Director of IT Infrastructure

Job Summary

Auburn University seeks a visionary and collaborative Director of Infrastructure to lead, develop, and manage the university’s core technology infrastructure. This hybrid role combines the leadership of network, cloud, virtualization (servers and desktops), backups, and high performance computing ( HPC ) supporting Research. The Director will ensure the reliable, secure, and efficient operation of all foundational IT systems, supporting instruction, research, outreach, and administrative needs.

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Develop and execute a comprehensive vision and strategy for IT infrastructure, aligning with Auburn’s mission and strategic goals.
• Advise senior leadership on technology trends, resource acquisition, performance tuning, and capacity planning, especially for research-driven and academic computing needs.
• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and exceptional service delivery within the IT infrastructure team.

Infrastructure Oversight

• Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of Auburn’s network, cloud services, virtualization platforms (servers and desktops), storage, backup, and HPC environments.
• Ensure the availability, reliability, security, and scalability of all IT infrastructure, including disaster recovery, asset management, and network security.
• Lead and coordinate major IT infrastructure projects, including datacenter modernization, virtualization, and cloud integration.

Operational Excellence

• Maintain high levels of service quality for end users, monitor performance against standards or service level agreements, and initiate corrective action as needed.
• Develop and enforce standards, policies, procedures, and methodologies for infrastructure services, ensuring compliance with university IT policies and regulatory requirements.

Team Development & Management

• Recruit, mentor, supervise, and lead a diverse team of IT infrastructure professionals, including managers and technical staff.
• Provide personnel management, including supervision, work assignments, setting priorities, training, evaluation, and recommendations for promotion and salary increases.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, supporting professional development and succession planning.

Research & Innovation

• Support and advance Auburn’s research mission by providing robust, scalable, and innovative HPC and virtualization solutions.
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies to enhance Auburn’s IT infrastructure, including cloud, virtualization, and backup strategies.

Collaboration & Communication

• Build and maintain relationships with IT and non-IT stakeholders across campus to understand needs and deliver effective infrastructure services.
• Collaborate with the CIO , Deputy CIO , and other IT directors to support IT governance and strategic initiatives.
• Communicate effectively with university leadership, faculty, staff, and external partners.

Additional Information

· This position reports to the Deputy CIO /Executive Director for Technology Operations.

· The Director will be expected to participate in on-call support and respond to critical incidents as needed.

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact : Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence : We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You : Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama : The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone : Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!