Description
Western Washington University seeks a Director of Academic Technology & User Services (ATUS) to lead institution-wide academic and user-facing technology. Reporting to the CIO and serving on the ITS senior leadership team, this role sets strategic direction for technology supporting teaching, learning, and campus operations.
As a department of Western Washington University’s Information Technology Services (WWU ITS), Academic Technology and User Services (ATUS) delivers programs and services to the entire university with a focus on end-user experience and academic/instructional technologies. The Director of ATUS oversees all units in ATUS, including student and employee Service Desks, Device and Computer Lab support, Classroom Services, Video Services/Digital Media Center, and the Center for Instructional Innovation.
Reporting to the Chief Information Officer, the Director sets the vision for technology adoption, ensuring alignment with Western’s mission.
As part of ITS senior leadership, the Director continually evaluates services and operations, leading improvements to meet evolving institutional needs. The position manages a $4M budget, balancing sustainability with innovation, and leverages departmental resources to maximize capacity. ATUS is comprised of 35 staff and about 100 student employees. The Director ensures the ongoing growth and development of ATUS employees, cultivating an ethic of care and building a culture that reflects the mission and values of ITS and WWU.
For more information, view the position profile.
Requirements
Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree
Five years of progressive management experience in supporting customer-focused technology services and direct reports, within a large, complex organization
Demonstrated ability to advance the application of technology to enhance ITS operations using a solutions-based mindset
Proven organizational, fiscal management, staff development and supervisory skills
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with technology users in a diverse environment
Superior oral and written communication skills
Preferred Qualifications: Master’s Degree and seven years or more leading a technology support organization in higher education
Demonstrated experience managing IT Service Management tools, specifically Atlassian’s Jira
Experience teaching instructional technology within higher education in the classroom and online
Enterprise project or portfolio management experience
Demonstrated ability to articulate an informed, nuanced vision for the application of innovative technologies like generative and agentic AI in an education setting
Application materials should address your experience related to the position responsibilities and the required and preferred qualifications.
Applicants should submit:
1. A cover letter describing your interest in the role and your approach to leadership.
2. A resume.
3. A 1–2-page statement responding to the following prompt:
In this role, you will facilitate conversations with students, faculty, staff, and executive leadership about the use of generative and agentic AI at Western Washington University. Please describe your perspective on the benefits and risks of AI in higher education and how you would engage constructively with stakeholders who hold differing viewpoints.
