Director of IT Operations & Strategy
Company: Virginia Tech
Location: Blacksburg
Posted on: January 3, 2026
|
|
|
Job Description:
The Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VTNSI) is the
university’s premier research and education hub for national
security, bringing together world-class faculty, students, and
industry partners to address critical challenges facing the nation.
VTNSI integrates cutting-edge research, technology innovation, and
policy engagement to advance U.S. security and resilience. The
Director of IT Operations & Strategy provides strategic leadership
and vision for VTNSI’s IT environment, ensuring that all systems,
processes, and services align with the institute’s mission and the
broader university priorities. As VTNSI’s primary IT leader, the
Director plays a critical role in shaping the institute’s secure
research computing strategy. In this capacity, the Director guides
VTNSI’s involvement in the development of a centralized CUI
enclave, advances governance structures with university partners,
and ensures compliance with federal and institutional security
standards. The role is also responsible for building trust in IT
operations by presenting data-driven insights, fostering
transparency, and maintaining strong communication with leadership
and stakeholders. Beyond setting long-term IT strategy, the
Director oversees daily operations and enterprise systems, leading
efforts to modernize infrastructure, standardize hardware and
software management, and implement automated workflows to
streamline processes. Working closely with VTNSI leadership,
faculty, staff, and students, the Director anticipates emerging
research needs, maximizes the value of shared university resources,
and drives collaboration across departments. A strong emphasis is
placed on compliance and security, including the consistent
development of technical documentation, implementation of business
continuity strategies, and enforcement of security controls. The
Director also leads, mentors, and evaluates a team of IT
professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous
improvement, and responsive service delivery. Reporting to the
Executive Director, the Director serves as a critical partner in
advancing VTNSI’s research mission through secure, scalable, and
strategic IT leadership. Required Qualifications • Master’s degree
in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business
Administration, or a related field, or Bachelors degree with
significant equivalent experience. • Experience collaborating with
senior leadership and cross-functional teams in a mission-driven
environment. • Significant professional experience leading IT
operations in a complex organization. • Strong background in
process automation, IT project management, and team leadership. •
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. •
Ability to develop policies, manage budgets, and oversee vendor
contracts. • Due to the nature of the work conducted at the
institute, all candidates must be US Citizens. Preferred
Qualifications • Experience in higher education, government, or
research environments. • Experience with IT compliance standards,
including NIST 800-171 and CMMC 2.0. • ITIL certification or
equivalent process management experience. • Familiarity with
Endpoint Central, ServiceDesk Plus, and enterprise IT service
management tools. • Ability to obtain and maintain a security
clearance Overtime Status Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type Restricted Salary Information Commensurate with
experience Hours per week 40 hrs per week Additional Information
Due to the nature of the work at the Institute, all candidates must
be US citizens. The successful candidate will be required to have a
criminal conviction check. About Virginia Tech Dedicated to its
motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the
boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary
approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A
comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of
life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an
inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and
creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse
enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and
professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of
medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and
Honors College. The university has a significant presence across
Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area,
the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in
Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and
research institutes. A leading global research institution,
Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional
development opportunities and university shared governance. These
valuable contributions to university shared governance provide
important representation and perspective, along with opportunities
for unique and impactful professional development. Virginia Tech
does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on
the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy),
gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information,
ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race,
religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise
discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about,
discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of
other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by
law.
Keywords: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg , Director of IT Operations & Strategy, IT / Software / Systems , Blacksburg, Virginia
