Associate Vice President Information Technology (AVP, IT)

Trent University; Peterborough; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Ontario is searching for an Associate Vice President, Information Technology to provide strategic leadership and oversee IT infrastructure. This role involves managing a high-performing team, guiding budget allocations, and ensuring compliance with cybersecurity standards. Candidates should possess extensive experience in IT leadership, with a focus on digital transformation and a commitment to service excellence.

Qualifications

• 15 years of experience in information technology roles with leadership responsibilities.
• Experience managing large operating and capital budgets.
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of IT strategy and policy.
• Cultivate a culture of innovation across the University.
• Oversee planning and management of IT budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Cybersecurity

Budget management

Interpersonal communication

Problem-solving

Education

Honours University Degree in Computing, Mathematics or Business

Masters Degree

Tools

Enterprise systems

Instructional technologies

Governance frameworks

Job description

Trent University is actively committed to creating a diverse and inclusive campus community and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. Trent University offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process or require an accessible version of a document / publication, please contact Human Resources.

JOB PURPOSE

The Associate Vice President, Information Technology (AVP, IT) provides strategic leadership for the University’s academic, research, and administrative IT infrastructure, services, and applications including IT strategy, policy and planning development. They are central to shaping and delivering a forward-thinking IT vision that supports a diverse and evolving organization.

The AVP, IT leads a high-performing team responsible for enterprise systems, computing and networking infrastructure, voice and audio-visual services, information security, and user support. With a strong focus on client service, quality, and security, the AVP, IT ensures that technology solutions effectively support the evolving needs of students, faculty, and staff.

As a key member of the senior management team, the AVP, IT drives the development and execution of an integrated IT strategy that maximizes the impact of technology investments, aligns with institutional priorities and advances the University’s mission, vision, and Strategic Directions. They are instrumental in ensuring technology investments enhance institutional resilience, and enable a future-ready work, learning and research environment.

KEY ACTIVITIES

• Champions the strategic role of information technology in advancing the University’s academic, research, and service missions. Leads the development of IT strategy, policy, and planning in alignment with institutional goals.
• Cultivates a culture of innovation and collaboration across the University. Ensures that technology infrastructure and services effectively support teaching, learning, research, and community engagement.
• Leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive IT roadmap, including evaluation of emerging technologies, enterprise systems, and telecommunications. Aligns IT investments with long-term institutional priorities and evolving user needs.

DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT

• Oversees the planning and management of operating and capital budgets for Information Technology Services. Ensures optimal allocation of resources, space, and staffing to support strategic initiatives and operational excellence.
• Identifies and pursues external funding opportunities to support large-scale IT initiatives ensuring fiscal responsibility and value-driven decision-making.
• Builds and leads a high-performing IT leadership team. Fosters a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and service excellence. Promotes collaboration across departments and encourages professional growth and innovation.

TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

• Monitors emerging technologies and trends to inform strategic decisions. Advises senior leadership on opportunities to enhance institutional effectiveness, reduce costs, and improve user experience.
• Develops and enforces IT policies, standards, and governance frameworks. Leads process improvement and digital transformation initiatives across academic and administrative units.
• Ensures compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards related to technology use. Promotes responsible data stewardship and privacy practices.
• Leads IT’s focus on cyber security, disaster recovery, and business continuity, auditing and enhancing security management of all technology systems.
• Oversees IT-related proposals and assists University departments with functional, budget, and equipment purchase and installation needs.

EDUCATION REQUIRED

• Honours University Degree (4 year) in Computing, Mathematics or Business; Masters Degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Fifteen (15) years of experience in information technology roles, with increasing leadership responsibility within a similarly complex environment (education, healthcare, government etc.).
• Proven success in leading institution-wide IT strategy, digital transformation initiatives, and long-term technology planning.
• Demonstrated experience managing large operating and capital budgets, optimizing resources, and securing external funding.
• Strong track record of building and mentoring high-performing teams, fostering collaboration, and managing diverse technical and professional staff.
• Deep understanding of enterprise systems, instructional technologies, and integrated administrative platforms.
• Commitment to service excellence and user experience across academic, research, and administrative domains.
• Experience developing and implementing IT policies, governance frameworks, and compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity best practices, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning.
• Effective interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; ability to engage stakeholders across all levels of the institution.
• Advanced conceptual, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to align technology initiatives with institutional goals.
• A satisfactory Criminal Record Check (“Police Record Check”), dated within the past six (6) months is required as a condition of employment.

SUPERVISION

• Direct Supervision of:
  • Director, Information Security
  • Director, Infrastructure & Operations
  • Director, Enterprise Applications
  • Director, Client Services
  • Business Systems Analyst
• Indirect Supervision of entire Information Technology team