Information Technology Director, Wharton Computing and Instructional Technology

University of Pennsylvania

120d • $120,000 - $124,000

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five to seven years of experience in an IT organization, preferably in higher education; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in strategic planning, business development, management, and client engagement.
• Passion for strong service commitment and delivery.
• Demonstrated leadership, diplomacy, and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication and presentation skills.
• Proven problem-solving, mediation, and negotiation skills.
• Strong overall technology foundation and understanding of the evolving landscape.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with and understanding of ITIL and/or ITSM.
• Prior experience in Higher Education strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a high degree of visibility within assigned departments, participate in and contribute to staff meetings as appropriate.
• Cultivate strong relationships with departmental leaders and stakeholders to ensure technology solutions effectively support their business goals.
• Develop a deep understanding of business processes and staff roles within the administrative units.
• Advise on technology options, risks, costs vs. benefits, and impacts on products, services, and business processes.
• Understand, map, and document key business processes needed to achieve successful business results and technology solutions; identify opportunities to improve processes through the effective use of technology.
• Analyze technology trends to determine the impact on the achievement of School goals.
• Lead and participate in cross-departmental projects to ensure seamless delivery and IT integration.
• Manage vendor relationships as appropriate.
• Oversee the resolution of escalated stakeholders' technology issues.
• Participate in short- and long-term strategic planning sessions with departments and understand and anticipate the direction of the department.
• Identify opportunities and develop recommendations to support their desired future state.
• Advocate for the technological needs of assigned departments, including the MBA Division, Wharton F&A, and Wharton HR.
• Act as the voice of Wharton Computing within administrative departments, representing technology vision and promoting technology services and resources.
• Act as the voice of the customer within Wharton Computing, representing department strategies, priorities, and issues.
• Learn, document, and promote business knowledge of technology processes, roles, and procedures to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
• Tuition assistance for employees, their spouses, and dependent children.
• Generous retirement plans including Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans.
• Substantial amount of time away from work for personal needs.
• Long-term care insurance for faculty and staff.
• Wellness and work-life resources.
• Professional and personal development resources.
• Access to University resources and cultural activities.
• Discounts and special services for faculty and staff.
• Flexible work options.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees