Director of IT Operations & Strategy

Job Description

The Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VTNSI) is the university’s premier research and education hub for national security, bringing together world-class faculty, students, and industry partners to address critical challenges facing the nation. VTNSI integrates cutting-edge research, technology innovation, and policy engagement to advance U.S. security and resilience.

The Director of IT Operations & Strategy provides strategic leadership and vision for VTNSI’s IT environment, ensuring that all systems, processes, and services align with the institute’s mission and the broader university priorities. As VTNSI’s primary IT leader, the Director plays a critical role in shaping the institute’s secure research computing strategy. In this capacity, the Director guides VTNSI’s involvement in the development of a centralized CUI enclave, advances governance structures with university partners, and ensures compliance with federal and institutional security standards. The role is also responsible for building trust in IT operations by presenting data-driven insights, fostering transparency, and maintaining strong communication with leadership and stakeholders.
Beyond setting long-term IT strategy, the Director oversees daily operations and enterprise systems, leading efforts to modernize infrastructure, standardize hardware and software management, and implement automated workflows to streamline processes. Working closely with VTNSI leadership, faculty, staff, and students, the Director anticipates emerging research needs, maximizes the value of shared university resources, and drives collaboration across departments. A strong emphasis is placed on compliance and security, including the consistent development of technical documentation, implementation of business continuity strategies, and enforcement of security controls.
The Director also leads, mentors, and evaluates a team of IT professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and responsive service delivery. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director serves as a critical partner in advancing VTNSI’s research mission through secure, scalable, and strategic IT leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field, or Bachelor's degree with significant equivalent experience.
• Experience collaborating with senior leadership and cross-functional teams in a mission-driven environment.
• Significant professional experience leading IT operations in a complex organization.
• Strong background in process automation, IT project management, and team leadership.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to develop policies, manage budgets, and oversee vendor contracts.
• Due to the nature of the work conducted at the institute, all candidates must be US Citizens.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education, government, or research environments.
• Experience with IT compliance standards, including NIST 800-171 and CMMC 2.0.
• ITIL certification or equivalent process management experience.
• Familiarity with Endpoint Central, ServiceDesk Plus, and enterprise IT service management tools.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
  

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40 hrs per week

Review Date

November 3, 2025

Additional Information

Due to the nature of the work at the Institute, all candidates must be US citizens.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.