FT Associate Vice President/Chief Technology Officer

Cochise College; Sierra Vista (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Cochise College seeks an experienced Associate Vice President/Chief Technology Officer to provide strategic leadership for technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, data management, and enterprise applications. The role leads the Office of Technology Services and drives digital transformation to enhance institutional performance and user experience across Cochise County campuses.

Ideal candidates bring eight+ years in technology leadership within higher education, strong collaboration skills,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; master's preferred.
• At least eight years of experience managing technology resources and staff, preferably in higher education.
• Experience with technology compliance (FERPA, GLBA, PCI-DSS) and leading large-scale IT changes.
• Strong ability to communicate tech strategy to senior leadership and guide ERP deployments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and administer a comprehensive technology plan aligned with college goals.
• Lead the Office of Technology Services and oversee information security, network, and admin computing.
• Oversee the technology budget, vendor contracts, and project feasibility analyses.
• Ensure privacy, security, and regulatory compliance across all systems.
• Drive adoption of emerging technologies with ethical, mission-aligned standards.
• Promote quality customer service, collaboration, and accountability across departments.

Skills

Strategic leadership

ERP systems

Cybersecurity

Data management

Budget oversight

Staff management

Change management

Enterprise architecture

Communication skills

Microsoft 365

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft 365

Azure

Dynamics

Job description

Position Summary

The Associate Vice President/Chief Technology Officer (AVPCTO) serves as a member of the President’s Administrative Cabinet, providing strategic leadership, planning, and oversight for the college's technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise applications, data management, and services that champion digital transformation initiatives to enhance organizational performance and user experiences.

Essential Functions

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.

Note

This job posting is open until filled. Priority given to applications received by October 30, 2026.

Cochise College requires a post-offer, pre-employment background screening of all employees.

Marketing Statement

Cochise College serves the residents of Cochise County from two campuses and four centers throughout Southern Arizona with panoramic views of five different mountain ranges. The college has been recognized nationally for its cost, return on investment, and high success rate; providing over 90 general and technical education programs leading to a variety of workforce certificates and associate degrees. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).

Duties and Responsibilities

Within the scope of college policies and procedures, this position:

Develops and administers a comprehensive technology plan that supports the mission and goals of the college and leads the college’s efforts to proactively move technology systems forward to support success in the areas of systems development, network architecture and services, administrative computing, telecommunications, cybersecurity functions, and user support

Leads the Office of Technology Services (OTS) team, including selection, mentorship, training and development, and evaluation of direct reports and oversight of departmental components of OTS, which includes Information Security, User Support Services, Network and Infrastructure, and Administrative Computing

Provides oversight and input into the development of the district’s technology budget; conducts review of technology solutions contracts in collaboration with supervisor and procurement services; completes analysis of project estimates, feasibility, costs, project times, and compatibility of current and future state systems, including servers, printers, and software applications

Provides oversight of the college’s adoption of emerging technologies, including automation and artificial intelligence, ensuring alignment with college goals and ethical standards

Provides oversight of privacy, access, and security as well as ensures legal compliance with all federal and state rules and regulations; oversees the college’s cybersecurity strategy, risk management, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning

Promotes a culture of quality customer service, collaboration, and accountability

Demonstrates professionalism and a quality customer service environment that values positive working relationships, confidentiality, positive communication, accurate records, and an organized and safe working and learning environment; contributes to department success by performing hands on support to departments as needed

Represents the college at state and regional meetings and serves on committees and task forces as assigned

Performs other related duties as assigned

General Expectations

Employees are expected to accomplish assigned duties in an efficient, effective and competent manner and to strive for improvement and excellence in all work performed. Additionally, employees must understand the comprehensive role of the community college and cooperate and work harmoniously with students, faculty and staff, and the public. Employees will follow all college policies, rules, regulations and guidelines as they relate to this position.

Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with major in related discipline from an institution accredited by an institutional accrediting body of higher learning recognized by the US Department of Education, master’s degree preferred

Eight years’ experience managing technology resources, staff, and functions, preferably in a higher education environment

Additional education and experience requirements

Experience with technology services related compliance and regulations, including FERPA, GLBA, and PCI-DSS

Significant experience in leading change and managing transitions

Progressively responsible experience with systems/technology management within a large, complex organization is required

Strategic planning, system design, and implementation experience in the application of information and communications technologies to effectively achieve strategic plans and goals

Preferred qualifications

Prior experience with Microsoft 365, Dynamics, and Azure environments

An equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong commitment to the community college mission

High level of personal integrity and professionalism

Working knowledge in leading a technology organization

Excellent communications and interpersonal skills

Ability to effectively communicate technical strategies to senior administration and actively participate in business strategy development is an essential requirement

Demonstrated experience in the design, development and implementation of integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions that support academic and administrative operations

Demonstrated collaboration skills in working across multiple business units

Ability to manage large-scale application selection and implementation of projects

Demonstrated skills in the identification of business process improvements targets and the application of technology to optimize business processes

Ability to inspire values, vision and strategy

Ability in hiring, developing, and retaining capable, adaptable and skilled staff

Ability to foster a culture of communication, collaboration, consultation and commitment

Ability to nurture creativity through experimentation, imagination and innovation

Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, and to relate to others in a professional, helpful manner

Ability to relate to a diverse population and to maintain composure when faced with difficult situations

Ability to work independently while contributing to team environment

Ability to effectively identify and resolve problems and to maintain strict confidentiality related to sensitive information

Ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, and take appropriate action to resolve problems using independent judgment and decision-making processes

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed under general supervision. Incumbent generally performs work in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Travel is required. Occasionally early morning, evening, and/or weekend work may be required. May be required to be available for after-hours emergency response to ensure continuity of services in support of the college’s mission, students and staff.

As a senior manager of the college, the incumbent is required to live within Cochise County, preferably within 30 minutes from one of the campuses.

Physical Requirements

Essential functions of this position require lifting, manual dexterity, and ability to communicate verbally and in writing.

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body; involves sitting majority of time; walking and standing are required on occasion, and all other sedentary criteria are met

Mental Application: Utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, critical thinking, adaptability and creative problem-solving skills are important

Reports To

Executive Vice President for Administration