Director of Information Technology

Interim Director of Research Computing

Location: Columbia, SC (Hybrid – 3 Days Onsite per Week)

Employment Type: 6-Month Contract (Potential for Extension)

Pay Rate: Up to $100/hour

Work Schedule: Monday–Friday | 40 Hours per Week

Expected Start Date: November 2, 2026

Location Requirement: Candidates must currently reside in South Carolina, North Carolina, or Georgia, or be willing to relocate to South Carolina before starting at their own expense.

About the Opportunity

CornerStone Technology Talent Services is seeking an experienced Interim Director of Research Computing to lead an established IT team through a period of organizational change and improvement.

This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned IT leader who enjoys building strong teams, improving technology operations, and helping organizations navigate change.

In this role, you will oversee day-to-day IT operations, guide major technology projects, strengthen team performance, and improve how technology services are delivered. You'll also help establish clear processes, stronger leadership practices, and a solid foundation for the organization's long-term success.

We're looking for a hands-on leader who can step in, take ownership, bring stability to the team, and make a meaningful impact from day one.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead and Support the Team: Oversee IT professionals, provide coaching and guidance, set clear expectations, and promote accountability.
• Drive Organizational Improvements: Help the department navigate changes in leadership, processes, and operations while maintaining productivity.
• Improve IT Services: Identify opportunities to improve service quality, streamline workflows, and make technology operations more efficient.
• Manage Major Technology Initiatives: Lead complex IT projects, coordinate resources, manage priorities, and ensure successful delivery.
• Strengthen Processes and Standards: Establish clear procedures, improve reporting, and introduce best practices for managing IT services and operations.
• Collaborate with Leadership: Work closely with senior leaders and other departments to align technology services with organizational goals.
• Support Long-Term Stability: Build a strong operational foundation and prepare the department for a smooth transition to permanent leadership.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• 8 years of experience leading organizational change, business transformation, process improvements, or IT service delivery improvements.
• 8 years of experience managing large, complex IT projects or technology initiatives.
• 8 years of experience managing employees, developing teams, coaching professionals, and overseeing performance.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide teams through change and challenging situations.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining reliable IT operations and service delivery.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting research computing environments, high-performance computing (HPC), or advanced IT infrastructure.
• Familiarity with high-speed data storage, networking technologies, or research-focused computing systems.
• Experience implementing IT governance, operational standards, or service management frameworks such as ITIL.
• Background leading technology teams or organizational changes in universities, colleges, research institutions, or similar environments.

Work Arrangement and Additional Details

• Hybrid position based in Columbia, SC, requiring 3 days onsite each week.
• Initial 6-month contract with the possibility of extension.
• Candidates must meet the stated residency or relocation requirements.
• One in-person interview is expected.
• Employment is subject to applicable pre-employment screening and verification requirements.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is an opportunity to take on a meaningful leadership role where your experience can directly influence team performance, technology operations, and long-term organizational success.

If you're an experienced IT leader with a strong background in organizational transformation, IT operations, complex project delivery, and people management, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help lead the next chapter of technology improvement and innovation!