The recruitment effort targets a bold, highly capable technologist who can seamlessly combine deep technical expertise with gifted communication skills. According to university leadership, the mandate extends far beyond traditional system maintenance or infrastructure management. Dartmouth is looking for a visionary who can establish and execute a realistic, grounded strategy while effectively aligning institutional resources behind a strong information, technology, and consulting (ITC) team.
Like many major institutions of higher education across the country, Dartmouth is navigating a complex array of high-priority technological initiatives. These encompass critical areas such as cybersecurity, robust research infrastructure, advanced enterprise solutions, and a comprehensive approach to artificial intelligence strategy. The successful candidate will step into an environment defined by exceptional human assets, including a talented and user-centered staff, creative and ambitious students, and a distinguished faculty of leading researchers. All of these groups require sophisticated technological resources and resilient infrastructure to support Dartmouth’s broader mission of increasing its global visibility and scholarly impact.
Substantial investments have already been directed toward President Sian Beilock’s five core areas of institutional focus. These strategic pillars include innovation and global impact, health and wellness, lifelong Dartmouth, diverse lived experiences, and free expression alongside an environmentally responsible campus and planet. The incoming chief information officer will be expected to leverage advanced technology to meet the evolving teaching, learning, and research needs of the entire campus community during this dynamic period of growth and development. Achieving these objectives will unlock a wealth of opportunities through high-level thought leadership, operational credibility, system fortification, and a steadfast commitment to Dartmouth’s established culture of collaboration.
Navigating the Organizational Structure and Campus Collaboration
Within the university’s administrative hierarchy, the vice president and chief information officer oversees the central information, technology, and consulting organization, which reports directly to the provost. Beyond this central unit, Dartmouth maintains a rich network of embedded IT professionals distributed across various professional schools and administrative departments. These decentralized professionals work hand-in-hand with the central team to ensure that mission-critical operations remain fully supported and empowered across all divisions.
The incoming CIO must possess the diplomatic and operational acumen required to translate the provost’s priorities into actionable technology initiatives, align them with the distinct needs of individual schools and departments, and determine the most effective central planning steps. This responsibility involves close coordination not only with existing campus IT departments—which already enjoy a high degree of collaboration and will serve as a foundational resource for the new leader—but also with nontechnical leaders across academic and administrative departments.
For a leader who finds professional fulfillment in consensus-building, cross-functional partnerships, and driving initiatives through open dialogue, Dartmouth offers a uniquely rewarding environment. While the institution embraces flexibility in managing day-to-day administrative workflows, the position itself is an on-campus role based in Hanover, New Hampshire, requiring regular in-person engagement with the campus community.
Defining Success Across One, Three, and Beyond
Evaluating the trajectory of the role involves clear benchmarks for short-term orientation and long-term strategic impact. Like technical organizations everywhere, Dartmouth faces profound questions and complex challenges related to digital security, artificial intelligence, and the rapid pace of technological innovation.
During the first year on the job, success will be measured heavily by the incoming CIO’s ability to establish and articulate a clear vision, build meaningful relationships to understand the institutional context, and effectively align resources to execute a cohesive central IT strategy. While foundational competence in addressing security and emerging technologies remains essential, relationship-building and contextual awareness during the initial months are critical for long-term stability.
Looking toward a three-year horizon, the CIO’s personal vision and strategic initiatives are expected to take center stage, building directly upon the foundational blocks established during the first year. A successful CIO at the three-year mark will actively shape institutional governance, serve as a persuasive advocate for the campus’s technical needs, and align departmental staff with overarching university priorities to advance shared institutional goals. Throughout this process, the individual must remain a champion of collaborative spirit, acting as an effective thought partner for both technical and nontechnical leaders as the campus adapts to a changing technological climate.
When considering the broader career trajectory fostered by such an appointment, the position prepares a leader for complex executive environments across higher education and beyond. A Dartmouth CIO gains invaluable experience leading cutting-edge technological development, nurturing a collaborative culture among dedicated professionals, and connecting technical and human resources with vital institutional priorities.
