Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement:
The Assistant Director of IT Operations is a full-time leadership position responsible for overseeing the operational management and continuous improvement of enterprise information technology systems at ARLIS. Reporting to the Director of Computational and Information Technologies, this role provides operational oversight of ARLIS’s IT infrastructure, cybersecurity posture, service delivery, and staff performance. The Associate Director plays a key role in ensuring compliance with federal security requirements, and fostering a culture of collaboration, performance, and continuous improvement across all IT functions. The ideal candidate is a seasoned IT leader with experience managing complex, mission-driven environments, particularly within organizations that include unionized or represented technical staff.

Key Responsibilities:
• Provide leadership, vision, and direction for ARLIS IT operations, ensuring secure, reliable, and efficient delivery of all technology services.
• Oversee daily IT operations and staff key performance indicators, including infrastructure, systems administration, cybersecurity, network management, and service desk functions.
• Lead implementation of enterprise IT initiatives and key performance metrics that support ARLIS’s mission, research objectives, and compliance mandates.
• Maintain IT governance frameworks, policies, and standard operating procedures through measured accountability and performance management of ARLIS IT staff. This includes setting standards for ARLIS IT staff to achieve that they will be measured internally during quarterly CMMC 2.0 compliance reviews.
• Manage and mentor IT managers and technical staff, fostering professional growth, operational discipline, and team cohesion.
• Maintain documented weekly staff performance assessments aligned with documented goals set by ARLIS CIT directors and managers.
• Partner with Human Resources and leadership to ensure effective communication and compliance with collective bargaining agreements and workforce policies.
• Oversee technology modernization efforts, assessing emerging tools and systems to enhance operational efficiency and security.
• Ensure compliance with UARC, federal, and institutional technology standards, including cybersecurity and risk management frameworks.
• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs), dashboards, and operational reports to inform executive decision-making.
• Serve as a liaison among executive leadership, technical teams, HR, and external partners to promote strategic alignment and resource optimization.
• Manage IT budgets and procurement processes to ensure cost-effective and compliant resource utilization.

Physical Demands:
Sedentary work performed in a normal office environment; exerts up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Ability to attend meetings both on and off campus. Spending long hours in front of a computer screen. Must be able to be in the office 5 days a week, adjusted core hours and occasional work from home considered on case by case basis.

Licenses/ Certifications: N/A

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Seven (7) years of professional information technology project management experience. Two (2) years of experience supervising or managing professional staff.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of tools and technology utilized to support project management. 
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and Google Workplace products. 
Ability to perform set priorities, and meet deadlines.
Ability to multitask while demonstrating a commitment to customer service.

Additional Job Details

Preferences:

• Experience leading IT operations in federally funded research, defense, or similarly regulated environments.

• Demonstrated experience managing compliance with cybersecurity and risk management frameworks such as CMMC, NIST, or RMF.

• Proven success managing enterprise IT infrastructure teams and improving operational service delivery and reliability.
• Experience developing and managing IT operational budgets, procurement processes, and vendor relationships to ensure cost-effective and compliant service delivery
• Demonstrated experience building and mentoring high-performing IT teams while implementing clear performance standards, accountability measures, and professional development practices.

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume, List of References

Best Consideration Date: 3/31/26

Posting Close Date: N/A

Open Until Filled: Yes

Job Risks

Not Applicable to This Position

Financial Disclosure Required

Yes

Department

VPR-Applied Research Lab for Intelligence & Security

Worker Sub-Type

Staff Regular

Salary Range

$175,000 - $200,000

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization.  Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

Resources

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