Director of Information Services

*This role is posted on behalf of the Southern College of Optometry (SCO). Segal is assisting with the recruitment process for a Director of Information Services at SCO.*

Southern College of Optometry (SCO) is seeking an experienced Director of Information Services to provide strategic leadership and management of IT, information services, and library services across the college’s academic, clinical, and administrative domains. Reporting to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, this hands-on leader will shape and execute a technology vision that aligns SCO’s infrastructure, academic and clinical systems, cybersecurity, and data governance with our institution’s mission of leading the profession by educating the best possible healthcare providers, promoting lifelong learning, and fostering a personal commitment to service. The Director will ensure robust support for didactic instruction, clinical facilities, and the campus community, driving seamless, secure, and innovative solutions that empower excellence in education and patient care.

About SCO:

SCO is a leader in optometric education and clinical care, committed to lifelong learning and service. Our campus and clinics rely on robust, integrated technology to support students, faculty, staff, and patients.

Key Responsibilities

· Develop and execute a comprehensive IT strategy aligned with academic, clinical, and administrative goals.

·   Advise senior leadership on emerging technologies and digital transformation.

·   Lead the integration of academic and clinical information systems to support interoperability and data-driven decision-making.

·   Oversee the management of IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, cloud services, and end-user support.

·   Ensure high availability, security, and performance of all systems, including electronic health records (EHR) such as Compulink, learning management systems (LMS) such as Moodle US, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms such as Blackbaud.

·   Direct the implementation of new technologies and system upgrades.

·   Establish and enforce policies for data privacy and regulatory compliance (e.g., HIPAA, FERPA).

·   Provide strategic leadership in cybersecurity, ensuring compliance with frameworks such as NIST and HITRUST, and overseeing disaster recovery planning to safeguard institutional systems.

·   Lead risk assessments and incident response planning.

·   Oversee compliance with WCAG guidelines across all academic systems and online platforms.

·   Oversee implementation and integration of telehealth platforms, diagnostic imaging systems, and optometric instruments to ensure seamless clinical technology operations.

·   Drive innovation in academic technology by advancing simulation labs, virtual reality tools for optometry training, and high-performance research computing

·   Collaborate with academic and clinical leaders to support instructional technologies, labs, research computing, and patient care.

·   Bring expertise in health informatics and clinical workflow optimization to enhance efficiency and patient care.

·   Partner with clinical leadership to ensure seamless IT support for patient care, telehealth, and clinical workflows.

·   Manage IT governance committees, oversee technology budgets, and maintain strategic vendor relationships to ensure effective and compliant operations

·   Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary IT team, fostering a culture of innovation and service excellence.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will meet the following requirements:

·   Work Experience: Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive IT leadership, preferably in higher education and/or healthcare.

·  Educational Background: Master’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Health Informatics, or a related field—or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

·   Special Skills or Credentials:

–    Demonstrated leadership in managing and developing high-performing IT organizations.

– Extensive background in overseeing complex IT environments in hospital, clinical and academic settings.

–   Track record of implementing and maintaining large systems in healthcare environments like hospitals and/or clinics.

–    Proven experience in managing healthcare systems like EHR, LMS, and ERP systems.

–  Leadership in strategic planning for digital transformation in healthcare education and aligning technology investments with institutional goals.

–    Knowledge of optometry or healthcare education environments to ensure technology solutions meet academic and clinical needs.

–    Demonstrated expertise in establishing and enforcing policies for data privacy and regulatory compliance, including HIPAA and FERPA.

–    Proven ability to lead cybersecurity strategy, ensure compliance with frameworks such as NIST and HITRUST, and oversee disaster recovery planning.

–    Knowledge of WCAG standards and experience ensuring accessibility compliance across academic systems and online platforms.

–    Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

–    Exceptional interpersonal skills, excellent judgment, and strong work ethic.

–    Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality at all times.

–    Strong negotiation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.

–    Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

–    Flexible, creative team player.

–    Ability to multi-task, set priorities, and work in a fast-paced environment.

To Apply

SCO offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on the future of healthcare education and patient care. We offer a collaborative environment, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits package that includes health and insurance coverage, an employee and employer funded retirement plan, and an accrued time off policy.

To apply, please send your resume and salary requirements to . Please include job reference code 0126SCODISDI in the subject line or with your application.