Information Technology Executive Director

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Information Technology Executive Director

Job Profile Title

Information Technology Executive Director

Job Description Summary

Information Systems & Computing (ISC) is the University of Pennsylvania’s central IT organization, providing the core network, data, voice, video, and enterprise application infrastructure and services upon which Penn’s numerous Schools and Centers build their unique tools and capabilities.
ISC’s 270-plus employees work closely with the University’s IT organizations in order to create, deliver and support products and services that help Schools and Centers operate efficiently and effectively. We strive to be easy to work with, and to serve as a trusted advisor to Penn’s IT community, faculty, staff and students in support of an environment of discovery and progress.
ISC’s focus on customer service and the high-quality, cost-effective, reliable implementation of modern IT solutions advances the mission of the University, as well as that of each individual School and Center. At Penn, technological freedom and departmental autonomy represent dearly held core values. ISC supports those ideas by providing foundational services and cogent counsel, empowering individuals and departments to employ their distinct strengths in support of their goals.
Learn more about us by visiting https://www.isc.upenn.edu/about or www.linkedin.com/company/penn-information-systems-computing/.
Reporting to the Senior Vice President and CIO, the Executive Director for Applications and Information Services is responsible for the University’s enterprise-wide application services and Penn’s Data Warehouse and data analytic landscape. This role plays an integral part in University-wide IT planning, governance, and policy development. Works with key stakeholders to craft applications and data strategies in alignment with overall institutional goals and provides direction in areas of policy and planning for application and data analytics related functions. Possesses a combination of business knowledge, technical skills, and communication skills to define and guide application strategies of the organization to ensure highly functional and responsive solutions. Establishes high-level goals and provides direction for 90+ IT professionals

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

Reporting to the Senior Vice President and CIO, the Executive Director for Applications and Information Services is responsible for the University’s enterprise-wide application services and Penn’s Data Warehouse and data analytic landscape.  

Directs an organization of approximately 90 IT professionals who architect, deliver, and maintain Penn’s enterprise systems and data analytic solutions.  Provides oversight for defining roles and responsibilities for the organization and the development and review of individual goals. Participates in defining and executing on a recruiting, promotion, and retention model that reinforces the broader organizational goals.  Ensures the continual evaluation of application and data analytics emerging solutions within the context of service delivery goals. 

Working in close collaboration with all parts of the ISC organization and IT Schools and Center partners, ensures management and adherence to financial policies for a large enterprise applications and data analytics operating budget.  Accountable for the operating budget and associated expenditures, project budgets, contracts, and client service level agreements.   Contributes to defining division-wide long-range planning, application-level budgeting, expense management, cost recovery methodology. Establishes and maintains consistent operating practices with emphasis on standards-based methodologies and service delivery. 

Facilitates governance and collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure that IT solutions support academic, research and administrative priorities. Engages in close partnership with colleagues across the institution to establish the vision and long-range plans for the delivery of application services and data analytics across Penn. Participates in the definition of strategic application and data initiatives and oversees the development of solutions as directed by Penn’s Senior Management. Actively pursues methods of improving efficiency in delivery and support mission critical innovation.

Responsible for enterprise level application and integration solutions, including those supporting student services, accounting and financial services, human resources, development/alumni relations, research administration, identity management, and facilities management among others.  Responsible for Penn’s Enterprise Data Warehouse and Analytic Solutions, providing core data to Penn’s schools and centers. Responsible for Application Frameworks and Tools including Intelligent Automation.  Responsible for Web Accessibility standards and the provision of enterprise-level web hosting. Provides PM services for the delivery of enterprise-level solutions. Manages a practice for delivery of fee-for-service local application and data integration solutions.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor of Science and 7 to 10 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

• 7 to 10 years of progressive IT-related work experience in information systems with a focus on applications or related areas.

• 5 years of management experience in a leadership role.

• Demonstrated experience in the deployment and operations of application, integration and data analytic solutions in a complex environment, including change management, client consultation, and oversight of financials

• Demonstrated ability to translate and provide expert guidance in the effective use of enabling technologies. 

• Demonstrated expertise in leading operational practices.

• Demonstrated ability to build consensus and lead through collaboration.

• Demonstrated prior experience in the delivery of large-scale IT projects in a highly decentralized environment.

• Demonstrated experience in managing IT professionals, including Project Managers, Analysts, Architects and Developers.

• Demonstrated experience in building and managing budgets for IT Projects, Client SLAs, and an operational department.

• Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills,

Preferred:

• Demonstrated experience in a highly decentralized research university.

• Experience in defining metrics and best practices for IT delivery and operations.

• Experience in the delivery and support of SAAS and other cloud-based solutions.

• Experience in eliminating technical debt and proactively retiring legacy technologies.

• Experience in partnering with third-party solutions providers

• Experience in defining and communicating business case justifications and cost/benefit analyses for IT initiatives.

• Experience in fee-for-service development of local solutions and integrations.

Competencies:

• Technical Proficiency: A deep understanding of application acquisition and development, information systems, and emerging technologies. This includes knowledge of programming languages, databases, networking, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.

• Visionary Leadership: The ability to develop and communicate a compelling vision for the organization's application and information services. This involves setting clear goals, defining strategies, and inspiring teams to achieve excellence.

• Strategic Planning: Proficiency in developing and executing plans aligned with the President’s “In Principle and In Practice: Penn’s Focus on Tomorrow” and ISC’s “Digital Ambitions.” This includes identifying opportunities for innovation, anticipating future trends, and adapting strategies accordingly.

• Team Management: Strong leadership skills to effectively manage and mentor a diverse team of IT professionals. This involves fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture, promoting professional development, and empowering staff to excel in their roles.

• Resource Management: The capacity to efficiently allocate resources, including budgets, personnel, and technology infrastructure, to achieve organizational goals while maximizing ROI and cost-effectiveness.

• Stakeholder Engagement: The ability to build and maintain positive relationships with internal stakeholders, (ISC Colleagues, Schools, Centers, etc.) as well as external partners (IVY-Plus, Vendors, Regulatory bodies, etc.).

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are vital for articulating complex technical concepts in a clear and understandable manner. This includes the ability to tailor communication to various audiences, from technical experts to non-technical stakeholders.

• Change Management: Proficiency in navigating organizational change, whether it involves implementing new technologies, restructuring processes, or adapting to evolving business requirements. This includes mitigating resistance to change and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

• Risk Management: The ability to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities within the organization's portfolio of application and information systems and develop strategies to mitigate these risks effectively.

• Customer Focus: A commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of internal and external customers, ensuring that application and information services align with business objectives and deliver value to stakeholders.

• Ethical Conduct: Adherence to high ethical standards and a commitment to maintaining data privacy, security, and regulatory compliance in all aspects of operations.

• Adaptability: Given the rapid pace of technological change, an effective Executive Director of Application and Information Services must be adaptable and open to learning new skills and methodologies to stay ahead in the field.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Information Systems and Computing

Pay Range

$129,695.00 - $250,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile. 

Affirmative Action Statement 
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements 
Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay