Chief Information Officer

Kwantlen Polytechnic University • Surrey, BC

8d

About The Position

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and forward-thinking Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead enterprise-wide technology strategy, innovation, and digital transformation during an exciting period of institutional growth and momentum. Reporting to the Vice President, Administration, the CIO is KPU’s most senior technology leader, responsible for aligning technology with the university’s academic and administrative priorities. This role provides leadership across all aspects of the IT portfolio, including enterprise systems, cybersecurity, infrastructure, data management, and emerging technologies—ensuring secure, reliable, and high-performing technology services across a dynamic multi-campus institution. This is an opportunity for a visionary leader to build upon the strong foundation already established within KPU’s Information Technology division and continue advancing the university’s technology landscape in thoughtful, innovative, and sustainable ways. The CIO will play a key role in shaping the future of digital transformation at KPU, including the exploration and integration of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), while balancing innovation with operational realities, resource considerations, and institutional priorities. As a key member of the senior leadership team, the CIO works closely with executive leadership, academic and administrative partner departments, and the Board of Governors—translating complex technical concepts, risks, and opportunities into clear, strategic insight and actionable direction. This role requires a highly collaborative leader who can build strong relationships across the university and effectively partner with diverse key parties to advance shared institutional goals. At KPU, we are committed to accessible, applied, and inclusive education. The CIO plays a critical role in enabling this mission—ensuring our digital ecosystem supports teaching, learning, research, service excellence, and operational effectiveness across the university community.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field
• Significant senior leadership experience (typically 15+ years) across both industry and public sector settings
• Deep expertise across enterprise systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data management
• Strong capabilities in vendor management, strategic sourcing, and IT governance
• Effective communicator, collaborative partner, and trusted advisor who can build confidence and strong working relationships across all levels of the university community

Nice To Haves

• Experience in post-secondary education
• Experience in unionized environments

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise technology strategy and digital transformation by developing and executing multi-year IT plans aligned with institutional priorities, driving innovation, modernizing systems and infrastructure, and advancing the thoughtful adoption of emerging technologies, including AI
• Build strong collaborative partnerships across the organization by working closely with academic and administrative leaders, partner departments, and external organizations to advance shared priorities and support institutional success
• Lead and support high-performing teams by fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, inclusion, continuous improvement, and service excellence while mentoring and empowering employees through change
• Strengthen cybersecurity, risk management, and compliance by overseeing robust frameworks for data security, incident response, business continuity, and regulatory compliance, while advising leadership on emerging risks and mitigation strategies
• Deliver operational excellence in IT services through strategic planning, budgeting, prioritization, and continuous improvement, ensuring reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective technology solutions
• Lead organizational change effectively by guiding complex initiatives with a calm, thoughtful, and solutions-focused approach that builds trust and engagement across diverse key parties
• Communicate complex technical information clearly and effectively by translating technology risks, opportunities, and strategies into actionable insights for non-technical audiences, executive leadership, and governance bodies

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive