Senior Director of Academic Technology (Administrator III) REPOSTED

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

California State University (CSU), Chico is a comprehensive and residential public university, holding Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation. Chico State operates as part of the 23-campus CSU system, which educates the most ethnically, economically, and academically diverse student body in the nation. The University enrolls over 15,000 students, with over half identifying as first-generation college students.

Chico State is committed to recruiting outstanding candidates who reflect the intersectional identities of our student body. The ideal candidate will embrace our values predicated on the primacy of student success and the elimination of equity gaps, have demonstrated experience working with diverse populations, and will contribute to policies, programs, and practices that support an inclusive, accessible, and equitable learning and working environment. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, veterans, and those with diverse abilities are encouraged to apply.

Job/Department Summary:

The Senior Director of Academic Technology is responsible for leading the Academic Technology team within the Division of Information Technology and in alignment with campus strategic initiatives. This role oversees daily operations and implements a vision for a robust instructional technology support program benefiting Chico State's faculty, staff, and students, in accordance with the IT Strategic Plan. Reporting to the Vice President of Information Technology & Chief Information Officer, the director provides leadership and support to enhance teaching through innovative technology use. This includes deploying instructional technologies across classrooms, online platforms, and campus-wide settings as required.

Leading the Department of Academic Technology, the director oversees the integration of web and media-based technologies into teaching practices, utilizing emerging tools that align with instructional goals. Actively engaging with academic departments, they identify and promote effective uses of learning technologies to enhance educational outcomes across the institution. They manage a team comprising instructional designers, technologists, and consultants, collaborating closely with partners such as Faculty Development (FDEV), the Provost's Office, Professional and Continuing Education (PCE), Accessibility Technology Services (ATS), the Center for Technology Equity (CTE), academic deans, department chairs and others.

In this administration role, the incumbent spearheads IT projects that support effective pedagogy and academic achievement. Responsibilities include leading the Technology and Learning Program (TLP), Classroom Technology Services (CTS), and the Learning Management System (LMS) staff to deliver exceptional service through technology solutions. The director fosters collaborative development of technological approaches for teaching, learning, and research, from concept to implementation. They ensure the Academic Technology team stays abreast of advancements in learning technologies such as LMS platforms, multimedia tools for immersive learning, student response systems, and pedagogically effective third-party applications.

Acting as a direct representative of the VPIT/CIO, the Senior Director advocates for high-quality IT solutions and actively engages with stakeholders to understand their needs and concerns.

Required Education and Experience:

A master's degree in instructional Technology or related discipline, business administration and/or a field related to engineering, technology, or computer science. Individuals without a degree may be considered if they demonstrate possession of substantially the same knowledge level as found in a degree but have attained advanced knowledge through a combination of work experience and intellectual instruction.
AND
7+ years of experience working within the field of information technology in one or more areas of technical support, instructional and learning technology design and implementation, and/or operational management.
AND
7+ years of demonstrable and successful experience supervising, managing or leading teams within the area of information technology in higher education or a similar industry.

Preferences:

Preference may be given to applicants with the following as they may be considered specialized skills: 

• Bilingual.
• Advanced degree in Educational Technology, Instructional Design, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Experience in higher education settings, particularly in roles involving instructional technology or academic technology leadership.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelli