AWI Technology Solutions Director - 521999

Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $101,900 - Midpoint: $142,700 (Salaried E15)

Department/Organization: 750501 - Alabama Water Institute (AWI)

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:45pm

Note to Applicants: Position is eligible for hybrid work subject to University policy .

Job Summary: The AWI Technology Solutions Director will direct and manage all aspects of AWI’s IT infrastructure, systems, and projects to ensure seamless and secure operations, and work across the entire AWI organization to resolve challenges, drive collaboration, and deliver IT solutions; and lead and contribute to strategic future IT architecture planning efforts (e.g., new UA high-performance computing center).

Additional Department Summary: The Alabama Water Institute (AWI) is one of The University of Alabama’s five research institutes. AWI acts as a forum for interdisciplinary research and education by bringing together university researchers, students, and staff to foster collaboration and a broad interdisciplinary focus on water issues that face our world today. AWI-affiliated researchers specialize in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, water security and quality, remote sensing, biodiversity and watershed management, and human health through synergies with AWI research programs, including the NOAA Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology, the Global Water Security Center, and the CONSERVE Research Group.

This is a senior managerial position that will interact routinely with executives from academia and federal agencies. Essential to this position is for the applicant to demonstrate skill in leading team efforts and planning, coordinating, and executing complex, multi-faceted projects.

Continuation in this position is contingent upon availability of external funding derived from research programs or specific projects. To best execute its mission, the Office for Research & Economic Development (ORED) prefers that all ORED employees work on the campus of The University of Alabama. However, ORED will consider, on a case-by-case basis, remote work for an employee if such work makes strong business sense for ORED based on the scope of work and expectations for that employee. Prior to any remote work, the employee and their direct supervisor(s) and the Vice President will execute a Flexible Work Agreement, per UA policy.

Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in information technology, business management, management information systems or a technical, scientific, or engineering discipline and seven (7) years of experience in a technology management role; OR master’s degree in information technology, business management, management information systems or a technical, scientific, or engineering discipline and five (5) years of experience in a technology management role; OR Ph.D. in information technology, business management, management information systems or a technical, scientific, or engineering discipline and two (2) years of experience in a technology management role.

Skills and Knowledge: Expert knowledge of Information Technology and Management, Software Development and Cycles, High-Performance Computing technologies, and Communications Networks. Operational knowledge of high availability distributed network architecture and infrastructure management for a 24/7 operation.
Technical knowledge specifically related to large-scale IT applications and systems. Experience in strategic planning of technical developments and leading proposal efforts in the science and technology fields. Experience managing contractor and vendor interactions. Experience integrating software products, software architecture, communications network, and product operational support. Experience with software development in an open-source ecosystem.
Knowledge of administering and maintaining cloud services for scientific data/analysis. Experience ensuring the health, monitoring, continuity of operation, and cyber-security for internal and external IT-related applications and networks.

Knowledge of project planning tools. Strong customer relations and communication skills for constructing and disseminating strategic vision and implementation plans. Ability to respond to multiple competing demands. History of successful and effective staff performance management and development. Outstanding oral and written communication, interpersonal, and facilitation skills.

Preferred Qualifications: Five or more years in executive management, implementing state-of-the-art IT systems, contributing to overall organizational development, managing complex mission critical IT organization and administration, project management, finance and budgeting, cost accounting, cash flow, and business and strategic planning.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" Poster