IT Manager, Academic Technology

The University of Minnesota is committed to fostering local talent through employment opportunities. While this position utilizes a hybrid modality, prospective applicants must be located either in the state of Minnesota or near the Wisconsin border or otherwise open to relocation.

Please note, we are not offering H-1B or Green Card sponsorship for this position.

The University of Minnesota's Office of Information Technology (OIT) is seeking an energetic, forward-thinking management professional to lead our Academic Technology team. As a resource manager within a matrix-managed organization, the individual in this position will be responsible for leading Academic Technology functions through the supervision and ongoing development of approximately 20 IT professionals. The team is comprised of instructional designers, academic technologists, multimedia specialists, business analysts, and production staff who are focused on the integration and advancement of technologies that directly support the teaching and learning mission of the University. This position reports to the Senior Director for Academic Technology and works closely with an Academic Technology leadership team, other IT managers, and with cross-functional team leads (Service Owners) to ensure the right resources are available to support the strategy for Academic Technology. A successful candidate will have a passion for education and technology, a focus on developing and managing people through coaching and mentorship, and proven leadership skills.

We Offer:

• University paid contribution (10% of your salary) to your retirement account - vested immediately.
• 22 paid vacation days per year, in addition to sick leave and 12 paid holidays.
• Reduced tuition opportunities covering 75% - 100% of eligible tuition.
• Excellent and affordable health care benefits (2023 Enrollment Guide).
• Wellbeing program with opportunity to earn lower health care rates.
• Free disability insurance and employer-paid life insurance.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity.
• Financial counseling services.
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost.
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.
• Annual merit increase program.

Key Responsibilities:
Hiring and Talent Management:

• Lead the hiring process to onboard high-potential IT professionals who align with the team's objectives and values.
• Define clear roles and responsibilities for team members and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide constructive feedback, and manage compensation for employees.
• Support the professional development of team members through coaching and connection to experiences and training that extend their skills.
• Ensure employees possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to support IT services.

Leadership:

• Align staff work plans and goals with overarching departmental objectives, ensuring desired outcomes.
• Provide functional leadership and expertise to the Academic Technology team.
• Provide organizational leadership by collaborating with other IT managers and contributing to IT strategy.
• Develop policies, procedures, and standards for the Academic Technology team.
• Coordinate with Service Owners to ensure service issues are addressed promptly and effectively, maintaining a high standard of customer satisfaction.

Diversity and Inclusion:

• Foster an inclusive and equitable work environment, championing the University's commitment to diversity and supporting initiatives that promote equity.
• Participate in efforts to cultivate a diverse workforce and contribute to a culture of belonging within the team and broader University community.
• Promote a productive work environment and ensure staff are fully engaged.

Alignment of Resources:

• Proactively adjust workforce by redesigning work, creating new positions and eliminating positions as needed. Forecast demand to ensure staff are available when needed.
• Assign resources to teams and ensure people receive adequate support to achieve desired outcomes.
• Align staff work plans and goals with the established overall strategies for the department and provide oversight to ensure goals are met by managing projects and workflow.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and 8 years of relevant experience, including management/leadership experience; OR a master's degree in a related field and 6 years of relevant experience, including management/leadership experience.
• Experience working in Higher Education or managing an e-learning team.
• Experience managing small to medium IT projects.
• Experience with employee recruitment, hiring, retention, and development.
• Experience managing employee and team performance using a combination of formal and informal feedback channels.
• Experience developing employees in a variety of backgrounds and disciplines.
• Prior experience in a professional IT supervisory or managerial position.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading academic or instructional technology professionals.
• Demonstrated experience in academic technology, course development or instructional design.
• Passion for promoting the effective use of technology to improve student learning.
• Experience providing mentorship and career development opportunities to team members.

Pay Range: $110,000 - $130,000 depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).