Working/Functional Title
Asst. Director of Natural Sciences IT
Position Summary
Michigan State University is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking technology leader to serve as the Assistant Director of Natural Sciences IT.
This position provides strategic and operational leadership for information technology supporting the College of Natural Science. The Assistant Director leads the college's IT team and acts on behalf of the Dean regarding technology matters. The position is responsible for technology strategy, long-range planning, IT budgeting, service delivery, cybersecurity and risk coordination, personnel leadership, infrastructure, and engagement with faculty, staff, students, researchers, university leaders, and external partners.
The successful candidate will work closely with college stakeholders to understand evolving academic, administrative, laboratory, research, and outreach technology needs. They will establish priorities, guide technology investments, strengthen service delivery, and align college technology strategies, standards, and procedures with university direction. The Assistant Director serves as the College of Natural Science liaison to MSU IT through the Assistant Chief Information Officer and builds partnerships that promote reliable, secure, innovative, and customer-focused technology services.
This is an excellent opportunity for an accomplished IT leader who enjoys building partnerships, guiding high-performing teams, leading organizational change, and developing technology solutions that advance teaching, learning, research, outreach, and administrative excellence at a leading research university.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership and Technology Planning | 35%
IT Operations, Cybersecurity, and Risk Management | 25%
People Leadership and Administration | 20%
Fiscal Management and Resource Planning | 10%
Communication, Research, Teaching, and Stakeholder Engagement | 10%
At Michigan State University, technology plays an essential role in advancing discovery, supporting student success, enabling world-class research, and strengthening university operations. The Assistant Director of Natural Sciences IT will have the opportunity to influence technology strategy at the college level, partner with leaders and experts across the university, and lead services that directly support MSU’s academic and research mission.
We are looking for a leader who combines strategic vision with operational excellence, values collaboration and continuous improvement, and is energized by the opportunity to help a diverse university community succeed.
The successful candidate will be expected to work on campus at least two days per week. Additional on-campus presence may be required based on stakeholder needs, leadership responsibilities, meetings, events, service demands, or other operational priorities. The specific work arrangement will be determined in consultation with the position's supervisor and may be adjusted as organizational needs evolve.
Michigan State University (MSU) is ranked #29 among public universities and #64 overall in U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges 2026. Located in East Lansing, three miles east of the state’s capitol, the MSU community includes more than 12,000 faculty, academic and support staff, as well as over 51,000 students. MSU offers an extensive benefits package to its employees including health care, prescription, and dental coverage, and a base retirement program with a University matching contribution, as well as basic life insurance. In addition, MSU offers educational benefits including a course fee courtesy program and educational assistance.
MSU Information Technology provides the primary leadership for strategic, financial, and policy initiatives affecting information technology (IT) across MSU. MSU IT offers technology resources that support MSU’s mission of providing education, conducting research, and advancing engagement.
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program; more than eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience including at least three of the following: project management, applications design and programming, data center operations, systems programming, database administration, office automation, production analysis, client computing, consulting services, financial management, long range planning and data security; and management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications
The ideal candidate will bring a combination of strategic leadership, technical breadth, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to service. Preferred qualifications include:
- Experience supporting higher education teaching, learning, research, and administrative operations.
- Experience with laboratory technologies and associated research computing environments.
- Experience supporting classroom technologies and learning spaces.
- Knowledge of industry-standard workstation and server operating systems.
- Experience with common productivity and collaboration platforms.
- Knowledge of networking infrastructure, protocols, virtualization, and storage technologies.
- Experience with cybersecurity technologies including firewalls, IDS/IPS, and SIEM platforms.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
- Strong leadership, organizational, prioritization, and relationship management skills.
- Proven ability to lead large-scale projects, manage multiple priorities, and work effectively in highly collaborative environments.
- Demonstrated commitment to ethics, integrity, customer service, and continuous improvement.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions
Please provide three professional references who are knowledgeable of your work
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Website
tech.msu.edu
Bidding eligibility ends October 13, 2026, at 11:55 PM
