The Opportunity

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) provides visionary leadership, advocacy, consultation, and coordination that bridges organizational boundaries across the university and leads an enterprise-wide digital transformation agenda, enabling a cohesive IT vision. The CIO is accountable for defining and executing a forward-looking IT and digital strategy that drives innovation in teaching, learning, scholarly research, creative activity, and administrative excellence.

The CIO oversees campus-wide information technology strategy, governance, project planning, funding, and operations, and plays a central role in advancing academic and administrative initiatives. As a strategic advisor to the Executive Group and Board committees, the CIO drives the adoption of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and modern digital platforms to transform institutional capabilities and enhance the student, faculty, and staff experience. The CIO also leads the University's cybersecurity strategy, ensuring the robust protection of data, systems, and digital assets in an increasingly complex threat environment.
The role oversees the delivery of secure, resilient, and high-performing computing, communications, and telecommunications services, while fostering a culture of innovation, customer service, and continuous improvement.

The CIO expands partnerships within the university and the broader community and provides IT expertise, insight, consultation, and support to the entire Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) community. The CIO ensures that all IT services, digital initiatives, and transformation efforts are aligned with the University's strategic priorities, positioning the institution to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The CIO is accountable for the following areas

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, long-range IT and Digital strategy aligned with the University's academic, research, and operational strategic priorities;
• Serve as a senior advisor to the Executive Group and Board committees on information technology, digital transformation, and cybersecurity;
• Define and communicate a clear vision for the future of enterprise IT, computing, communications, and cybersecurity; and,
• Foster cross-institutional collaboration to ensure cohesive, scalable, and future-ready technology solutions.

Governance, Advisory & Stakeholder Engagement

• Provide expert advice, consultation, and recommendations to senior leadership, faculties, and administrative units on IT strategy and services;
• Participate in and influence key governance bodies (e.g., Academic Planning Group, Administration and Operations Management Group, Macro Planning Committee, and Enterprise Resource Planning Committee) through strategic insight and analysis;
• Build strong partnerships across the University and with external stakeholders to advance innovation and service excellence; and,
• Represent the University in internal and external forums to advocate for IT priorities and drive consensus on complex issues.

Digital Infrastructure & Service Delivery

• Oversee the delivery and continuous improvement of centralized IT services supporting teaching, learning, research, and administration;
• Lead major IT initiatives, ensuring effective project planning, execution, and alignment with institutional priorities;
• Collaborate with distributed IT providers to deliver cost-effective, high-quality technology solutions across faculties and departments; and,
• Ensure IT services remain responsive, reliable, and aligned with evolving user needs.

Cybersecurity & Risk Management

• Provide executive leadership for cybersecurity strategy in partnership with the Chief Information Security Officer, General Counsel, and key stakeholders;
• Establish and enforce policies, standards, and controls to safeguard institutional data and systems;
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices; and,
• Promote a culture of security awareness and proactive risk management across the University.

Financial Management & Resource Stewardship

• Lead strategic and operational IT budgeting, planning, and resource allocation processes;
• Monitor and control IT-related expenditures to ensure alignment with institutional priorities and long-term sustainability; and,
• Oversee procurement and vendor negotiations for technology systems and services; and
• Optimize investments to maximize value, efficiency, and performance.

Transformation Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness

• Identify and drive technology-enabled transformation initiatives to enhance institutional effectiveness and service delivery;
• Develop and implement organizational structures and service models that support scalability, agility, and innovation;
• Establish priorities and core services to align IT efforts with strategic goals; and,
• Lead continuous improvement efforts to enhance service quality and operational efficiency.

Talent, Culture & Organizational Development

• Build, lead, and develop high-performing IT leadership and technical teams;
• Oversee recruitment, performance management, succession planning, and professional development;
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing culture that supports innovation and continuous learning;
• Strengthen leadership capabilities across IT management; and,
• Advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the IT organization.

Policy, Communications & Change Leadership

• Develop and implement IT, cybersecurity, and communications policies, standards, and guidelines;
• Communicate strategic priorities, technology directions, and major initiatives to diverse audiences across the University;
• Lead change management efforts to support adoption of new technologies and services; and,
• Translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights for stakeholders.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics or Business, preferably at the Master's level.
• A minimum of ten (10) years' experience in an executive management information technology role in a large, complex, multi-stakeholder environment with accountability for a large staff complement; preferably in a broader public sector environment;
• Demonstrated success leading enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives, including cloud adoption, data strategy, and modernization of legacy systems;
• Strong understanding of emerging technologies (i.e., AI, automation, analytics) and their application in academic and administrative contexts;
• Demonstrated success in leading large-scale, cross-functional transformation initiatives from strategy through execution, including measurable improvements in institutional performance;
• Experience overseeing enterprise portfolio management, strategic planning, or program management offices to ensure alignment and delivery of transformation goals;
• Analyze and evaluate existing workflows to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement;
• Develop and implement streamlined processes to enhance productivity and operation efficiency;
• Monitor and assess the impact of process improvements, making adjustments as necessary to achieve optimal results;
• Utilize data-driven insights to continuously refine and optimize workflows;
• Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams, foster collaboration across diverse stakeholder groups, and manage matrixed resources from departments such as HR, IT, communications, and academic units;
• Strong track record of using data-driven decision-making, business case development, and performance metrics to guide strategic initiatives and assess ROI;
• Familiarity with higher education governance structures and the ability to work effectively with academic leadership, faculty, and administrative units would be an asset;
• Experience in fostering a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and digital literacy across an organization;
• Knowledge of change management methodologies and experience coaching leaders and frontline managers through organizational change;
• Prior experience working in a unionized environment is an asset; and,
• Understanding of regulatory, cybersecurity, and digital accessibility requirements in a higher education context.

Leadership Competencies

Leaders at TMU are required to demonstrate the following Leadership Competencies:

• Acts with Integrity: Demonstrates behaviors aligned with high ethical standards and personal integrity and acts in accordance with TMU values.
• Builds Relationships of Trust & Collaboration: Actively builds a culture of trust and fosters meaningful relationships.
• Leads Inclusively: Creates an inclusive environment where everyone is respected, recognized, empowered to achieve their potential, and valued for their differences.
• Demonstrates Organizational Acumen: Understands and respectfully navigates complex internal and external environments using sound judgment, diplomacy, and tact.
• Drives Vision & Results: Creates and implements a vision grounded in sound decision-making to achieve desired outcomes.

How to Apply
To apply or explore this key academic leadership position at Toronto Metropolitan University further, please submit a curriculum vitae along with a cover letter in confidence to [email protected] by July 27, 2026.