Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Director of the University Information Services (UIS)
The University of Cambridge is consistently ranked one of the best universities in the world, achieving academic excellence through its Faculties, Departments and other Institutions, together with the 31 Colleges. The University is renowned for its record of discovery and innovation. It is one of the great institutions, with a regional, national and global reach, attracting the very best and brightest minds. Their staff and students shape the world around us for the better: they attract and partner with like-minded people. The University also sits at the heart of Europe's largest technology cluster and has catalysed more than 1,500 high-tech companies. And yet what inspires 24,000 students and 13,000 staff is not what has already been achieved, but what will be possible in the future.
The CIO and Director of the UIS:
Will sit on the University's Senior Leadership Team and their mandate will span digital, technical and information services across the University. The CIO will need to be the head integrator. They will be the only individual in a position to be able to look out (looking widely and looking forward) for the interests of the University technology community overall.
Must be a well-established leader of technology and transformation, whilst also being skilled at diplomacy and use of soft power. This is not least because the UIS will need to have clear institutional accountability for real, growing threats such as cybersecurity and therefore must make the changes required to effectively mitigate these growing threats.
Will also need to be highly responsive, client-focussed, and with excellent interpersonal skills. The CIO will be steadfast in their insistence on excellence in the infrastructure and will know when they are not getting it and be able to communicate why this is vital.
Will take on a leadership role for IT staff throughout the University potentially through a similar approach taken by Harvard and Stanford with a 'one-IT' people plan, the CIO will establish an appropriate programme of change to shift the delivery of digital services to a product approach with multi-disciplinary teams that is driven by the University's need.
Candidates must possess sufficient gravitas and credibility to be able to forge high-level relationships, partnerships and networks with academic bodies and public and private sector organisations globally. The CIO will be able to create a compelling narrative for the future and be steadfast in telling that story. The narrative has to be authentic to the leader and the institution and describe a world in which people can see themselves.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant contribution to accelerating action for an enlightened future across the university
You can discover more about this exceptional opportunity on the Odgers website, and we hope you will express an interest in this unique leadership role and join us in making a lasting difference.
For further information, including details of how to apply, please visit www.odgers.com/92283
For a confidential conversation about this opportunity, please contact:
Caroline Sands, Partner & Head of Practice CIO & Technology Officers Practice t: +44 (0) 20 7529 1131 e: caroline.sands@odgersberndtson.com
Rhiannon Woodrow-Sintos, Associate CIO & Technology Officers Practice t: +44 (0)20 7529 1120 e: rhiannon.woodrow@odgersberndtson.com
Paddy Pamment, Researcher CIO & Technology Officers Practice (on secondment) t: +44 (0)20 7529 6321 e: paddy.pamment@odgersberndtson.com
Applications are invited at your earliest convenience, and in any event by no later than Tuesday, 12 November 2024.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check, a security check and a standard Disclosure and Barring Service check.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.