The Senior Director for Infrastructure and Operations provides strategic leadership for Websters enterprise IT environment, ensuring resilient high-performing systems and services that support academic research and administrative priorities. This role oversees infrastructure and end-user support operations, guides the development of scalable architectures and standards, and drives innovation through emerging technologies. The Senior Director partners across the institution to align technology with business goals, ensures compliance and security, and fosters a culture of operational excellence, continuous improvement, and talent development.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Technical Execution & Operational Excellence
Provide strategic leadership for the execution and continuous improvement of enterprise infrastructure and IT operations, encompassing data center services, network and server management, storage, end-user support, and service desk functions. Ensure systems and services are resilient, highly available, and optimized for performance. Oversee the implementation of new technologies and upgrades and ensure operational processes are efficient, scalable, and aligned with service level expectations.
Architecture Design & Standards
Develop and maintain target architectures that support the universitys future state across data applications and technology platforms. Define and enforce architecture standards, policies, and best practices to ensure consistency, interoperability, and long-term sustainability of IT systems.
Enterprise Infrastructure Strategy & Vision
Collaborate closely with the CIO to define and evolve a forward-looking infrastructure strategy that supports Websters academic research and administrative goals. This includes anticipating future needs, aligning with institutional priorities, and ensuring the infrastructure roadmap supports scalability, agility, and innovation.
Technology Evaluation & Innovation
Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends. Evaluate their potential impact on the universitys operations and competitiveness. Recommend and pilot innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce risk, and support strategic transformation.
Security And Compliance Oversight
Partner with the security and compliance teams to operationalize security policies and ensure compliance with regulatory and institutional requirements. Maintain oversight of infrastructure-related controls, risk management practices, and incident response protocols to safeguard university assets.
Performance Monitoring and Insights
Monitor and analyze the performance of infrastructure service delivery and support operations, including staff effectiveness and system reliability. Provide actionable insights based on trends and metrics and recommend improvements to enhance user experience, operational efficiency, and alignment with institutional goals.
Process & Service Management
Ensure robust repeatable processes and skilled personnel are in place across infrastructure and support teams to meet the service expectations of the Webster community. Drive continuous improvement in service delivery through process optimization, automation, and a commitment to operational excellence.
Leadership & Talent Development
Responsible for the supervision of staff, including but not limited to hiring, terming, disciplinary actions, performance management, staff development, etc. Foster a culture of engagement, accountability, and professional growth within the infrastructure and operations team. Build a high-performing team that is aligned with the universitys mission and values.
Budget & Vendor Management
Oversee the infrastructure and operations budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with strategic priorities. Review and approve contracts for IT services and technologies, manage vendor relationships, and ensure delivery of value from external partners.
Functional Technical Skills
Proven ability to lead large-scale enterprise infrastructure and IT operations, including data centers, networks, servers, storage, and end-user support. Demonstrated success in delivering resilient high-performing systems and services aligned with business objectives.
Deep knowledge of enterprise architecture frameworks and principles. Ability to design scalable, interoperable architectures and enforce standards and policies that ensure long-term sustainability and alignment with institutional goals.
Expertise in ITIL or similar service management frameworks. Skilled in developing and refining operational processes to improve service delivery, automate workflows, and meet service level agreements across infrastructure and support teams.
Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, regulatory compliance, and risk management practices. Ability to operationalize security policies and maintain oversight of infrastructure-related controls and incident response.
Experience with evaluating and piloting emerging technologies, such as automation tools, AI-driven infrastructure, to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
Secondary Duties and Responsibilities
Work closely with Websters Director of International Campuses IT Infrastructure & Operations, who is responsible for leading the IT infrastructure daily operations and all full- and part-time IT employees assigned at the universitys international campus locations.