Executive Director of IT Operations

Transform the Future of IT Infrastructure Across Maine's Public Universities

The University of Maine System is seeking a collaborative and strategic technology leader to serve as our Executive Director of IT Operations. In this senior leadership role you will oversee critical infrastructure operations that support seven universities, the University of Maine School of Law, and the System Office, ensuring reliable, secure, and modern technology services for thousands of students, faculty, and staff.

Reporting to the Associate Chief Information Officer of Infrastructure and Network Services, you will lead teams responsible for enterprise network operations, structured cabling, infrastructure financial management, and operational excellence while helping shape the future of IT across the University of Maine System.

What You'll Do

• Lead and mentor a team of IT leaders responsible for enterprise infrastructure operations. 
• Oversee the delivery of complex infrastructure initiatives, including network upgrades, capital projects, renovations, and technology modernization efforts. 
• Develop and implement operational strategies that improve reliability, resilience, and service quality across multiple campuses. 
• Manage infrastructure budgets, capital planning, vendor relationships, and contract performance. 
• Partner closely with campus IT, Facilities, Procurement, Finance, and executive leadership to coordinate large-scale initiatives. 
• Establish operational metrics, drive continuous improvement, and ensure alignment with cybersecurity and compliance requirements. 
• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture focused on innovation, accountability, and exceptional customer service.

What We are Looking For

We are seeking an experienced technology leader who brings:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Engineering, Business, or a related field (or an equivalent combination of education and experience). 
• Eight or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in IT operations, infrastructure, or network services. 
• Experience leading managers and cross-functional operational teams in a complex, multi-site IT environment. 
• Demonstrated expertise in: 
  • Enterprise networking and infrastructure operations 
  • Strategic planning and technology modernization 
  • Budget development and financial stewardship 
  • Vendor and contract management 
  • Leading large, cross-functional projects 
  • Building collaborative relationships across technical and non-technical stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related discipline. 
• Ten or more years of senior IT leadership experience. 
• Experience in higher education or another complex, distributed organization. 
• Familiarity with ITIL or other IT service management frameworks. 
• Experience supporting network operations centers, structured cabling, and capital construction projects.

Please review the full job description to learn more.

Schedule: The standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Salary: The hiring range for this position is $125,000 to $135,000 and is commensurate with training, education, and experience.

Why Join the University of Maine System?

At UMS, technology plays a critical role in advancing education, research, and public service across the state of Maine. This position offers the opportunity to lead transformational infrastructure initiatives while working with talented professionals dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and service.

We offer:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits 
• Generous paid time off and holidays 
• Retirement plan with employer contributions 
• Professional development opportunities 
• Flexible remote work environment with occasional travel to campuses across Maine 
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on higher education throughout the state

Apply Today

Materials must be submitted via “Apply Now” below. You will need to complete an application and upload the following: 

1. A cover letter that describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position. 
2. A resume/curriculum vitae.

Important items to know about the recruitment process:

• Review of applications will begin immediately. The position will remain open through Sunday, July 19, 2026.
• Incomplete application materials cannot be considered.
• Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide three (3) names and contact information for references.
• The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screenings.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in and reside in the United States. Please Note: We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship now or in the future.

EEO Statement

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.