The University of Maine System (UMS) seeks an accomplished and strategic technology leader to serve as the Associate CIO of Infrastructure & Network Services. This senior IT executive is responsible for ensuring that the university system’s technology foundation is reliable, scalable, and aligned with its academic, research, and administrative missions. The Associate CIO provides executive leadership for Networkmaine (https://networkmaine.net/) —a statewide initiative delivering advanced networking services to Maine’s schools, libraries, government agencies, and research institutions—and oversees enterprise network architecture, cloud and on-premise infrastructure, and related technology services. This position also partners closely with the Information Security Office to uphold resilience, security, and compliance across all infrastructure operations. This is a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction of IT infrastructure for one of the most connected higher education systems in the Northeast, advancing innovation and collaboration across the state and beyond. Candidates from diverse industry or public-sector backgrounds with transferable infrastructure leadership experience are encouraged to apply, as the University values broad perspectives in its IT leadership. Key Responsibilities: + Provide executive oversight of Networkmaine, ensuring resilient, high-performance connectivity and advanced services for Maine's education and research communities. + Lead and mentor infrastructure and network services teams, fostering a culture of accountability, inclusivity, innovation, and high performance. + Manage strategic partnerships with ISPs, vendors, and regional network partners to ensure statewide reliability and capacity. + Represent UMS as the regional connector to Internet2 and related research and education initiatives. + Oversee specialized research network environments such as the Maine Low Friction Network (MELFN) and Science DMZ, enabling secure, high-speed transfer of research data. + Develop and execute enterprise infrastructure strategy, integrating cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) with on-premise data centers. + Ensure 24/7 continuity of critical network operations, service-level performance, and infrastructure security in partnership with the Information Security Office. + Govern infrastructure budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strategic alignment. + Define and communicate key performance metrics, goals, and business cases to executive stakeholders. Please review the Associate CIO of Infrastructure & Network Services (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wPa5vbeNEu2D0YJkhc2dkJZOU6q\_jCdE/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=107650141627790805903&rtpof=true&sd=true) job description for more information. Salary: The salary range for this position is $165,000 to $175,140, commensurate with the candidate's training, education, and experience. Benefits: The University of Maine System offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes (but is not limited to): + 13 paid holidays plus earned vacation and sick time + Health, Dental, and Vision insurance + Short-term disability insurance and employer-paid long-term disability insurance + Employer-paid basic life insurance and supplemental life insurance + Tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents (spouse, domestic partner, and dependent children) + 403(b) retirement plan with 10% employer contribution To learn more, please review the Benefits Information Summary (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c9mWQ2e9KQ8MqZ2s77HXUqrnnlQSsztA/view?usp=sharing) . Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST, with flexibility available as mutually agreed upon between the supervisor and employee. Location: This position is fully remote. Applicants must reside and be authorized to work in the United States. Please review the University Guidelines for Remote Work (https://www.maine.edu/human-resources/remote-work/) . Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: + Demonstrated leadership across networking, cloud platform, and on-premise server and data center environments, with deep knowledge of modern hybrid infrastructure integration. + Strong understanding of research and education networking (e.g., Internet2, regional R&E networks, Science DMZ) and experience managing high-performance network environments and ISP partnerships. + Knowledge of enterprise IT system administration, including identity and access management, single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), certificate and directory services, and collaboration platforms. + Ability to plan and manage large-scale budgets and financial models, including forecasting, cost-benefit analysis, and ROI assessment, to support sustainable infrastructure investments. + Skilled in developing and presenting executive-level analyses and reports (e.g., SWOT assessments, strategic business cases) to support sustainable infrastructure investments. + Demonstrated success leading managers, technical leaders, and cross-functional teams within complex, multi-institutional, or multi-site environments, delivering results across distributed or decentralized organizations. + Expertise in managing a broad ecosystem of vendors, service providers, and partners, including contract negotiations and enforcement of service-level agreements (SLAs) to ensure performance, value, and accountability. + Proven ability to oversee enterprise project portfolios, including prioritization, risk management, and delivery of mission-critical infrastructure initiatives on time and within scope. + Strategic thinker with the ability to align infrastructure roadmaps with institutional goals while balancing scalability, reliability, compliance, and innovation. + Exceptional communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical strategies and investment rationales to diverse audiences. Skilled in building consensus and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders across organizational levels. Qualifications Requirements: + Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field, OR an equivalent combination of education and extensive related experience may be considered. + Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in enterprise-level IT services, including management of hybrid cloud/on-premise infrastructure and large-scale, mission-critical networking environments. + Demonstrated success leading enterprise-scale transformation initiatives such as cloud migrations, infrastructure modernization, or technology strategy deployments. + Proven experience overseeing multimillion-dollar IT budgets, including financial modeling, forecasting, and RIO-based investment planning for major projects. + Track record of effectively managing complex vendor relationships and technology contracts to ensure service quality and organizational value. Preferred: + A master's degree in a relevant discipline is strongly preferred. + Executive leadership experience within a multi-campus higher education system or a comparably large, decentralized organization in the public or private sector. + Experience overseeing advanced research and education networking environments, including Internet 2 or regional R&E networks, or comparable large-scale network initiatives. + Relevant professional certification in IT leadership, governance, or project management (e.g., PMP, CGEIT, ITIL). How to Apply: Materials must be submitted via “Apply Now” below. You will need to complete an application and upload the following: + A cover letter that describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position. + A resume/curriculum vitae. Important items to know about the recruitment process: + Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and will remain open until filled. + Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. + Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide contact information for references. + The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screenings. + Applicants must be authorized to work in and reside in the United States. Please Note: We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship now or in the future. The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/. About the University of Maine System The University of Maine System (UMS), established in 1968, consists of seven universities and the University of Maine School of Law, spread across various locations in Maine. UMS provides system-wide services and governance from these locations, leveraging the distinct strengths and collaborations among its institutions to advance strategic priorities for UMS (https://www.maine.edu/strategic-plan/) and the state of Maine. Choosing UMS means opting for a high quality of life supported by excellent benefits such as tuition waivers, robust retirement contributions, and comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability. Maine's diverse landscapes, from accessible wilderness and rugged coastline to urban centers and rural communities, offer numerous cultural activities, strong public schools, safe neighborhoods, and high-quality healthcare. Discover more about Maine's exemplary lifestyle on the Maine Office of Tourism website (https://visitmaine.com/plan-your-visit/relocating-to-maine) .