Director of Information Technology

Department:  Northwestern University Qatar
Division: Information Technology (NUIT)
Requisition #: 12851
Location: Qatar
Full Time Percent: 100.00
Grade:ITS/84
Salary: TBD

Job Summary

The Director of Information Technology, Qatar oversees the Information Technology functions for Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q).  A key member of the senior administrative team, the Director reports to the Chief Operating Officer of NU-Q and advises on the state of technology operations to respond to issues that may affect service to faculty, staff and students of NU-Q. 

The Director plans and recommends long- and short-range changes to the information technology infrastructure, systems and organization to support the mission of the Schools at NU-Q.  Especially critical during the initial establishment of the campus will be the need to manage relationships with key constituents within Qatar, including NU personnel, the Qatar Foundation, local vendors, and the IT functional heads of other schools within Education City, as well as personnel within the IT function on the U.S. campus.

The Director oversees the NU-Q IT staff.  The planned staff of nine includes user support technicians, application and web developers, network operations and smart classroom support staff and part-time student workers.  In addition, the Director is an integral part of planning the IT operations infrastructure to support NU-Q's long-term academic and administrative goals.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Hiring and directing a professional, highly accomplished technical staff that is responsive to the business and technology needs of the NU-Q community of faculty, students and staff;
  
• Advising subordinates on administrative policies and procedures, technical problems, priorities and methods;
  
• Developing and managing relationships with key constituents at Qatar (including NU departments, the Qatar foundation, technology leaders of other University City schools) and NUIT management in the U.S. campus;
  
• Leading in overall business planning and technology planning for the NU-Q, bringing a current knowledge and future vision of technology and systems to support the mission of Northwestern in Qatar;
  
• Directing the deployment of current and new technologies at NU-Q to maintain and expand service offerings;
  
• Consulting and advising NU-Q faculty and staff on the use of technology at NU-Q;
  
• Ensuring the delivery of quality customer service; 
  
• Directing best practices for disaster recovery and business continuity;
  
• Establishing relationships with local vendors and organizations providing information technology equipment and services;
  
• Developing and managing relationships and connectivity with the national research Internet and other external networks, network organization and vendors;
  
• Performing other related duties as required or assigned.
  

Minimum Qualifications

• A  bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Telecommunications or related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired;
  
• Ten years in a large business or academic information technology environment;
  
• Extensive experience (at least 5 years) in the management of technology and staff in a dynamic environment; 
  
• High level of familiarity with information technology system;
  
• Demonstrated business savvy and ability to foster and lead cost- effective initiatives without sacrificing quality or core values;
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
  
• Previous experience monitoring customer satisfaction and providing suggestions to improve quality and value to the customer;
  
• The ability to follow and teach others to follow a method for problem solving;
  
• The ability to consistently be helpful, respectful, approachable, and team oriented in order to build strong working relationships and a positive work environment;
  
• The ability to manage financial assets responsibly with a focus on cost effectiveness and productivity;
  
• Demonstrated ability to empower employees through delegating key tasks/functions, establishing clear understanding of roles and accountabilities, setting clear expectations, providing feedback and guidance, and holding people accountable;
  
• The ability to prioritize, plan, organize, and schedule in an efficient and productive manner with attention to detail;
  
• The ability to devise and implement clearly defined strategies to achieve business objectives;
  
• The ability to formulate realistic plans and define anticipated results;
  
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for striving for excellence with our work processes and outcomes with respect for University policies and regulatory requirements.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• A master's degree or the equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired;
  
• Knowledge of University policies, procedures and systems.
  
• Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
  
• Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer. Members of historically underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.  Employment eligibility verification required upon hire.
  
• Apply by 3/31/08 for full consideration.  All final candidates will undergo a comprehensive background check.
  

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Northwestern University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer.

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