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- Tasks: Lead digital transformation and technological excellence at the University of Sussex.
- Company: Join a top university in a diverse, innovative environment near Brighton.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity to shape the future of education and technology.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student experiences and drive positive social change.
- Qualifications: Visionary leaders with experience in IT and digital strategy are encouraged to apply.
- Other info: Applications from underrepresented groups in STEMM are particularly welcomed.
The predicted salary is between 141190 - 166633 £ per year.
Chief Digital & Technology Officer – Salary: £141,190 – £166,633
The University of Sussex is a leading academic institution nestled in the beautiful South Downs, on the outskirts of Brighton. With staff and students from over 100 countries, we are a diverse and innovative environment, and one of the highest performing universities in the world. Committed to excellence in education, research, and global partnerships, Sussex continues to empower students and drive positive social impact.
In these challenging times for the UK education sector, we are seeking a visionary Chief Digital & Technology Officer (CDTO) to lead the transformation of our digital landscape and drive technological excellence across the University. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to shape Sussex\’s future, ensuring we remain at the forefront of innovation, learning, and research.
As the University’s most authoritative technological voice the CDTO will influence the direction of all aspects of the University’s life and strategies, from the Student Experience to key research and Professional Services deliverables. Given the pace of change in technological capabilities the role holder will advise the University on how it may leverage these changes, from embedding the use of Artificial Intelligence to leveraging the democratizing power of technology and enabling all employees to have the power to suggest and implement innovative working practices and delivery models.
The CDTO has budgetary responsibility for circa £13m operational expenditure and is accountable for significant capital investment, in excess of £80m, in technology transformation and modernisation.
Key responsibilities:
- As a member of the UEB participate in developing and enacting Sussex’s long-term planning, advising on the relevance of current and emerging technologies for its overall direction.
- Lead the development, implementation and delivery of IT/Digital plans, incorporating a costed IT Project Portfolio, to achieve the University’s objectives and the vision.
- Lead the planning of new and existing technology, systems, and applications for continuous support to business and academic operations. Provide direction for delivery of the IT Services operating model, organisational structure, and governance processes, ensuring a culture of collaboration, innovation, continuous improvement, and high performance, whilst delivering value for money through university technology expenditure and the IT Project Portfolio.
- Act as SRO for Significant projects including the Network Replacement Project and the Digital Infrastructure Programme, and for Major projects as and when required.
- Balance effectiveness and cost-efficiency in the management of the budget of the IT Services, demonstrating compliance with Value for Money and Return on Investment principles and benchmarking ITS performance against key metrics from similar organisations.
- Oversee and ensure the effective implementation of human resources processes for the division, ensuring that operational, legal and financial risks are mitigated.
- Accountable for high quality, stable and resilient IT solutions and customer services to enhance academic, student and research experiences, ensuring that digitally driven products are supported by the right architectures, systems, behaviours and metrics.
- Safeguard the University by leading the approach to cyber security defences and technology risk management, developing and executing robust policies, standards and solutions that protect key assets and data.
- Strategic-level collaboration with other senior leaders in respect of digital, data and AI needs and their intersection with IT for alignment toward Sussex’s strategic goals.
- Evolve and improve the student experience through the digital transformation of our student-facing processes and systems across the student lifecycle and through our marketing teams online platforms.
- Work with campus stakeholders to develop and implement frameworks for the effective management of technology such as IT governance and enterprise architecture.
- Presents on key performance indicators related to the division and prepares reports for Sussex’s senior leaders on the implementation of projects and programs, successes, areas of improvement and overall use of budgets.
- Ensure the optimal and secure usage of institution-wide data to inform and support delivery of university processes and streamline its collection where appropriate to ensure optimal business and system performance, whilst facilitating a move towards objective data-driven decision capabilities.
- Maintain currency on new technologies and platforms, providing direction on all aspects of emerging opportunities and innovation efforts as they relate to organisational strategies, whilst horizon scanning to plan for the operationalization of emerging technologies in the fulfilment of the University’s strategic framework.
Additional Information:
The University is committed to equality and valuing diversity, and applications are particularly welcomed from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Mathematics (STEMM) at Sussex.
If you are interested in this vacancy, please follow the “EasyApply” process which will register your interest and add you to the distribution list for our dedicated microsite. For any further information, please reach out to Mercedes Sargant on 020 8253 1806, or via email at UoS-CDTO@global-resourcing.com
Closing date: 10th February 2025 (23:59)
University of Sussex | Chief Digital & Technology Officer employer: University of Sussex
Contact Detail:
University of Sussex Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land University of Sussex | Chief Digital & Technology Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest trends in digital transformation and technology in higher education. Understanding how universities are leveraging AI and other technologies will help you articulate your vision for Sussex.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current and former leaders in digital and technology roles within academic institutions. Engaging with professionals who have experience in similar positions can provide valuable insights and connections that may benefit your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led digital transformation initiatives in previous roles. Highlighting measurable outcomes and your strategic approach will demonstrate your capability to drive change at Sussex.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the University of Sussex's current digital initiatives and challenges. Tailoring your discussions around their specific needs and how you can address them will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace University of Sussex | Chief Digital & Technology Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Chief Digital & Technology Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in digital transformation and technology leadership.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your previous roles that involved strategic planning, budget management, and leading technology initiatives. Use specific examples to demonstrate your impact in similar positions.
Showcase Your Vision: Articulate your vision for the role in your cover letter. Discuss how you would approach digital transformation at the University of Sussex and how you plan to leverage emerging technologies to enhance the student experience.
Follow the Application Process: Make sure to follow the 'EasyApply' process as mentioned in the job description. This will ensure your application is registered correctly and you receive updates about the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Sussex
✨Showcase Your Vision
As a candidate for the Chief Digital & Technology Officer role, it's crucial to articulate your vision for the digital transformation of the University. Be prepared to discuss how you would leverage emerging technologies like AI to enhance the student experience and drive innovation across the institution.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Highlight your experience in long-term planning and strategic decision-making. Discuss specific examples where you've successfully implemented IT strategies that align with organizational goals, particularly in an academic or similar environment.
✨Emphasize Collaboration Skills
This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders. Share instances where you've worked effectively with senior leaders and cross-functional teams to achieve technology-driven objectives, ensuring that you convey your ability to foster a culture of collaboration and innovation.
✨Prepare for Budget Discussions
Given the significant budgetary responsibilities associated with this position, be ready to discuss your experience in managing large budgets. Provide examples of how you've ensured value for money and return on investment in previous roles, particularly in technology projects.
