Associate CIO - Administrative Applications

Overview

The Associate CIO, Administrative Applications provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for Application Services (AS) within the Office of Information Technology (OIT). This role directs and manages key units, including ERP and Custom Development, Database Administration, and Package Adoption and Configuration (PAC). The position ensures these teams deliver robust, innovative, and compliant administrative application solutions that support institutional goals and drive operational excellence across the organization.

The Associate CIO is responsible for establishing a long-term vision for administrative applications, guiding modernization initiatives, and overseeing the successful transition from legacy systems to cloud-based platforms while maintaining operational continuity. This role partners closely with academic, administrative, and IT leadership to align technology investments with institutional goals, drive business value, and enhance overall user experience. 

Through strong communication, collaboration, and change leadership, this role drives operational excellence, continuous improvement, and stakeholder satisfaction across the institution. 

Responsibilities

Leadership

• Develop, articulate, and execute long-term strategies that align with institutional objectives and drive the effective deployment and optimization of administrative applications.
• Lead, motivate, and develop large and diverse teams of 50 or more employees while fostering a culture of collaboration, engagement, and high performance.
• Coach, mentor, and support professional growth to ensure team members have opportunities for skill development and career advancement.
• Manage organizational change within technology environments by guiding teams through transitions, building stakeholder buy-in, and minimizing disruption.
• Create and sustain an inclusive work environment where diverse perspectives are valued and all team members can contribute meaningfully.
• Apply strong analytical and judgment skills to make informed and timely decisions while balancing competing priorities and stakeholder interests.
• Address and resolve interpersonal and operational conflicts to promote a positive and productive workplace.
• Communicate vision, expectations, and feedback clearly to large teams and influence stakeholders at all levels of the institution.
• Organize complex operations, set clear goals, monitor results, and continuously improve processes and outcomes to drive operational excellence.

Strategy & Planning  

• Develop and execute strategic plans for cloud ERP and administrative application environments, ensuring alignment with institutional objectives and operational needs at the executive level.  
• Ensure all applications, especially cloud ERP systems, meet business requirements, compliance standards, and end-user expectations.  
• Analyze and enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of existing cloud ERP and administrative systems, identifying opportunities to leverage technology for institutional advancement.  
• Champion and disseminate best practices in application usage, security, and data privacy across the organization.  

Acquisition & Deployment

• Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of cloud ERP solutions and other administrative applications, drawing upon direct executive-level cloud ERP implementation experience in higher education. 
• Oversee configuration, deployment, and enhancement of new and existing cloud-based applications, ensuring seamless integration and interoperability. 
• Collaborate with campus stakeholders, analysts, and technical teams to facilitate successful rollouts and adoption of cloud ERP and related systems. 
• Review technical specifications and documentation for new applications to guarantee alignment with institutional requirements and compliance standards. 
• Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with cloud service providers and software vendors. 
• Coordinate feasibility studies and make recommendations based on findings regarding new technologies and application platforms. 

Operational Management

• Manage and provide strategic direction for the applications team supporting cloud ERP and administrative systems. 
• Partner with IT leadership, network administrators, and software engineers to ensure quality assurance, data integrity, and robust operational support. 
• Maintain a comprehensive inventory of software assets, contracts, and service agreements. 
• Develop and deliver training, documentation, and support resources to end users, facilitating successful adoption and utilization of cloud ERP and other applications. 
• Coordinate end-user testing and feedback processes for application enhancements and new implementations. 

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant practical experience

• Extensive executive-level experience implementing and managing cloud ERP systems in complex environments, with a demonstrated record of successful, large-scale deployments, upgrades, and system integrations.

• Experience managing and supporting on-premises and cloud-based systems

• Expertise in cloud technologies, enterprise resource planning, and administrative applications
• Strong understanding of software quality assurance, compliance standards, and data privacy regulations in complex environments, including those relevant to higher education
• Experience with project management methodologies and cross-functional team leadership
• Excellent understanding of institutional goals and the ability to translate them into technology solutions
• Proven research and analytical skills in evaluating application platforms and resolving issues
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Strong executive leadership, interpersonal, and customer-service orientation
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
• Highly self-motivated, detail-oriented, and adept at prioritizing and executing tasks in fast-paced, high-pressure environments
• Demonstrated experience in collaborative, team-oriented settings
• Education: Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field

Preferred

• Experience in higher education
• Relevant certifications in cloud ERP platforms (e.g., Workday, Oracle Cloud, SAP) and project management (e.g., PMP, ITIL) strongly preferred.  
• Advanced degree 

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours

36.25

Eligible for Overtime

No

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Probationary Period

180 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)

No

Physical Capacity Exam Required

No

Valid Driver’s License Required

No

Experience Level

Director

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Salary Range

$268,000 to $300,000