Director of Information Technology: Tickle College of Engineering - UTK

Job Description

The Director of Information Technology is responsible for the overall leadership and administration of IT services within the Tickle College of Engineering (TCE). This role oversees daily IT operations, strategic planning, and resource management to ensure reliable, secure, and efficient technology services across administrative offices, program units, and academic departments. The Director supervises IT staff, manages a comprehensive IT budget, and serves as a key partner with the Office of Information Technology (OIT) to align college technology initiatives with university priorities.

The position provides direction for IT security, infrastructure, and system support while leading complex projects, advising leadership on technology solutions, and ensuring service delivery in accordance with established service level agreements (SLAs). The Director also evaluates emerging technologies, supports research and instructional needs, and ensures that IT services advance the college’s mission and strategic goals.

• Lead and manage the TCE IT unit, including supervision, mentoring, goal setting, performance management, hiring decisions, and oversight of IT staff.
• Establish and implement the future direction of the TCE IT unit by translating strategic plans into operational plans and ensuring alignment with TCE strategic goals, service standards, SLA commitments, and UT policies.
• Oversee the TCE IT Information Security program across TCE Administrative Offices, Program Offices, and Academic Departments.
• Manage a $500,000 IT budget with full budgetary oversight, including personnel budgeting, equipment replacement cycles, IT projects, IT supplies, billing accuracy, and budget initiatives.
• Provide leadership and oversight for complex IT projects, focusing on IT security initiatives and strategic college‑wide projects.
• Consult with users to determine technology needs, research and develop cost‑effective solutions, monitor hardware operating conditions, and make recommendations to users and TCE leadership.
• Collaborate with managers, high‑level OIT management, and other campus partners to communicate TCE technical requirements and align strategic direction.
• Serve as a TCE representative and expert resource on campus‑level IT infrastructure initiatives, evaluate emerging technologies for potential college and campus deployment, and advise IT personnel on policies and best practices.
• Advise the TCE Office of Engineering Communications on implementation and maintenance of TCE websites and work with OIT and the Office of Research, Innovation & Economic Development on research projects involving sensitive information.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or other computer‑related degree.
• Experience:
  • Seven years of experience providing direct IT support for a large, technically oriented organization — must be proactive in anticipating and resolving problems.
  • Three years of experience managing IT staff, including performance management, goal setting, and professional development.
  • Three years leading, training, and directing IT operations in multiple departments.
  • Three years of experience with IT planning, design, forecasts, budgets, proposals, documentation, and project management.
  • Three years with project management related to IT/AV system upgrades and new installations.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership techniques, and coordination of people and resources.
  • Knowledge of how to analyze complex and variable factors to make sound decisions and recommendations on hardware, software, and service procurement.
  • Knowledge of maintaining an inventory of installed software, managing software licensing, and creating policies and procedures for upgrades.
  • Knowledge of computer operating systems concepts, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software.
  • Skills in monitoring and assessing employee performance and making improvements or taking corrective action.
  • Skills in leading cross‑functional teams and managing competing…