About the position:

The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) is seeking a Director of Information Technology & Systems.

As a member of the IBHE extended leadership team, the Director of Information Technology & Systems provides senior-level oversight of assigned unit(s), leads and directs the information technology units including but not limited to network systems, cybersecurity, online applications, database development, website, software and hardware management, and all other information technology systems and support to ensure smooth agency operations for the Illinois Board of Higher Education and supportive and productive relationships with institutional partners and other stakeholders; supports strategic planning and policy development; sets and executes on a comprehensive technology strategy and vision that supports the agency’s mission; serves as a trusted advisor to Executive Director and other Agency Executive Staff on matters of Information Technology & Systems; oversees execution; accountable for overall results and sustainable operation of defined unit(s)

Major Duties & Responsibilities include:

• Provides direct oversight and management of the Information Technology Unit including Agency network systems, cybersecurity, database development, online applications, websites, and all other information technology systems, providing support to ensure smooth agency operation; Sets direction, provides direct oversight and oversees execution of assigned unit(s);contributes to agency annual planning, goal setting, budget development, priority development, and Board presentation and reporting (as required); contributes to a collaborative agency culture

• Assists in implementing the Agency’s strategic plan for higher education, including ensuring the agency has the technology tools to assess achievement of the plan's goals and objectives

• Analyzes and reports on complex issues relating to information systems and technology in a higher education policy context

• Plans, directs, and manages the assigned unit(s) to ensure the development and implementation of cost-effective systems and efficient operations to meet current and future decision-making requirements

• Leads and Directs both Systems and Data administration areas within the department including all software / hardware within those areas (i.e. networking hardware and software (wired and wireless), networked connections ((intra and inter)net), both on-site and off-site servers (Windows Server and Linux Server OS'), Data stores (databases, data warehouse, file system, etc...))

• Responsible for the compliance and governance of appropriate industry standards to meet / exceed audit requirements – ensuring effective and secure policies, procedures, and support practices; keeps abreast of current and advancing trends

• Leads and Directs unit staff efforts to effectively utilize technology to increase the visibility and impact of agency work to stakeholders (e.g., web site design, use of social media, dissemination of reports and analyses)

• Responsible for supporting other unit technology needs, and managing systems and processes in those efforts

• Leads the development of public-facing and internal data assets that include IBHE information

• Serves as a liaison to other state agencies, including the Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) and Governor’s Office on various information technology and system priorities as they emerge

• Supervises and mentors assigned staff; provides leadership for hiring, onboarding, and professional development ensuring their success

• Other duties as assigned, reasonably within scope of position

Education and Experience

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college/university in Information Technology, Management Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field

• Formal education and/or experience in the field of information technology and systems

• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible professional, related experience with at least 5 years of experience managing professional staff

• 7+ years experience using one or more common query/reporting tools (SSMS, SQL development, TOAD, Cognos, SSRS, Crystal Reports, exporting to MS Excel)

• 5+ years experience managing Microsoft systems, platforms and products

• 1+ years experience managing Linux, or other Xinux systems interfacing with Microsoft systems

• 1+ years experience managing to appropriate industry standards (ISO standards ISO/IEC 27001, NIST 800-53, COBIT 5)

• Experience building and maintaining a service-oriented culture

• Experience analyzing programs and developing and implementing an effective course of action

• Experience estimating and budgeting for future needs and costs of personnel, equipment, supplies and services

• Experience leading complex changes in a public-facing environment

• Experience developing, implementing, and interpreting departmental policies and procedures

Preferred:

• Additional certifications in IT management, project management or computer information systems

Skills & Traits:

• Commitment to public service and passion for education 

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with a strong focus on collaboration and teamwork with the ability to build and maintain positive working relationships  

• Commitment to confidentiality  

• Demonstrated ability to work with a variety of constituents and stakeholders, such as Board members, senior government executives, elected officials, institutional officers and leaders, and private sector leaders. 

• Excellent problem-solving and written and verbal communication skills 

• Strong project-management skills, excellent follow-through, and ability to organize and prioritize 

• Sound judgement and discretion  

Organizational Chart:

Position reports to the Chief Operating Officer/General Counsel

Position has the following direct reports:

• IT Systems Manager

• Enterprise Systems Manager

• Database Administrator

Work location:

• IBHE offers remote and hybrid work arrangements, based on position and supervisor discretion. IL Residency is required .

• Travel within Illinois is expected, as required by the work.

Salary and Benefits:

Annual starting salary commensurate with experience, within the range of $120,000 - not to exceed $147,500.

We offer the state’s competitive employee benefits package.

Apply online at: https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job-invite/56668/

Application deadline is 07/12/2026

A resume and cover letter are required.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all our staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. We strive to foster a community where people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can feel secure and welcome. We also value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place to work, learn and live. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and minorities to apply.

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¹ IBHE is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Illinois Human Rights Act, state agencies must ensure that the employment process is accessible to persons with disabilities. Specifically, these laws require that the state provide reasonable accommodation upon request by individuals participating in all steps of the employment process. This includes the State of Illinois interview process.