Job Description

Position Summary:

The Executive Technologist serves as the primary technology advisor and support lead for Vanderbilt University's Office of the Chancellor, managing the executive technology experience and ensuring services effectively support operational needs. This highly visible role supports the Chancellor, the Chancellor's immediate staff, and other leaders designated by the CIO through service delivery, relationship management, cybersecurity coordination, hands-on support, strategic consultation, and the identification and implementation of technology solutions. The position evaluates needs, develops recommendations, and delivers solutions, services, and best practices that improve productivity, communication, collaboration, and operational effectiveness while aligning with VUIT standards, cybersecurity requirements, and institutional priorities.



Working closely with VUIT leadership and service teams, the Executive Technologist serves as a trusted advisor, advocate, solution partner, and strategic coordinator who helps ensure stakeholder needs are understood, prioritized, and effectively supported through VUIT service delivery processes. Success in this role requires broad technical knowledge, executive presence, emotional intelligence, sound judgment, political awareness, adaptability, and the ability to build trusted relationships while supporting highly visible and influential University leaders. The role proactively identifies opportunities to improve the executive technology experience through innovative, secure, and practical solutions while delivering a high-touch support experience that remains aligned with institutional technology, security, and service excellence standards.



About the Work Unit:

VUIT is a human-centric organization that advances our University by delivering innovative solutions and frictionless experiences through collaboration.



Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Executive Technology Solutions & Service Delivery| 30% of Time

Serves as the primary point of coordination for stakeholder technology initiatives, services, projects, and operational support activities.

Partners with VUIT teams to plan, implement, and deliver technology solutions that support stakeholder objectives and operational effectiveness.

Coordinates cross-functional efforts to ensure timely delivery of technology services and successful execution of initiatives.

Provides proactive communication regarding service activities, planned changes, risks, and implementation efforts.

Facilitates escalation, service restoration, and recovery activities during significant technology disruptions.

Ensures technology services are delivered in alignment with stakeholder priorities, institutional standards, and cybersecurity requirements.



Executive Technology Security & Risk Support | 25% of Time

Serves as the primary technology security contact for the Chancellor's Office, promoting secure technology practices and coordinating executive-focused cybersecurity and protection program technology support activities.

Partners with the Office of Cybersecurity to help stakeholders understand technology risks, best security practices, University security requirements, and emerging threats that may impact operations.

Coordinates the implementation and adoption of approved security controls, safeguards, and risk mitigation measures within executive technology environments.

Collaborates with cybersecurity and VUIT teams to identify, escalate, and address risks affecting executive devices, accounts, communications, data, and technology services.

Assists with response and recovery activities related to executive-focused cybersecurity incidents, compromised accounts, lost or stolen devices, and other security events.

Provides cybersecurity guidance and technology readiness support for travel, including device security, secure communications, data protection, connectivity risks, and country-specific threat considerations as needed.



Executive Technology Partnership & Relationship Management | 25% of Time

Builds and maintains trusted relationships with stakeholders through responsiveness, professionalism, discretion, and exceptional customer service.

Serves as a strategic advisor on technology capabilities, services, best practices, and emerging opportunities.

Anticipates needs and identifies opportunities to enhance productivity, communication, collaboration, security, and user experience.

Translates stakeholder goals, business requirements, and service expectations into actionable recommendations and priorities.

Advocates for stakeholder needs and represents their interests within VUIT planning, prioritization, and service delivery processes.

Strengthens trust, confidence, and partnership between stakeholders and the IT organization.



Technical Support & Readiness | 20% of Time

Provides high-touch technical support for stakeholders, independently diagnosing and resolving complex issues with urgency and minimal disruption to operations.

Configures, deploys, maintains, and optimizes endpoint, communication, collaboration, and productivity solutions, including Windows, macOS, mobile devices, Microsoft 365, Teams, Zoom, and related technologies.

Maintains secure, reliable, and operationally ready technology environments that support meetings, travel, presentations, and high-profile University activities.

Coordinates and delivers technical support for executive meetings, donor engagements, commencement activities, and other significant University events.

Proactively identifies and implements solutions that improve productivity, technology readiness, service quality, and the overall executive technology experience.



Working Conditions and Operational Requirements:

On-site Requirements:

This position is required to work primarily on campus to support operational needs, provide high-touch in-person services, and maintain close relationships with stakeholders. Occasional flexibility may be granted based on University needs and policy.



Travel Requirements:

This position may be required to travel up to 15% of time.



On-call Responsibilities:

The position operates in a high-availability support environment and must be prepared to respond to critical technology issues outside of standard business hours.

Issues impacting the Chancellor's ability to conduct University business are expected to receive immediate attention and take precedence over all other responsibilities.



Driving Required:

Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.



Additional Operational Requirements

May be required to provide support at stakeholder residences, home offices, travel locations, and other approved off-campus venues.

May be required to attend meetings, donor events, commencement activities, and other high-profile University functions.