring systems.
• Co-conducts regular security audits and risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies as needed.
• Fosters a customer service-oriented culture within the IT department, ensuring timely and effective resolution of user requests and issues.
• Responds as requested or as required for on-call technical requirements to achieve designated support and performance standards.

Physical Demands/Conditions:

• The physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.
• Must have good balance and coordination.
• The physical requirements of this position are: light work - exerting up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently.
• The position requires close visual acuity to perform an activity, such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; or extensive reading.
• The person in this role is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions; job functions are typically performed under conditions such as those found in general office or administrative work.

• The role is on site and requires occasional travel.
• The role is subject to call back at all times.

Qualifications

Required:

• BS Computer Science, Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Management Information Systems or related technical area. Five (5) years of directly related work experience may be considered in lieu of educational requirements.
• Must have at least eight (8) years of progressive professional technical experience in an academic or healthcare information technology environment with a strong knowledge of healthcare and medical education IT systems, including electronic medical records, medical imaging and research tools, data center/cloud computing, server, network, VoIP, instructional/simulation technology and security technologies accountability. Plus a minimum of five years (5) supervising technical staff, technical project management and data center/cloud operations supervisory experience.
• Familiarity with relevant regulations and standards (e.g. HIPAA, FERPA) in the healthcare and education sectors is also required.

Preferred:

• MS Computer Science, Management Information Systems, MBA or related technical area.
• Technical certifications include any of the following: Cisco Certified Network Professional; Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, Azure, or Microsoft 365; along with other certifications such as Six Sigma, PMP or other project management certifications and IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL)

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge, technical proficiency, success and competence in the theory and successful application of the principles of data communications, data networks, telecommunications (including Voice Over Internet Protocol - VoIP), computer operating systems and computer systems software (such as data base systems, compilers, programming languages, message control systems and network management performance monitoring software), technical analysis, technical planning, technical hardware installation and operation and related technical topics.
• Demonstrated ability to read, comprehend and prepare complex written materials such as technical computer related documentation.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate verbally and in writing with all levels of staff, management, senior leadership, faculty and students.
• Strong problem-solving skills and decision making abilities
• Demonstrated ability to work without close supervision and to exercise sound independent judgment and initiative.
• Ability to effectively organize, lead, delegate, mentor and supervise coworkers in work unit and others in group settings.
• Ability to organize multiple tasks and manage technical projects to deliver expected results on time and within budget.