Chief Information Officer

The University of Wisconsin­­­–Madison (“UW–Madison” or “the university”)—among the nation’s most renowned and impactful public research universities—seeks a collaborative and visionary leader to serve as the next Chief Information Officer & Vice Provost for Information Technology (CIO-VP). This position plays a pivotal role in advancing UW–Madison’s mission of public service—as articulated in the “Wisconsin Idea”—by providing vision and senior leadership to establish and execute an enterprise-wide information technology (IT) strategy that aligns IT resources with the university’s strategic goals. 

The university is embarking on transformative initiatives that promise to elevate its research, teaching, and public service missions. Key programs, such as the RISE (Research, Innovation, and Scholarly Excellence) initiative, are set to drive increased demand for research computing infrastructure in areas like AI, health, sustainability, and data sciences, positioning UW–Madison at the cutting edge of discovery and innovation. In tandem, the Administrative Transformation Program (ATP) is reshaping the university’s digital landscape, bringing streamlined processes and advanced enterprise systems that will drive efficiency and collaboration across campus and the broader Universities of Wisconsin (formerly known as the UW System). At the same time, the university is undertaking efforts to more deeply understand how Zero Trust architecture can assist with lowering cybersecurity risk in order to safeguard sensitive research data and protect the university’s digital infrastructure. These forward-looking initiatives and others provide an extraordinary platform for the next CIO-VP to make a lasting impact on the institution.

The successful candidate will have a proven ability to mobilize resources, foster innovation, and leverage core infrastructure services for research, teaching and learning, and service. The individual must be a team builder with demonstrated success in developing and nurturing collaborative relationships and providing direction to senior leaders across the institution. The next CIO-VP will be adept at identifying emerging trends in IT—including research computing, artificial intelligence and machine learning, academic technology, and cybersecurity—and will position UW–Madison as a leader in these fields. A minimum of ten years of information technology leadership experience in a complex and decentralized environment is desired. Experience in a higher education, research-oriented IT environment (or similar) is strongly preferred. Exceptional communication skills, a record of visionary and strategic leadership, and experience navigating a strong shared governance environment are also essential.

Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be submitted electronically below. Electronic submission of materials is required. 

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process with a priority application date of January 10, 2025. Applicants should include a current resume or curriculum vitae and a comprehensive cover letter that addresses how their strengths and experience match the qualifications for the position.

Dan Rodas is leading this search with Raul Bernal and Nicole Sancilio.

Important information regarding confidentiality: Unless confidentiality is requested in writing, UW–Madison is required by Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7) to release the names of all applicants to anyone who requests that information. If you would like to request confidentiality, please indicate that via this survey. All candidates who advance to the finalist stage will be announced publicly prior to their campus visits.

The University of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. We invite you to complete a voluntary self-identification information found here (PVL #306606).

If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request here. 

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, found here, contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW–Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.