The University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications, expressions of interest, and nominations for the role of Deputy Chief Information Officer (Deputy CIO). UCF seeks an experienced and dynamic leader to support the Chief Information Officer, lead strategic university-wide initiatives, and oversee all ERP systems and core platforms.
Founded in 1963 to provide talent for Central Florida and the growing U.S. space program, UCF has been making an impact on the state, the nation — and outer space — ever since.
From the signing of the legislative bill that established a university in Central Florida to being one of the largest universities in the United States, UCF has become a partnership university with groundbreaking research, innovative education, and academic excellence.
With more than 69,000 students, UCF is the largest university by enrollment in Florida and one of the largest universities in the nation. It has more than 13,000 employees and an operating budget of over $2 billion. UCF researchers received $229 million in fiscal year 2024 for funded research. In Fall 2024, the freshman class had an average SAT combined score of 1342, the Burnett Honors College enrolled 510 new students, and the number of incoming National Merit Scholars ranked UCF among the top 25 colleges and universities.
The Deputy Chief Information Officer reports directly to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and acts as second-in-command to the CIO. The Deputy CIO is responsible for establishing and enforcing the university-wide framework for IT policy, standards, and governance, while simultaneously providing executive leadership and oversight for all enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and core administrative platforms. This role is crucial for ensuring that the university's technology investments are strategically aligned, operationally compliant, and effectively support the mission of UCF.The Deputy CIO will play a key leadership role in the UCF IT Office, delivering essential technology solutions in support of the university’s goals, mission, and operations. The IT office includes the offices of Infrastructure, Technical Resources, Enterprise Systems and Governance, Network, Strategy, the Tech Product Center (TPC), and Information Security. UCF IT plays a crucial role in driving key aspects of the University’s strategic goals in areas that impact student success, academic and research initiatives, Innovation, and institutional operations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Serve as the principal leader for IT Governance across the university, developing, maintaining, and championing the framework that guides technology decision-making, prioritization, and resource allocation.
• Lead the development, communication, and enforcement of IT Policies and Standards that ensure security, compliance, interoperability, and efficiency across all UCF IT services and systems.
Chair or co-chair key university-wide governance committees, ensuring transparent decision-making and broad stakeholder buy-in for major IT initiatives and changes.
• Act as the CIO's delegate in internal and external forums, representing UCF IT's strategic vision, policies, and operational status.
• Provide executive oversight and strategic direction for the management, operation, and enhancement of all major ERP systems and administrative platforms.
• Direct the teams responsible for the university’s primary ERP environments, including: Workday (HCM and Financials), PeopleSoft Campus Solutions, Associated historical data environments and legacy systems.
• Oversee the technical infrastructure and operations specific to these platforms, including the Oracle infrastructure and related middleware.
• Lead the strategy, development, and operational support for the central student and employee access platform, including the myUCF student portal.
• Ensure system reliability, data integrity, and compliance for all critical administrative systems, collaborating with executive stakeholders in Human Resources, Finance, and Academic Affairs.
• Collaborate closely with the other Senior Directors to ensure alignment between governance decisions, resource capacity, financial planning, and technology execution.
• Assist the CIO in developing and executing the long-term strategic plan and vision for UCF IT.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to unit directors and managers, fostering a culture of accountability, service excellence, and continuous professional development.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• At least 12 years of progressive experience in information technology, with a minimum of 3 years in a leadership role (director equivalent).
• Demonstrated experience in leading strategic projects and working with enterprise systems.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Proven track record of managing teams and budgets in a fast-paced setting.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• A graduate degree in information technology, Business Administration, or a related field is highly desired.
• Experience in higher education, particularly at an R1 institution, or in public sector/hybrid cloud environments.
• Extensive knowledge of IT infrastructure, systems, and applications.
The review of applications will begin immediately. For best consideration, please submit applications (including a cover letter and resume) addressing qualifications and interest in the position. Materials should be submitted via the DSG | Storbeck Talent Profile.
Nominations and inquiries should be directed to:
Steve Leo, Managing Director
Brian Bustin, Senior Associate