Job Description

Chief Information Officer (CIO)

The University of Massachusetts Boston — a nationally recognized urban public research university and a proud member of the UMass system — seeks an innovative, collaborative, and forward-thinking leader to serve as its Chief Information Officer (CIO).

As the senior information technology leader for the University, the CIO will provide vision, strategy, and leadership for leveraging technology to advance UMass Boston’s mission of access, equity, and academic excellence. The CIO will play a central role in guiding the University through an era of digital transformation, ensuring that technology continues to empower student success, enable research innovation, and strengthen the University’s operational capacity.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, the CIO leads the Information Technology Services Division, a central unit responsible for network infrastructure, application services, client support, information security, digital accessibility, and selected academic technologies.

The CIO oversees a talented and experienced team that includes the Associate CIO for Educational Technology & Learning Commons, multiple Assistant Vice Chancellors (for Client Services, Application Services, Business Operations, and Information Security/CISO), Directors of Network Services, Systems, and IT Project Management, and an Executive Assistant.

The CIO also serves as the campus liaison to the UMass system IT department and will guide the strategic integration of research computing and learning design services as they transition to Academic Affairs during the 2025–26 academic year.

Strategic Priorities

The Chief Information Officer will serve as a key strategic partner to University leadership and will:

• Shape the institution’s digital future by aligning technology strategies with UMass Boston’s mission, goals, and core values.
• Lead major institutional initiatives including the selection and implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, artificial intelligence (AI) policy development, and digital accessibility advancement.
• Drive digital transformation that modernizes infrastructure, streamlines operations, and enhances user experience across the University.
• Champion cybersecurity, risk management, and data governance, ensuring security, compliance, and operational resilience.
• Advance digital accessibility, guaranteeing all University-owned and customized digital properties meet WCAG and ADA standards, and ensuring faculty and staff have tools and training to build accessible resources.
• Foster a culture of innovation and service excellence, positioning IT as a trusted, strategic partner to all campus divisions.
• Build and mentor a high-performing, inclusive IT team, cultivating belonging, professional growth, and leadership development.
• Engage diverse stakeholders across academic and administrative units to co-create effective, user-centered technology solutions.

Desired Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

1. Strategic and Operational Balance – Able to think long-term while executing short-term priorities effectively.
2. Inspirational Leadership – A people-centered, visible, and inclusive leadership style; strong managerial and team-building skills.
3. Outstanding Communication – The ability to engage transparently, explain complex technology issues in accessible language, and collaborate across all levels of the University.
4. Service Orientation – A commitment to ensuring IT is seen as a responsive, proactive, and solution-focused partner.
5. Technical Depth – Broad experience with enterprise systems, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data governance, AI applications, and digital accessibility.
6. Innovation and Vision – Capacity to anticipate emerging trends and position UMass Boston at the forefront of digital transformation in higher education.
7. Resilience and Resourcefulness – Skilled at leading with creativity and persistence in a complex, resource-conscious environment.
8. Commitment to Higher Education – A deep appreciation for the mission and social impact of public universities.

Qualifications

Candidates should possess significant leadership experience in information technology management within a complex organization, preferably in higher education. A record of success in strategic planning, technology transformation, and staff leadership is required, along with demonstrated ability to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in technology environments.

Compensation and Application Process

To apply for this role please submit materials directly through the Talent Profile. Applications should include a letter of interest that responds to the agenda for leadership and the desired attributes for the new CIO and a curriculum vitae/resumé. All materials will be considered in full confidence.

UMass Boston expects to pay within an approximate range between $225,000 and $250,000 for this position.

The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on the consideration of all relevant factors when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment. Exceptional candidates may be considered for salaries above the published range to ensure competitiveness within the academic market.

This is a full-time position that will be performed on-site in Boston, MA. Nominations and applications should be submitted electronically as soon as possible. The Search Committee will begin to evaluate applications in November 2025.

Jim Sirianni, Managing Director 
Beth McCcarthy, Senior Associate
UMassBostonCIO@dsgco.com

DSG | Storbeck Search

All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HR@umb.edu or 617-287-5150.

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