Chief Operations Officer Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

About Johnson & Wales University

Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students at its campuses in Providence, Rhode Island and Charlotte, North Carolina, and through JWU Online. An innovative educational leader, the university offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in arts and sciences, business, hospitality, food innovation, and health and wellness. JWU's unique model of education provides students with the personalized attention, academic expertise and industry connections that inspire professional success and personal growth. The time students spend at JWU is nothing short of transformative, as demonstrated by career outcomes, expected earnings and economic mobility rankings. The university's impact is global, with alumni in 130 countries pursuing careers worldwide. For more information, visit jwu.edu.

Strategic Vision

JWU's 10-year strategic plan, known as the Powered By Series has three components spanning that time frame. The second of the series, Powered By Possibility 2027, underscores our dedication to an education rooted in excellence, strengthening industry connections, enhancing our institutional foundation and fostering a culture that elevates our mission.

Leadership Opportunity for Vice President of Information Technology/Chief Information Officer  

The university is seeking an exceptional executive to serve as its next Vice President of Information Technology/Chief Information Officer (CIO), a forward-thinking, strategic leader who will shape the institution's digital future. Reporting to the University Chancellor and serving as a member of the university's Cabinet, this is a highimpact role for a visionary who thrives at the intersection of technology strategy, data innovation, and organizational transformation.

The CIO will shape and execute a comprehensive digital strategy, partnering closely with academic, student, and administrative leaders to advance the university's mission. This executive will guide major enterprise technology investments, champion modernization and analytics initiatives, and bring forward emerging technologies, including AI-enabled solutions, to elevate academic excellence and operational performance.

A critical component of the role includes leading the university's cybersecurity governance and datarisk strategy, ensuring strong protection of institutional assets while enabling digital transformation and compliance.

The CIO will cultivate a highperforming, service-driven IT team, leading process improvements that streamline operations. The CIO will also shape strategic vendor partnerships that accelerate innovation and optimize technology investments. A core responsibility for this role is delivering data-informed insights that support decision-making to enhance how students, faculty, and staff engage with technology across the university.

This is a unique opportunity to lead digital transformation-advancing a missiondriven institution and making a lasting impact on its future.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Significant experience in strategic planning and execution of strategic initiatives, business processes, information technology and executive leadership
• Demonstrated ability to assess opportunities, risks, and organizational implications of emerging technologies, including AI, and guide responsible implementation
• Experience successfully leading digital transformation, including AI enabled technologies and the ability to effectively utilize emerging technologies to enhance decision-making, operational effectiveness, communication, and service delivery
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical problem-solving abilities
• Proven record of innovation and awareness of emerging highereducation technology trends
• Demonstrated success collaborating across multiple business units
• Demonstrated skills in the identification of process improvement targets and the application of technology to optimize processes

JWU offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and competitive benefits.

Application Process

Nominations, referrals, and requests for additional information should be directed to the director of employee recruitment, Karen.Almond@jwu.edu. While applications and nominations will be accepted until a successful candidate has been appointed, interested individuals are encouraged to submit their materials through the JWU Employment Website as soon as possible.

Johnson & Wales University is an equal opportunity employer. The university does not illegally discriminate on the basis of any protected class.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, familial status, gender or gender identity, genetic information, military service, national origin, pregnancy and related conditions, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.