Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist St. Mary’s University in its search for Vice President for Information Services and Chief Information Officer.

For full consideration, please apply by January 28, 2026.

This is a high-impact opportunity for a mission-aligned IS leader to serve as the next Vice President for Information Services and Chief Information Officer (VP and CIO). Located in San Antonio, one of the nation’s fastest-growing major cities and a hub for a thriving cybersecurity, bioscience, and higher education ecosystem, St. Mary’s University stands at a pivotal moment in its digital transformation.

Founded in 1852 by Marianist brothers and priests, it is the first institution of higher learning in San Antonio and the oldest Catholic university in Texas and the Southwest. As a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution, St. Mary’s offers a tight-knit academic community on a beautiful 135-acre campus that blends historic charm with modern facilities.

Under the leadership of President Winston Erevelles, the University is riding significant momentum driven by major innovation and community-focused initiatives. At the forefront is the fully operational  $20 million Blank Sheppard Innovation Center, which houses cutting-edge labs for robotics, advanced manufacturing, data science, and more. Another exciting development is the Voyager STEM Bus, a mobile STEM laboratory designed and built by St. Mary’s engineering students and equipped with robotics, VR, a 3D printer, and a flight simulator to bring hands-on learning to local schools. The University has also launched a $1.1 M dual credit partnership with Alamo Colleges to expand access to college level coursework across Bexar County, and its Laudato Si’ Committee is funding sustainability projects, including water-refilling stations and native plant habitats on campus. These initiatives, along with St. Mary’s recent Carnegie Opportunity College designation, demonstrate a university investing boldly in its future and deeply committed to access, community impact, and an innovative academic mission.

Reporting directly to the President and serving on the Executive Council, the VP and CIO provides vision and leadership for technology strategy, academic technology, cybersecurity, and enterprise digital infrastructure at this moment of significant institutional momentum. The ideal candidate is both technically exceptional and culturally grounded, deeply appreciating the Marianist Charism, and serves as a trusted thought partner to senior leaders. The VP and CIO also collaborates with the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs as a member of the Academic Council.

The VP and CIO will guide ongoing digital modernization efforts, including automation of administrative processes, expansion of analytics capabilities, and preparation for a transition from an on-premises Banner ERP to a cloud-based environment. The role oversees the Information Services Division, which includes 40 full-time staff and 50+ student assistants, spanning five departments:

• Academic Technology Services - Canvas, Zoom, Kaltura, instructional tech, media production, online teaching certification
• Client and System Support Services - Help Desk, classroom technology, device refresh, access control, cameras, Microsoft environment, Banner ERP support
• Infrastructure and Enterprise Services - Network, telecom, fiber/wireless, firewalls, ERP infrastructure
• Information Security - Cybersecurity platforms, MDR, SIEM, Rapid7, policies, audits, awareness
• Library Services - Louis J. Blume Library, including archives and special collections

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as a trusted advisor to the University senior leadership on emerging technologies and digital trends that align with institutional priorities.
• Develops and implements a forward-looking strategy aligned with the university’s strategic plan and academic mission.
• Represents the university in external collaborations, consortia, and industry partnerships.
• Advances and supports enterprise risk management (ERM) practices including developing and maintaining a robust compliance and cybersecurity security environment.
• Develops and maintains the Information Services budget, ensuring strategic allocation of resources. Controls the operational budgets and contributes to the cost-effective operation of the University.
• Participates in the governance and strategy of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to automate processes, personalize digital experiences, and enhance decision-making across academic and administrative functions.
• Supports the ethical and innovative use of AI in academic and research contexts, including infrastructure for high-performance computing and data science.
• Expands the use of predictive analytics, business intelligence platforms, and self-service reporting tools to provide broad, role-appropriate access to data and support informed decision-making across academic and administrative functions.
• Responsible for strategic planning, governance, communications, and measurement/assessment using evidence and data-based decision making.
• Leads efforts to identify, consolidate, and eliminate redundant or underutilized applications and platforms, ensuring efficient use of resources and improved user experience across the institution.
• Facilitates cross-functional alignment to support enterprise-wide goals, reduce duplication, and enhance the consistency and quality of technology services delivered throughout the university.
• Establishes an environment that encourages team building, collaboration and problem solving and promotes a culture of excellence, ethical leadership and commitment to the overall success of the University.
• Assists in supporting a system-wide data governance framework that enables integrated analytics, reporting, and evidence-based decision-making.
• Chairs committees and user groups, which provide advisory guidance and aid in the governance of faculty committees and user groups.
• Assures that Information Services maintains accessibility, reliability and functionality of institutional processes that depend on technology for business continuity and minimizes impacts of outages, intrusions and service interruptions.
• Provides leadership in aligning overall information services vision with instructional goals by integrating, improving processes, implementing initiatives, and maintaining infrastructure.
• Implements best practices for improving organizational efficiencies and project management, as well as classroom and course delivery technologies.
• Integrates new information and computing systems to support the teaching, learning and administrative work of the University.
• Develops, implements and maintains policies and procedures for these areas, as well as maintains compliance with regulations and security concerns.
• Cultivates external relations and opportunities with public and private sectors in support of the University’s Information Services areas, as well as for representing the University at conferences and organizations related to these areas.
• Ensures the university is prepared to move from the current on-premises ERP solution (Ellucian/Banner) to a cloud-based system.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field from an accredited university or college.
• 7+ years of progressive information technology leadership, including at least 3 years in a senior or executive-level role within a complex organization, preferably in a higher education environment.

