Overview
On Site
Full Time
Skills
Innovation
Strategic Leadership
Presentations
IT Strategy
Computer Hardware
Software Management
Workflow
Collaboration
Technical Writing
Business Continuity Planning
Security Controls
Accountability
Continuous Improvement
Service Delivery
Reporting
IT Management
Information Technology
Computer Science
Business Administration
Leadership
IT Operations
Process Automation
IT Project Management
Team Leadership
Communication
Stakeholder Engagement
Budget
Management
Higher Education
Regulatory Compliance
NIST SP 800 Series
ITIL
Process Management
Service Desk
IT Service Management
Security Clearance
Science
Research
Professional Development
Military
SAP BASIS
Law
Job Details
Job Description
The Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VTNSI) is the university's premier research and education hub for national security, bringing together world-class faculty, students, and industry partners to address critical challenges facing the nation. VTNSI integrates cutting-edge research, technology innovation, and policy engagement to advance U.S. security and resilience.
The Director of IT Operations & Strategy provides strategic leadership and vision for VTNSI's IT environment, ensuring that all systems, processes, and services align with the institute's mission and the broader university priorities. As VTNSI's primary IT leader, the Director plays a critical role in shaping the institute's secure research computing strategy. In this capacity, the Director guides VTNSI's involvement in the development of a centralized CUI enclave, advances governance structures with university partners, and ensures compliance with federal and institutional security standards. The role is also responsible for building trust in IT operations by presenting data-driven insights, fostering transparency, and maintaining strong communication with leadership and stakeholders.
Beyond setting long-term IT strategy, the Director oversees daily operations and enterprise systems, leading efforts to modernize infrastructure, standardize hardware and software management, and implement automated workflows to streamline processes. Working closely with VTNSI leadership, faculty, staff, and students, the Director anticipates emerging research needs, maximizes the value of shared university resources, and drives collaboration across departments. A strong emphasis is placed on compliance and security, including the consistent development of technical documentation, implementation of business continuity strategies, and enforcement of security controls.
The Director also leads, mentors, and evaluates a team of IT professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and responsive service delivery. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director serves as a critical partner in advancing VTNSI's research mission through secure, scalable, and strategic IT leadership.
Required Qualifications
Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field, or Bachelor's degree with significant equivalent experience.
Experience collaborating with senior leadership and cross-functional teams in a mission-driven environment.
Significant professional experience leading IT operations in a complex organization.
Strong background in process automation, IT project management, and team leadership.
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Ability to develop policies, manage budgets, and oversee vendor contracts.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in higher education, government, or research environments.
Experience with IT compliance standards, including NIST 800-171 and CMMC 2.0.
ITIL certification or equivalent process management experience.
Familiarity with Endpoint Central, ServiceDesk Plus, and enterprise IT service management tools.
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
Commensurate with experience
Hours per week
40 hrs per week
Review Date
November 3, 2025
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College .The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes .A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance . These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Susan Kassat during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
The Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VTNSI) is the university's premier research and education hub for national security, bringing together world-class faculty, students, and industry partners to address critical challenges facing the nation. VTNSI integrates cutting-edge research, technology innovation, and policy engagement to advance U.S. security and resilience.
The Director of IT Operations & Strategy provides strategic leadership and vision for VTNSI's IT environment, ensuring that all systems, processes, and services align with the institute's mission and the broader university priorities. As VTNSI's primary IT leader, the Director plays a critical role in shaping the institute's secure research computing strategy. In this capacity, the Director guides VTNSI's involvement in the development of a centralized CUI enclave, advances governance structures with university partners, and ensures compliance with federal and institutional security standards. The role is also responsible for building trust in IT operations by presenting data-driven insights, fostering transparency, and maintaining strong communication with leadership and stakeholders.
Beyond setting long-term IT strategy, the Director oversees daily operations and enterprise systems, leading efforts to modernize infrastructure, standardize hardware and software management, and implement automated workflows to streamline processes. Working closely with VTNSI leadership, faculty, staff, and students, the Director anticipates emerging research needs, maximizes the value of shared university resources, and drives collaboration across departments. A strong emphasis is placed on compliance and security, including the consistent development of technical documentation, implementation of business continuity strategies, and enforcement of security controls.
The Director also leads, mentors, and evaluates a team of IT professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and responsive service delivery. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director serves as a critical partner in advancing VTNSI's research mission through secure, scalable, and strategic IT leadership.
Required Qualifications
Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field, or Bachelor's degree with significant equivalent experience.
Experience collaborating with senior leadership and cross-functional teams in a mission-driven environment.
Significant professional experience leading IT operations in a complex organization.
Strong background in process automation, IT project management, and team leadership.
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Ability to develop policies, manage budgets, and oversee vendor contracts.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in higher education, government, or research environments.
Experience with IT compliance standards, including NIST 800-171 and CMMC 2.0.
ITIL certification or equivalent process management experience.
Familiarity with Endpoint Central, ServiceDesk Plus, and enterprise IT service management tools.
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
Commensurate with experience
Hours per week
40 hrs per week
Review Date
November 3, 2025
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College .The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes .A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance . These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Susan Kassat during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Employers have access to artificial intelligence language tools (“AI”) that help generate and enhance job descriptions and AI may have been used to create this description. The position description has been reviewed for accuracy and Dice believes it to correctly reflect the job opportunity.