Executive IT Director, Office of Teaching, Learning, & Technology
Information Technology Services (ITS) at the University of Iowa is seeking an accomplished, forward-thinking leader to serve as the Executive Director of the Office of Teaching, Learning & Technology (OTLT). This role provides executive leadership for a central IT department that supports teaching and learning across the university through instructional technology, learning spaces, learning analytics, digital accessibility, and related academic technology services.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of teaching and learning at a major public research university. The Executive Director will set vision and strategy for OTLT, guide enterprise-wide services and investments, and serve as a key advisor to senior university and IT leadership on academic technology, instructional innovation, digital learning, accessibility, and emerging opportunities that advance student success and institutional priorities.
A defining feature of this role is to establish service ownership in research technology consultation and outreach. The Executive Director will have the latitude to design how OTLT engages and supports the University's research community, connecting faculty and research staff with technology expertise, tools, and partnerships. This is a chance to define related scope and success measures, and establish OTLT as a trusted partner in the research enterprise alongside its established teaching-and-learning mission.
Reporting directly to the CIO, this position will lead a multi-functional team spanning instructional services, classroom and learning spaces technology, research and analytics functions, and enterprise academic technology initiatives. The successful candidate will bring a strong ability to connect people, strategy, services, and technology in ways that strengthen the university’s teaching and learning mission.
Key Job Duties (not all inclusive):
Set vision and direction for OTLT’s enterprise portfolio, including instructional technology, learning spaces, digital accessibility, learning analytics, and emerging educational technologies.
Shape and define a new service area in research technology consultation and outreach, building OTLT’s role as a connector between researchers and the technology, tools, and expertise best suited to advance their work.
Oversee major academic technology and classroom technology services used across the university.
Serve as a trusted advisor to senior academic, administrative, and IT leaders on teaching and learning technology strategy.
Represent OTLT in university governance, Big Ten Academic Alliance groups, national collaborations, and strategic partnership discussions.
Lead the OTLT leadership team and provide executive direction for a multi-functional organization.
Foster a high-performing, engaged, innovative, and welcoming culture.
Develop leaders, strengthen accountability, and guide organizational change in response to evolving institutional needs.
Oversee OTLT’s multi-million-dollar budget, vendor relationships, contracts, staffing resources, and technology investments.
The Executive Director will play a highly visible role in advancing the University of Iowa’s commitment to teaching excellence, student success, and innovative learning environments. This leader will help ensure that OTLT is not only responsive to today’s campus needs, but also positioned to anticipate what comes next in academic technology, digital learning, accessibility, analytics, and instructional support.
This is a meaningful opportunity for a leader who wants to shape academic technology strategy at scale, influence institution-wide priorities, and lead a respected organization at the center of teaching and learning innovation.
This position is eligible for on-campus and/or hybrid work arrangements within the state of Iowa, with the majority of work time being on campus, and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.
There is an expectation that the individual in this position will maintain effective, civil, and respectful working relationships with the University of Iowa campus community and uphold the University’s commitment to creating a welcoming and respectful environment for all.
This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.
For a detailed job description, please email Melanie Bell at melanie-bell@uiowa.edu.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in education, instructional technology, information technology, business administration, public administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience.
Substantial senior leadership experience (typically 13 years or more) in higher education IT, academic technology, digital learning, instructional support, or another closely related enterprise environment.
Demonstrated executive-level experience leading complex, multi-functional organizations or portfolios with significant strategic, operational, financial, and people leadership responsibilities
Demonstrated success influencing university-wide or enterprise-wide strategy, leading large initiatives, and working effectively with executive leadership, governance groups, and stakeholders.
Demonstrated experience advising senior leaders on strategy, organizational priorities, and investment decisions.
Demonstrated success leading organizational change and building high-performing, service-oriented teams.
Exceptional written & verbal communication and relationship management skills.
Demonstrated commitment to accessibility, student success, and innovation in support of teaching and learning.
Demonstrated ability to foster a welcoming and respectful work environment.
Desirable Qualifications:
Advanced degree in higher education, instructional technology, educational leadership, or a related field.
Significant executive leadership experience in central IT, academic affairs, teaching and learning, or digital education within higher education.
Experience leading university-wide governance, advisory, or policy-setting efforts related to academic technology or learning environments.
Experience overseeing broad portfolios that include enterprise instructional platforms, classroom technology, learning analytics, accessibility initiatives, and faculty support services.
Experience shaping or implementing institutional strategy related to online learning, instructional innovation, AI in education, accessibility, or student success.
Experience with national professional engagement, benchmarking, or leadership in higher education technology organizations.
Experience managing major vendor partnerships, contract strategy, and enterprise technology investment decisions.
Record of advancing innovation while maintaining reliable, customer-centered services in a complex academic environment.
Application Details:
In order to be considered, applicants must upload the following materials and mark them as “Relevant File” to the submission:
Resume
Cover letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For questions or additional information, please contact melanie-bell@uiowa.edu.
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.
Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.
Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.
Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.
Equal opportunity employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.
