Chief Information Officer (CIO)

About Saint Peter’s University

Saint Peter’s is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. Established in 1872, the University blends a unique learning experience shaped by rigorous academics, internships that provide real-world experience, community service, and a genuine, caring community that supports alumni long after graduation. Saint Peter’s offers more than 50 undergraduate majors as well as master’s level and doctorate program.

Summary Description:

Saint Peter’s University seeks a strategic and forward-thinking Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead the institution’s technology vision and execution. Reporting to the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, the CIO is responsible for aligning technology strategy with institutional priorities to support academic excellence, operational efficiency, and long-term financial sustainability.

The CIO provides executive leadership for all aspects of information technology, including enterprise systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data strategy. This role oversees the performance and modernization of core platforms, including the University’s ERP system (Ellucian Colleague), while driving digital transformation initiatives that enhance the student, faculty, and staff experience.

A key member of the University’s leadership team, the CIO partners closely with academic and administrative leaders to deliver innovative, secure, and scalable technology solutions. The successful candidate will bring a strong combination of strategic vision, operational leadership, and the ability to translate complex technology concepts into institutional value.

Description of Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Institutional Alignment

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year IT strategic plan aligned with the University’s strategic priorities and financial sustainability goals 

• Partner with the EVP/COO, President, and Cabinet to integrate technology into institutional decision-making and long-term planning 

• Establish IT governance structures, including prioritization frameworks, steering committees, and performance metrics 

• Serve as a visible campus leader, promoting innovation and fostering a culture of continuous improvement 

• Translate complex technical concepts into actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders and Board members

Enterprise Systems & Digital Transformation

• Provide executive oversight of all enterprise platforms, including ERP (Ellucian Colleague), CRM, LMS, and analytics tools 

• Lead digital transformation initiatives to modernize administrative and academic processes 

• Ensure enterprise systems are optimized for performance, usability, and scalability 

• Champion the adoption of SaaS solutions and cloud-based platforms where appropriate 

• Oversee system integrations to ensure seamless data flow across the institution

Data Strategy, Analytics & Reporting

• Establish and lead a university-wide data governance framework to ensure data integrity, consistency, and security 

• Expand business intelligence and analytics capabilities to support data-driven decision-making 

• Partner with Finance, Enrollment, Advancement, and Academic Affairs to enhance reporting capabilities 

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and accreditation reporting requirements 

Cybersecurity, Risk & Compliance

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy and institutional risk posture 

• Oversee compliance with regulatory requirements (FERPA, GLBA, HIPAA, etc.) 

• Lead incident response planning and execution for cybersecurity threats 

• Ensure robust disaster recovery and business continuity planning 

• Regularly brief executive leadership on risk exposure and mitigation strategies

IT Operations & Infrastructure

• Provide oversight for all IT infrastructure, including networks, cloud services, and data centers 

• Ensure high availability, reliability, and performance of all systems 

• Lead modernization initiatives, including cloud migration and infrastructure optimization 

• Establish IT service management frameworks to improve user experience and service delivery

Financial Management & Vendor Strategy

• Develop and manage the IT operating and capital budgets in alignment with institutional financial goals 

• Evaluate total cost of ownership and ROI for technology investments 

• Lead contract negotiations and vendor management, including ERP and managed service providers 

• Identify cost optimization opportunities while maintaining service quality

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Build, mentor, and retain a high-performing IT leadership team 

• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability measures 

• Promote a collaborative, service-oriented culture within IT 

• Ensure staff development aligns with evolving technology trends

Pay Range: $180,000 - $200,000 annually. This role is based in-person at the Saint Peter’s University campus.

Benefits: 

Along with a competitive salary, we provide a robust benefits package to support your health and future goals.

Key Benefits Include:

• Paid Time Off: Paid holidays, personal days, vacation, and sick leave

• Health Coverage: Health insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance

• Life Insurance: Employer-provided life insurance

• Life & Disability Insurance: Voluntary life and voluntary disability coverage

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with Roth and Traditional options

• Tuition Remission: An attractive tuition remission policy for employees and their dependents

• Additional Perks: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Voluntary Legal plan, FSA and more

The well-being of our employees is a priority for our University, and we are committed to promoting your success and well-being.

Qualification Standards:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field 
• 10–15+ years of progressive IT leadership experience 
• Demonstrated success leading enterprise IT strategy in complex organizations 
• Experience with ERP systems (preferably Ellucian Colleague) 
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing large budgets 

Preferred

• Master’s degree (MBA, MIS, or related field) 
• Experience in higher education or mission-driven organization