Chief Information and Technology Officer

Are you a transformational leader ready to drive innovation and hands-on change?

Mohawk College is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking, and collaborative Chief Information and Technology Officer (CITO) to lead our institution through a significant transformation. This role will be pivotal in driving technology transformation to our Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and collaborating in spearheading new digital initiatives that align with the needs of both academic and business functions.

ABOUT MOHAWK COLLEGE

Located in the City of Hamilton on the western shores of Lake Ontario, Mohawk College has a proud history of educational excellence and community leadership. For more than half a century, our college has continuously evolved to meet the ever-growing needs of our students and community. As we set our sights on the future, Mohawk College remains steadfast in its commitment to student success, inclusivity, and community engagement.

THE OPPORTUNITY

As the new Chief Information and Technology Officer (CITO) at Mohawk College, you will provide strategic vision and leadership, overseeing the development and execution of the college’s information technology strategy. You will focus on innovative transformation by guiding the implementation of corporate, administrative, and academic technology systems. You will lead the IT Enterprise Architecture, Governance, Information Security, Infrastructure, Operations, and Agile Delivery teams, ensuring high-quality and innovative solutions. You will advise the Executive Team on leveraging IT investments and identifying trends, risks, and opportunities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

IT Strategy and Emerging Technology:

• Evaluate and integrate innovative technologies such as AI, machine learning, and data analytics to drive transformation across academic and administrative operations.
• Partner with academic and business leaders to identify improvement opportunities through service and process enhancements using innovative technology solutions.
• Develop a multi-year IT Plan with recommendations for IT Strategic Initiatives based on a consultative process.
• Participate as a College Capital Planning Committee member and advise on college capital project prioritization and selection.
• Act as the designated risk owner for IT-related risks within the College’s Enterprise Risk Register, supporting the identification, assessment, and prioritization of risk mitigation strategies.
• Provide guidance on technology-related opportunities and risks, particularly those impacting the college’s operations and legislative compliance.
• Represent the college in the Ontario College Council of Chief Information Officers (OCCCIO), ensuring strategic positioning and active participation in provincial opportunities.
• Create and sustain successful IT Governance structures that support both academic and administrative functions.
• Liaise with and manage external vendors, technology partners, and government bodies. Develop strategies for continuous technology upgrades and infrastructure renewal.
• Develop and enforce comprehensive cybersecurity protocols that safeguard student data and institutional information.
• Develop IT strategies that align with the college's sustainability initiatives, incorporating environmentally friendly technologies.

Service and Product Delivery:

• Lead the IT Management team, fostering a collaborative culture that ensures seamless communication between IT and academic, administrative, and student services departments.
• Implement industry standards and development methodologies, including Agile and DevOps, to increase responsiveness and growth.
• Define enterprise cloud service governance and oversee the migration of enterprise applications, platforms, and data to cloud solutions where feasible.
• Ensure interoperability throughout the digital product portfolio to create value for channel partners and deliver a seamless digital customer experience.
• Oversee measurement and reporting of IT systems' reliability, performance, security, and business value.
• Implement student-focused technologies that improve the digital learning environment.

Financial, Human Resource, and Vendor Management:

• Lead and oversee the annual budget and capital requirements for the department.
• Manage partnerships and technology vendor relationships.
• Develop corporate-level policies and procedures for acquiring and managing information technology assets.
• Advise on organizational skill gaps, training requirements, and restructuring strategies.
• Develop Professional Development plans, and manage the recruitment, development, motivation, retention, and succession planning of assigned staff.
• Promote a culture of diversity and inclusion within the IT team.

Management and Leadership:

• Provide reliable and consistent IT leadership, ensuring presence and engagement with all departments.
• Address critical issues and manage transitions.
• Lead change management efforts for new IT implementations.
• Support the Mohawk Executive Group in advising the Board of Governors on IT planning, budget, and strategies.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in a senior IT leadership role, preferably within a higher education institution, with additional experience in integrating business acumen with academic expertise, and leading organizational change. They should excel in matrix leadership, and building inter/intra relationships. Hands-on experience in managing day-to-day technology and information systems is essential for this role.

Essential attributes include intellectual agility, emotional intelligence, and innovative problem-solving abilities, along with a strong commitment to social inclusion, and equitable practices. The candidate must have technical proficiency in areas such as cloud technology, IT enterprise architecture, and governance.

The new CITO should have a student-focused vision, recent experience in a customer-focused environment, proven leadership, and a commitment to inclusivity. Key skills include strong project management and governance, effective risk management, and expertise in managing complex IT projects and portfolios.

The candidate should have exceptional communication skills to convey the department’s vision and goals. They must be committed to developing and mentoring IT staff, fostering a high-performing, collaborative team culture.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A master’s degree or equivalent in Business (MBA), Computer Science is preferred.
• Project Management Certification (PMI) is an asset.
• Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) basic training is mandatory; ITIL Service Master is an asset.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in Information Technology, with increasingly senior/responsible positions.
• Experience introducing infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and software as a service (SaaS) into large complex organizations.
• Demonstrated experience with cloud computing, business intelligence and analytics, Agile and DevOps methodologies.
• Highly developed skills in strategic and operational planning, problem-solving and analysis, human resource management, financial management, partnership development, budgeting, and negotiation.
• Strong team leadership and collaboration skills.
• Exceptional communication skills to convey IT vision and strategy to stakeholders.

WHAT WE OFFER

• An opportunity to gain experience and build relationships at Hamilton/Niagara Top Employer.
• Access to Professional Development opportunities.
• Defined benefit pension plan (CAAT) with contributions matched by Mohawk College.

To find out more about working at Mohawk College, please visit:

We are committed to reconciliation and nurturing an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible (IDEA) environment for everyone who learns and works at Mohawk College.

The College is committed to fostering inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. If you require accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources.