EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, APPLICATIONS - REMOTE IN CALIFORNIA

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UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

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Department Overview
The UC Information Technology (UC IT) department is a security-first, innovation-driven organization committed to delivering high-impact digital services. Through collaboration with partners, we serve as the digital impact engine for UC driving efficiency, enhancing experiences, and advancing the UC's mission. We foster an inclusive and supportive work environment, empowering our teams to develop forward-thinking solutions that shape the future of digital services across UC.

Position Summary
The Executive Director of Applications within Information Technology Services at the University of California Office of the President (UCOP) provides strategic and operational leadership for a large, complex portfolio of enterprise applications supporting both UCOP and systemwide initiatives. The position directs a large, highly technical unit through subordinate supervisors/managers/directors who are responsible for development and testing of Enterprise, Web, and SaaS applications supporting all UCOP functions (e.g., administrative, payroll, pension, financial, student, and data services). Reporting to the Deputy Chief Information Officer, the Executive Director collaborates with senior IT and business leaders to define strategic goals, deliver high-quality, cost-effective technology solutions, and drive UC's digital transformation. This role leads modernization of legacy systems, alignment with enterprise architecture and data standards, and the adoption of emerging technologies including cloud-native platforms, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance development efficiency, improve service delivery, and support data-informed decision-making. The Executive Director leads a diverse team of employees and contractors, providing mentorship, strategic direction, and performance management while fostering an inclusive, collaborative culture focused on excellence in execution. Decisions in this role directly influence UCOP's operational effectiveness and the success of major systemwide technology initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

50% Strategic and Technical Leadership | Provides vision and direction for the Application organization, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and IT strategy. Leads modernization and lifecycle management of enterprise applications, leveraging cloud technologies, automation, AI, and emerging tools to optimize value, cost, and performance.

25% People and Partnership Management | Leads a diverse, high-performing team, fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture focused on accountability and results. Builds strong relationships with all stakeholders, systemwide partners, and external vendors to support organizational priorities and effective service delivery.

20% Operational Excellence and Governance | Ensures delivery of secure, reliable, and cost-effective application services through strong governance, standards, and performance management. Drives operational consistency, compliance, and continuous improvement while managing budgets, vendors, and technology investments.

5% Reporting and Data-Driven Decision Making | Develops and maintains reporting and analytics tools that provide meaningful insights into team performance and project delivery. Defines key metrics and dashboards to track progress, identify trends, and support informed decision making. Encourages the team to use data to improve efficiency, code quality, and overall development outcomes.

Experience
Required Qualifications

• Over 10 years of experience managing an Information Technology organization and / or equivalent experience.

Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications

• Proven experience leading large-scale system implementations and legacy system transformations while leveraging modern development and testing technologies.

• Demonstrated experience creating a diverse team and cultivating an innovative, inclusive, and supportive work environment.

• Highly developed People Management and Leadership skills with experience building high performing teams and foster outstanding teamwork.

• Skilled in adapting and integrating existing systems and vendor solutions within a complex technical environment, and in driving change initiatives with effective management of organizational and cross-location impacts.

• Comprehensive knowledge of subject area and broad knowledge of all IT areas sufficient for strategic planning, technology assessment and direction.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively present technical topics to large groups and senior management with potentially varied levels of technical sophistication.

• Experience working with senior management for IT planning and budgeting.

• Knowledge of ERPs, SaaS, and cloud infrastructure (AWS).

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Agile, SDLC, and Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL)

• Experience with Information Security and Privacy best practices.

• Understanding of disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities.

Education
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree preferred.

Job Title
Information Systems Manager 3

Job Code
000669

Salary Grade
Grade 29

Payscale:
$240,000 - $270,000

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

California residency requirement: California residents, or those willing to relocate*, who wish to work onsite, hybrid, or fully remote, will be considered.

This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship or transfer.

*If currently living out of state, please indicate on your application whether you are willing to relocate within a reasonable timeframe by checking the "willing to relocate" box on the application.

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is 2/4/2026. The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

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