Chief Information Officer

Position Summary

Midwestern University seeks a strategic, collaborative, and forward-thinking Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead the University’s information technology and digital transformation efforts. The CIO will provide executive leadership for enterprise systems, academic and clinical technologies, cybersecurity, infrastructure, data governance, and IT service delivery across a multi-campus environment.

The CIO will play a critical role in advancing the University’s academic mission, supporting education and operations, strengthening cybersecurity and compliance, and ensuring that technology investments align with institutional priorities, accreditation standards, and long-term strategic planning.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Develop and implement a comprehensive IT strategy that supports the University’s mission, academic programs, clinical operations, research activities, and administrative functions.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on technology trends, risks, and opportunities impacting higher education and healthcare education.
• Establish and maintain IT governance structures, policies, and standards that promote accountability, transparency, and effective decision-making.

Enterprise Systems & Infrastructure

• Oversee the planning, implementation, and maintenance of enterprise applications, including student information systems, learning management systems, clinical and simulation technologies, ERP systems, and data platforms.
• Ensure reliable, secure, and scalable IT infrastructure across campuses, including networks, cloud services, data centers, and end-user computing.
• Lead digital transformation initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and user experience.

Cybersecurity, Risk & Compliance

• Provide executive oversight of information security, cybersecurity, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA, GLBA, PCI, and accreditation-related requirements).
• Assess and mitigate technology-related risks; lead incident response planning and communication in coordination with senior leadership.
• Assure periodic external audits are performed in compliance with information security standards.

Academic, Clinical & Administrative Collaboration

• Partner with academic leadership, clinical faculty, and administrators to support instructional technology, simulation labs, assessment systems, and clinical education platforms.
• Collaborate with finance, advancement, enrollment, and facilities leadership to align technology initiatives with institutional planning and capital projects.
• Support data-informed decision-making through analytics, reporting, and business intelligence.

IT Operations & Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing IT organization, fostering a service-oriented and innovative culture.
• Oversee IT budgeting, resource allocation, vendor management, and contract negotiations.
• Establish service level expectations and performance metrics to ensure high-quality, responsive IT services.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Stay current on emerging technologies and best practices in higher education, healthcare education, and enterprise IT.
• Evaluate new technologies for potential adoption, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and return on investment.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, security awareness, and responsible technology use.
• Act as an agent of change to introduce new concepts of service and technology processes in a cost-effective manner.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in information systems, computer science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible IT leadership experience, including senior-level management.
• Demonstrated experience leading enterprise IT systems, infrastructure, and cybersecurity in a complex organization.
• Strong understanding of IT governance, risk management, and compliance in higher education or healthcare-related environments.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences.

Preferred

• Advanced degree (MBA, MS, or similar).
• Experience in higher education, academic health centers, or clinical education environments.
• Experience supporting multi-campus operations.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CCIO, CISSP, CISM, ITIL, PMP) are a plus.

Core Competencies

• Strategic and systems-level thinking
• Collaborative leadership and stakeholder engagement
• Strong ethical standards and data stewardship
• Risk-aware, security-focused mindset
• Ability to balance innovation with operational reliability

About Midwestern University

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois, and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences, and veterinary medicine. Our faculty and staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long-term disability and pet insurance.  We offer flexible spending accounts, including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account.  We offer a work-life balance with a competitive time off package including paid holidays, sick/flex days, personal days, and vacation days.  We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection, and an employee assistance program.  Wellness is important to us, and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility. 

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/).  Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.