Posting Title

Director of Identity Services

Department Overview

Information Technology Services (ITS) at the University of Virginia (UVA) provides essential technology support and services that enable academic, research, clinical, and administrative functions across the institution. ITS partners closely with stakeholders across Grounds and UVA Health to ensure secure, scalable, and innovative technology solutions that advance the University’s mission.

Position Summary

The University of Virginia (UVA), one of the nation’s premier public institutions, is seeking a collaborative, forward-thinking IT leader to serve as Director of Identity Services. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Information Officer, this high-impact role provides strategic leadership and oversight for identity services within UVA’s central IT organization.

This role is ideal for an experienced IT leader who brings strong leadership capabilities, a strategic mindset, and a deep commitment to collaboration, service delivery, and continuous improvement. The Director will guide a team of professionals responsible for identity and access services, partnering closely with stakeholders across the institution to ensure UVA’s identity infrastructure supports its academic, research, and administrative missions.

Candidates with leadership experience in higher education, healthcare, government, or other complex organizations are encouraged to apply.

This is a hybrid position based in Charlottesville, VA. It can be primarily remote but will require several on-site visits per year for key events with stakeholders across the University and UVA Health.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

Establish and lead a strategic direction for identity services that aligns with UVA’s institutional priorities and evolving IT landscape.

Partner with IT and UVA Health IT leadership to ensure identity services are integrated, scalable, and support future growth.

Serve as a thought partner to senior leaders on technology priorities, digital access, and governance.

Translate technical concepts into accessible language for non-technical stakeholders and decision-makers.

Team Leadership, Talent Development & Service Delivery

Lead and develop a team of IAM professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and service excellence.

Support professional growth, engagement, and connections with national IAM communities.

Oversee day-to-day identity operations, ensuring services meet high standards of reliability, security, and usability with a user-first approach.

Policy, Risk & Governance

Contribute to the development of IAM-related policies, standards, and practices aligned with compliance and institutional risk posture (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA, NIST, GDPR).

Partner with security and compliance teams to maintain oversight while prioritizing accessibility and enablement.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree required. An equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or certifications may substitute for a degree.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of directly related IT experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role focused on identity and access management.

Skills:

Strong knowledge of IAM concepts, technologies, and best practices

Leadership, project management, and team-building skills

Analytical and problem-solving abilities

Strong communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration across diverse teams

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Knowledge of Access Management, SSO/Federation, MFA

Knowledge of enterprise directories (Entra, LDAP, Active Directory, Shibboleth, privileged accounts, etc.)

Familiarity with enterprise systems (PeopleSoft, Workday, ServiceNow)

Familiarity with RBAC (Role-Based Access Control)

Familiarity with security/compliance standards and frameworks (NIST, SOX, GDPR, Zero Trust, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree

8+ years of IT experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role focused on IAM

Knowledge of Fisher Identity Tool, Grouper Group Management Tool, and Boomi integrations

Certifications such as CISSP, CIAM, or equivalent

Experience in higher education or similarly complex organizations

Familiarity with FERPA, HIPAA, and GDPR regulatory requirements

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary position involving extensive use of desktop computers. The role occasionally requires travel to attend meetings and programs.

Position Type & Work Location

Position Type: Full-time, Exempt

Work Location: Hybrid – based in Charlottesville, VA (primarily remote with required on-site visits several times per year)

About UVA and the Community

The University of Virginia is renowned for its historic foundations, student experience, and research excellence. Located in Charlottesville, VA, UVA is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the nation. The surrounding community offers a vibrant mix of cultural, outdoor, and social experiences. Learn more at UVA Life in Charlottesville and Embark CVA.

Application Timeline

Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Additional Requirements

Selected candidates will be required to complete a background check.

How to Apply

Please apply through UVA Online and search for “R0076001.” Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching “Find Jobs.” Complete the application and upload the following required materials:

Cover letter

Resume

Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the “Resume” box. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Reference Check Process

References will be completed via UVA’s standardized process, SkillSurvey. A total of five references will be requested during the final phase of the interview process.

Contact

For questions about the application process, please contact Bill Crane, Senior IT Recruiter, at xer5ff@virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.