Director of SUNY IT Optimization and Engagement

The State University of New York; City of Albany (NY); On-site; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & vision coverage

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Job summary

SUNY System Administration in Albany, NY seeks a Director of Information Technology Optimization and Engagement to lead the OIT project management office and drive SUNY-wide digital transformation initiatives. You will align IT projects with SUNY's strategic goals and oversee governance, procurement, and performance reporting.

The role requires 8–10 years in large digital transformations and a Bachelor’s degree, with salary in the $160k–$190k range and a comprehensive SUNY benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 8–10 years of experience managing large-scale, complex digital initiatives.
• Experience leading government or large public sector teams is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate project and portfolio management across the Office of Information Technology.
• Establish standards, templates, and reporting for project intake, planning, execution and closeout.
• Provide portfolio reporting to CIO and SUNY leadership to prioritize investments and manage risks.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Analytical reasoning

Data-driven decisions

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Location: Albany, NY Category: Professional Positions Job Type: Full-time Posted On: Wed Sep 9 2026 Job Description:

The Director of SUNY Information Technology Optimization and Engagement provides leadership for projects and portfolio management across the SUNY Office of Information Technology under the direction of the Chief Information Officer (CIO). The Director leads and supports a project management office responsible for establishing consistent project management policies and practices, coordinating work across the OIT portfolio, and providing leadership with clear information about project status, costs, schedules, risks, dependencies, resource needs, and expected outcomes. The Director is responsible for ensuring IT projects are aligned with SUNY's strategic goals and portfolio management priorities driving alignment and engagement across 64 campuses and SUNY hospitals for campus and central administration technology operations. The Director also maintains a particular focus on SUNY's Digital Transformation Projects (DTP), helping to coordinate these complex, systemwide initiatives and supporting the governance, stakeholder engagement, procurement, financial oversight, change management, and performance reporting necessary for their success.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate project and portfolio management activities across the Office of Information Technology, including the development and operation of an OIT project management office.
• Establish policies and maintain practical, consistent standards, templates, tools, and reporting practices for project intake, planning, execution, monitoring, change control, and closeout.
• Maintain a consolidated view of the OIT project portfolio, including project status, schedules, budgets, procurement activities, resource requirements, dependencies, risks, and anticipated outcomes.
• Provide regular portfolio reporting and analysis to the CIO and SUNY leadership to support project prioritization, resource allocation, investment decisions, and resolution of significant risks or barriers.
• Provide project management leadership and support for major OIT initiatives, with particular responsibility for coordinating and monitoring SUNY's Digital Transformation Projects.
• Conduct analysis and quality assurance activities related to the ongoing support of SUNY's Digital Transformation Project (DTP).
• Partner with DTP teams to help identify, analyze and prioritize work in support of the projects.
• Participate in the development of Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Invitation for Bids (IFBs), Requests for Quotes (RFQ's), Requests for Information (RFI's), Sole/Single Source Procurements, in support of DTP.
• Engage campuses and hospitals to ensure DTP project plans and strategies meet institutional and end-user needs.
• Serve as a liaison with 64 campuses, SUNY CIO, and other business units, as needed or requested.
• Perform other duties and special projects as required.

Job Requirements

Required Skills

• 5+ years of leading large government teams or units.
• 3+ years in senior leadership managing cross-functional teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Analytical problem-solving abilities and data-driven decision-making expertise.
• Proven record of effective leadership and team collaboration.
• Ability to manage concurrent initiatives with clear deliverables and timelines.
• Excellent presentation and reporting skills for executive stakeholders.
• Must be flexible and adapt to the changing priorities and requests.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Eight (8) - ten (10) years experience in managing large-scale, complex digital transformation or modernization initiatives.

Additional Information

• Salary is dependent on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, experience, education, training, and certifications. The range for this position is $160,000-$190,000 annually.
• The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this position. Individual starting salaries are determined based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. While the full range is provided for transparency, starting salaries generally fall near the entry to midpoint of the range. Salaries at or near the top of the range are rare and reserved for candidates who exceptionally exceed all posted requirements.
• Excellent Benefit Package which includes: NYS health insurance, free dental and vision coverage, competitive retirement options, tuition assistance, parental leave at full pay, and generous vacation, sick, and holiday time. 13 days of paid holidays per year; 21 days of vacation, and 21 days of sick time accrued each year. Please see our MC benefits summary for additional information.
• Management/Confidential appointments work under the leadership and discretion of the appointing authority and are not represented by a union.
• This position will be based in Albany, NY.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.

SUNY System Administration Benefits

SUNY System Administration provides an outstanding and comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family through the many life changes you may experience while you work for SUNY. Our nationally recognized benefits include:

• Retirement: The choice between a fully funded pension plan and a self-driven defined contribution plan, along with two supplemental plans to increase your ability to save for retirement.
• Health Insurance: Several health insurance options at an affordable cost that provide full coverage without mandatory deductibles.
• Time Off: Paid time off with separate vacation and sick leave accruals up to 21 days a year for each category.
• Additional paid leave policy options for childbirth, adoption, elder care, and other family care situations.
• Explore our full benefits offerings here: www.suny.edu/benefits