Senior Director of Information Technology

Job Title: Senior Director of Information Technology

Department: Information Technology
Reports To: Vice President for Finance and Administration
Location: Bethel University - Mishawaka, Indiana
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

Bethel University, a Christ-centered institution of higher learning in Mishawaka, Indiana, seeks a visionary and servant-hearted Senior Director of Information Technology to lead and oversee all aspects of the university's IT strategy, infrastructure, and services. The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise with strategic leadership and a commitment to supporting the mission of Bethel University-to equip students for leadership in the church and the world.

This role provides direction and management for IT operations, enterprise systems, cybersecurity, instructional technology, and user support, ensuring technology aligns with the university's academic and administrative goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive IT strategy in alignment with the university's mission, vision, and strategic plan.
• Lead and manage the IT department, fostering a culture of service, innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
• Oversee the maintenance and enhancement of network infrastructure, servers, hardware, and software systems.
• Ensure reliable and secure delivery of IT services, including cybersecurity and data privacy compliance.
• Partner with academic and administrative leadership to support technology needs in instruction, research, and operations.
• Supervise IT budgeting, vendor management, and technology procurement.
• Direct the planning and implementation of enterprise systems.
• Provide oversight for helpdesk operations and technical support services.
• Promote the use of technology to improve efficiency, learning, and student engagement.
• Champion IT governance and policy development, ensuring best practices and regulatory compliance.
• Represent IT in institutional planning and serve on relevant committees as needed.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or related field.
• At least 8-10 years of progressive IT experience, including 3-5 years in a leadership or senior management role.
• Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, systems administration, and application support.
• Demonstrated experience with strategic planning, project management, and team development.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Practicing Christian with a commitment to Christian higher education and Bethel University's mission and values.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience in higher education IT management.
• Familiarity with systems commonly used in higher education (e.g., Canvas, Microsoft 365, Jenzabar, etc.).
• Understanding of FERPA, HIPAA, GLBA, PCI and other compliance frameworks as they relate to technology.

Work Environment and Expectations

• Must be able to work both independently and collaboratively within a faith-based academic community.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours required.
• Commitment to the spiritual formation and academic success of students.

About Bethel University

The mission of Bethel University, affiliated with the Missionary Church denomination, is to be a community of learners building lives of commitment for leadership in the Church and world. Bethel's liberating academic programs challenge the mind, enlarge the vision, and equip the whole person for lifelong service.

Launched in 1947, Bethel is urban situated in the northern Indiana region hosting 250,000 residents, seven colleges (including Notre Dame), the 2nd largest shopping district in the state of Indiana, 15,000 businesses, 50 parks, and beautiful riverwalk developments in South Bend and Mishawaka. Resort venues on Lake Michigan are 45 minutes away. The university community is composed of about 1,500 traditional and adult/graduate students from 35 states, 90 students born outside the United States, and 225 full-time employees. Bethel also hosts more than 8,000 guests annually to arts productions, 25,000 annually in conference services, and many thousands of community members in support of 40 national athletic championships.

Bethel's 20,000 alumni occupy 49 states and 64 world areas and enjoy a medical school acceptance rate double the national average, 100% job placement rate in Nursing whose program was ranked No. 7 in the United States, a Top 4% finish nationally in competitive math performance tests, and 100% pass rate every year on the national performance standard for a unique academic major in American Sign Language.

For more information visit our website at www.bethelunviersity.edu

Bethel University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal laws. In keeping with the mission of the institution, Bethel University seeks applicants with a strong commitment to the values and lifestyle of evangelical Christianity and who profess a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As a Christian institution, we require faculty and staff to adhere to the University's Lifestyle Covenant and to enforce a religiously based statement of responsibilities for all University employees. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Bethel University, as an educational institution operating under the auspices of the Missionary Church, reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (Title VII, Sections 702-703, United States Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended).