Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Title: Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Division Name: Finance and Planning
Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

The Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO) provides executive leadership for the planning, delivery, and operational discipline of the university’s technology environment. The CIO owns the institutional IT management policies, governance frameworks, and operating models that define how technology solutions are planned, implemented, changed, and sustained to realize value from university technology investments in support of the institutional mission.

The CIO is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive technology strategy that supports the institution’s mission, enhances academic and administrative operations, and drives digital transformation. The CIO will collaborate with the VPFP and cabinet to gain support for the proposed comprehensive technology strategy.

This role requires leading complex changes in a public-university environment while maintaining operational stability and delivering measurable improvements in service quality and risk management.

A full leadership profile further describing Illinois State University and this position can be found here: Illinois State AVP and CIO Leadership Profile

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$215,000 - $230,000

University Benefit Highlights

Insurance benefits , including health, dental, vision, and life
* Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
* Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
* Paid holiday / administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
* Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: Required Qualifications

1.Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, business administration, or a related field.
2.At least ten years of progressively responsible experience in information technology leadership, preferably in higher education.
3.Strong analytical, technical, and strategic planning capabilities.
4.Demonstrated experience in leading a complex, distributed IT environment in a customer-focused organization.
5.Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive institutional change.
6.Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
7.Demonstrated experience supervising personnel, including work allocation, training, promotion and enforcement of internal procedures and controls, problem resolution, and evaluating performance.

Preferred Qualifications

1.Advanced degree (Master's or higher) in a related field.
2.Demonstrated experience in providing leadership in conceptualizing, planning, developing, and successfully implementing multiple information technology projects.
3.Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and maintaining policies, objectives, short- and long-range planning for information technologies.
4.Demonstrated experience collaborating with departments and administration to establish goals, priorities, and standards for technology solutions to meet institutional needs; updating and maintaining relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems.
5.Demonstrated experience directing, planning, and budgeting for information technology operations.
6.Demonstrated experience with enterprise architecture principles and current information technology security best practices.
7.Demonstrated experience leading technology organizations within a distributed or embedded service delivery model under centralized governance, preferably in a public higher-education environment.

Work Hours

The comprehensive nature of this position requires contact with numerous individuals throughout the University community. While much work is conducted in an office setting during normal working hours (8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) Monday through Friday, there are times in which the AVP must be available during evenings and weekends. The work environment is extremely fast-paced and can be stressful.

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
1. Remain at a workstation for extended periods
2. Move about in various locations on and off campus as needed to complete day-to-day work
3. Effectively communicate on a daily basis

Proposed Starting Date

7/1/2026

Nominations and Applications

Confidential inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited. To submit a nomination, please send an email to [email protected] ; be sure to include the nominee’s full name, title, position, and email address. Those who are considering applying are encouraged to request a confidential conversation with:

Cindy Lotz

Director of Executive Search Services

(309) 438-7487

[email protected]

Application can be made at the j ob posting . Each application should include:

• A detailed cover letter expressing interest in the opportunity at Illinois State University and explaining the ways in which you meet the qualifications and expectations of the position;

• A current, full curriculum vita that includes relevant responsibilities and accomplishments

• A list of 3-4 professional references (including name, title, email address, and professional connection)

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by April 17, 2026, with application period closing May 16, 2026.

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383 . The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311 .