• Demonstrated expert-level knowledge of fiscal planning, budgeting, data analysis, and a deep understanding of enterprise technology strategy, governance, and operations in a higher education environment supporting undergraduate, graduate, professional, and online students.
• Expertise in digital transformation, cloud computing, modern data center architecture, and hybrid infrastructure models.
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, risk management practices, and regulatory compliance (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR).
• Advanced understanding of data governance, data warehousing, analytics platforms, and AI-driven decision support systems.
• Familiarity with academic technologies, research computing, and administrative systems (e.g., ERP, LMS, CRM).
• Awareness of ethical considerations and emerging regulations related to artificial intelligence and data privacy.

• A demonstrated commitment to the University’s Catholic and Marianist Mission, while maintaining a campus culture that promotes and values inclusion, diversity, equity, and access; promotes a welcoming environment for all internal and external constituencies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree
• Bilingual English/Spanish, with the ability to understand and to make oneself understood to Spanish-speaking individuals.

About St. Mary’s University

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St. Mary’s University, as a Catholic Marianist University, fosters the formation of people in faith and educates leaders for the common good through community, integrated liberal arts and professional education, and academic excellence. 

The University’s mission is deeply rooted in both the Liberal Arts and the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, which informs the five fundamental characteristics of a Marianist education: formation in faith; integral quality education; family spirit; service, justice and peace, and integrity of creation; and adaptation and change. These characteristics are the foundation of a holistic educational experience designed to infuse students’ professional training with an understanding of individual human development, community, the natural world, and God. These, in turn, inspire human vocations, ethical engagement and action, and creativity. 

The University enrolls approximately 3,500 students in a diverse academic community with four schools, more than 40 academic programs including Ph.D. and J.D. programs, and numerous pre-professional programs. Students at St. Mary’s benefit from a nurturing and vibrant community atmosphere that encourages civic engagement, undergraduate and graduate research, comprehensive faculty mentoring, and service learning in San Antonio and around the world. That community ethos extends beyond graduation, reflected in the lives of 36,000+ alumni pursuing vocations and service aimed at improving the human condition globally.

St. Mary’s consistently ranks among the top universities for value and academic excellence. It is No. 1 in the West for Best Value Schools, offering students an exceptional combination of quality and affordability. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, St. Mary’s tied for No. 13 out of 118 Western universities for academic quality and has been recognized as a top-tier regional university for 32 consecutive years.

Living in the Area

San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the United States and the second-largest city in Texas, with a population of more than 1.3 million residents. Situated in the south-central part of Texas, it serves as the seat of Bexar County and offers a dynamic combination of culture, history, and economic opportunity.

The jewel of the city is the River Walk, a scenic network of walkways along the San Antonio River lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. Downtown attractions include the Arneson River Theater and the historic Alamo, Texas’s most visited tourist site. The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases the city’s rich heritage. Festivals, such as Fiesta Noche del Rio and the University-hosted Fiesta Oyster Bake, celebrate local traditions, food, music, and community while raising funds for scholarships and supporting student engagement at St. Mary’s.

San Antonio boasts a thriving culinary scene, world-class arts, and vibrant neighborhoods, offering both Mexican, Tex-Mex, and international cuisine. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy parks, trails, and proximity to nearby hill country. The city also has a strong military and healthcare presence, including Joint Base San Antonio (Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base, Randolph Air Force Base), the South Texas Medical Center, and the San Antonio Military Medical Center.

Economically, San Antonio is home to five Fortune 500 companies and an emerging cybersecurity, bioscience, and higher education ecosystem, providing diverse professional opportunities. With a cost of living below the national average, excellent schools, and a welcoming community, San Antonio offers an exceptional quality of life for professionals and families alike.

For more information about the area, visit: www.sanantonio.gov, www.sachamber.org, www.visitsanantonio.com.

To Apply 

For full consideration, please apply by January 28, 2026.

To be viewed by the search firm, you must apply directly at: https://acesrch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a21esjy8anby

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to StMarysVPISCIO@acesrch.com.

Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com.

Institutional Information

St. Mary's University is a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Equal Opportunity Employer.