Company Overview
Our client is a leading private research institution recognized globally for academic excellence and a deep commitment to advancing knowledge across every discipline it touches. Consistently ranked among the top universities in the country, the institution has built a reputation for combining rigorous scholarship with a collegial, close-knit community culture rarely found at organizations of its scale. As the university modernizes its administrative technology backbone, including a move from legacy on-premise systems to a modern cloud ERP environment, it is seeking an Associate CIO, Administrative Applications to help lead that transformation.
Position Overview
This is a rare opportunity to lead the modernization of enterprise applications at one of the country’s most respected academic institutions, with direct executive-level ownership of a major cloud ERP transition. The role carries significant visibility, partnering closely with the CIO and senior academic and administrative leadership to shape the institution’s technology direction for the next decade. You will lead a team of 50+ professionals across ERP, custom development, database administration, and application configuration, with the mandate to build succession depth ahead of a wave of upcoming retirements. For a technology leader who wants to combine hands-on ERP expertise with true organizational leadership, and who is energized by mission-driven work in a collaborative, low-ego culture, this role offers both scope and staying power: the university’s last two people in this seat each held it for more than a decade.
Position Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the long-term strategy for administrative applications, guiding the transition from legacy on-premise ERP to a modern cloud platform while maintaining full operational continuity
- Lead, mentor, and grow a team of 50+ employees across ERP and custom development, database administration, and package adoption and configuration
- Own the evaluation, selection, and implementation of the cloud ERP platform, including RFP development and vendor negotiation
- Build a staffing and succession plan that addresses near-term retirement exposure while developing the next generation of technical leadership
- Partner with academic and administrative leadership across the institution to align technology investment with institutional priorities
- Oversee configuration, deployment, and ongoing support of SaaS and cloud-based administrative applications
- Ensure compliance, data privacy, and quality standards are met across all administrative systems
- Manage vendor relationships and contracts for ERP and other enterprise software platforms
- Establish training, documentation, and support resources to drive adoption across the user community
Position Qualifications
Required:
- A track record of leading large-scale cloud ERP implementations from the executive level, ideally within complex, decentralized organizations
- A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in enterprise applications leadership, including direct ownership of cloud ERP deployments, upgrades, and integrations
- Demonstrated experience managing on-premises and cloud-based systems concurrently during a transition period
- Proven experience leading teams of 50 or more, with a clear track record as a people leader rather than an individual technical contributor
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
Preferred:
- Experience in higher education or another large, mission-driven, decentralized institution
- Cloud ERP certifications (Workday, Oracle Cloud, SAP) and project management certifications (PMP, ITIL)
- Advanced degree
- A polished, high-energy communication style suited to engaging deans, department chairs, and other senior stakeholders directly
If you’re ready to lead a transformational technology initiative at one of the world’s most respected academic institutions, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and a member of Talentfoot’s recruitment team will be in touch should your track record of success, experience, skills, and qualifications match our client’s requirements.
About Talentfoot
Talentfoot Executive Search specializes in future proofing organizations by securing forward-thinking leaders across sales, marketing, eCommerce, product, data, operations, finance, and technology with a track record of accelerating growth, innovation and profitability. Since 2010, we’ve partnered with more than 2,500 companies and lead the industry with a 98% client success rate. Learn more at Talentfoot.com