Vice President of Technology and Innovation

Vandey provides outsourced instructional services to institutions of higher education and is seeking a candidate to work for Vandey to serve in a full-time role as a Vice President of Technology and Innovation with the University of the People.

INTRODUCTION:

University of the People (UoPeople) is the first non-profit, tuition-free, American, accredited, 100% online university. Today, UoPeople has over 170,000 students enrolled from more than 200 countries and territories, including 18,800 students who are refugees. UoPeople is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and is recognized by the DEAC as an accredited online University.

We believe that higher education is a basic human right and that it can transform not only the lives of students, but also their families' lives, their communities, their nations, and, by extension, the world. See President Reshef’s TED talk when he announced the founding of the University.[ TED talk ]

UoPeople is an innovative university, and we welcome team members who bring creativity and innovation to their roles. We’re a fast-paced organization with remote teams all around the globe. If you’re a self-starter who wants to succeed alongside a passionate team, we’d love to hear from you

UoPeople is supported by the generosity of individuals and foundations, including the Gates, Hewlett, Ford Foundations, Foundation Hoffmann, and others. The University has been covered by the New York Times, BBC, NPR, Times Higher Education, US News and World Report, and more. President Reshef’s TED Talk and Nas Daily interview about the University have 30 million views combined.

REPORTS TO: Chief Operating Officer

GENERAL PURPOSE:

This position is generally responsible for the design, development, and implementation of UoPeople’s student and faculty experience application landscape, organizational information systems, IT support and infrastructure systems, and future-state Technology landscape while managing and operating the current application landscape. The role will drive forward a roadmap of modernization and optimization. The role will furthermore be accountable for managing all relationships with UoPeople’s technology vendors.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Technology management

• Drive design, development, and implementation of all UoPeople’s technology needs.
• Drive a strong agile practice with close feedback loops with the organization’s stakeholders.
• Establish and drive a technology modernization roadmap, enabling speed of delivery and cost optimizations.
• Manage a 24/7 technology operation and continuously optimize usage of our infrastructure towards cost optimization.
• Establish and maintain robust cybersecurity measures and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards, safeguarding the organization's data and technology assets.
• Proven experience with SaaS and cloud-based solutions.
• Proven experience with integrating AI solutions into the application landscape.
• Ensure disaster recovery systems and processes are in place.
• Develop relationships and work closely with all SVP/C-level stakeholders, and all other key leaders on a variety of strategic initiatives.
• Manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and make informed decisions regarding the acquisition of technology resources and services, always with cost effectiveness in mind.
• Develop and manage the technology budget, allocating resources effectively to maximize return on investment and align with the company's financial goals.

Architecture and future-state planning

• Develop and communicate a future-state technology vision and strategy that supports the company's overall business goals and objectives.
• Technology Innovation: Stay current with Education industry trends and emerging technologies, evaluating their potential to enhance the organization's mission, and recommending their adoption as appropriate.
• Build vendor relationships, purchase new technology, software, and equipment as needed, and manage innovation budgets
• Recommend build/buy/partner solutions. Develop a Cost/Benefit Analysis, KPIs.

Team management

• Lead a 40-50 team member global team, made up of development and quality engineers, architects, infrastructure and operations engineers,
• Manage and guide employees and vendors, and participate in hiring and termination processes
• Develop and grow people, build needed skillsets, establish career paths, and succession plans.
• Identify gaps and recruit top talent.
• Encourage a culture of innovation, thought leadership, and continuous improvement.

KEY COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

• Strong track record of developing and executing technology strategies that drive business growth and innovation.
• In-depth knowledge of current EdTech innovation trends
• In-depth knowledge of general technology trends, including cloud computing, AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills with a focus on talent development and retention.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Expertise in leading complex, large-scale change initiatives with strong skills in change management.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong data management expertise with a thorough understanding of the various areas of data management and ability to manage data optimization cross-functionally.
• Strong vendor management and negotiation skills.
• Executive level engagement and communication experience.
• Hands-on, detail orientation.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Proven global and remote people management skills.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS degree in a computer science; MSc degree is preferred
• 20+ years in senior technology leadership roles
• Minimum of 10 years experience in Education technology
• Expertise in agile delivery management preferably through certification (SAFe)