The Darden School Foundation at the University of Virginia seeks an experienced, highly motivated information technology professional to join its Administration team. The Director, Foundation Infrastructure & Security is responsible for managing and supporting the Foundation's IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, systems administration, and technology initiatives. The position develops and implements reliable, secure, and scalable technology solutions to support Foundation operations, improve organizational efficiency, and protect critical systems and data.
The Director works collaboratively with Foundation leadership and departments to identify technology needs, implement solutions, optimize systems and processes, and support strategic initiatives, including the responsible adoption of generative AI. The position reports to the Treasurer, Senior Associate Vice President, Finance, and works in close coordination with the Darden School of Business Enterprise Infrastructure and Security (EIS) team to ensure alignment with University and School technology and security standards.
The successful candidate is a proactive, solutions-oriented technology professional who combines strong technical expertise with strategic thinking, sound judgment, and hands-on problem-solving capabilities. The position requires the ability to independently manage complex technology initiatives, balance competing priorities, and communicate effectively with both technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
The hiring range for this role begins at $110,000.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities include:
- Manages and supports the Foundation's IT infrastructure, ensuring the availability, reliability, security, and scalability of systems, applications, and technology operations.
- Develops, implements, and maintains reliable software systems, automated solutions, and technology workflows to improve operational efficiency and support digital transformation initiatives.
- Implements and maintains cybersecurity practices, including threat prevention, vulnerability assessment and remediation, system monitoring, incident response, and protection of organizational systems and data.
- Maintains and enhances Windows server and workstation environments, network infrastructure, cloud-based systems, and associated security controls.
- Develops scripts, automation tools, and system integrations to streamline administrative processes, improve monitoring capabilities, and strengthen system performance and security.
- Leads the Foundation's implementation of generative AI initiatives in coordination with broader University and Darden School strategies, promoting responsible adoption and organizational effectiveness.
- Administers enterprise applications and systems, including user access, permissions, authentication, remote access, and security configurations.
- Identifies opportunities to improve technology processes, optimize data flow and integrity, and integrate systems across Foundation departments.
- Manages third-party system integrations and collaborates with vendors to implement, maintain, and support enterprise technology solutions.
- Reviews technology vendor contracts and evaluates vendor security practices to ensure appropriate compliance and data protection standards.
- Collaborates with Foundation department leadership to assess technology needs, establish priorities, and plan and coordinate software, hardware, security, and operating system updates.
- Manages technology projects and initiatives from planning through implementation, including developing project timelines, coordinating stakeholders, documenting processes, and evaluating results.
- Develops and maintains technical documentation, system procedures, backup and disaster recovery plans, testing protocols, and incident reports.
- Investigates and resolves complex technical issues, conducts root cause analyses, and implements sustainable solutions to minimize operational disruptions.
- Prioritizes and responds to technology service requests and provides escalation support for complex issues as needed.
- Partners with the Darden School's Enterprise Infrastructure and Security team to ensure Foundation infrastructure, systems, and security protocols meet applicable University and School requirements.
- Partners with the Darden School's IT team to provide technical assistance and support as needed for mutually agreed-upon initiatives.
Successful candidates will have a proven track record that includes:
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related technical discipline and a minimum of five years of directly relevant experience; supervisory experience preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in systems engineering, IT infrastructure administration, cybersecurity, and technology operations.
- Strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles, network security methodologies, risk management frameworks, and industry best practices for protecting systems and data.
- Experience administering Microsoft Windows Server 2019 and 2022 and Windows 10 and 11 environments, including system configuration, maintenance, security, and troubleshooting.
- Proficiency with Microsoft enterprise technologies, including Active Directory, Group Policy, Microsoft 365, endpoint management tools such as Microsoft Configuration Manager and Intune, and identity and access management solutions.
- Experience with network architecture and protocols, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, firewall management, secure communications, and network security controls.
- Knowledge of vulnerability scanning and remediation, endpoint protection, data loss prevention, multifactor authentication, and other enterprise security technologies.
- Experience with cloud infrastructure and services, including Microsoft Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud, and familiarity with system monitoring and management tools.
- Strong scripting and automation capabilities, particularly with PowerShell, Python, C#.NET, or REST APIs, to improve system administration and operational efficiency.
- Experience with virtualization technologies, network storage, backup solutions, disaster recovery planning, and business continuity practices.
- Knowledge of IT service management principles, including change, incident, and problem management, and familiarity with platforms such as Freshservice or ServiceNow.
- Demonstrated ability to independently manage technology projects, establish priorities, coordinate stakeholders, and successfully implement complex technical solutions.
- Ability to identify and resolve technical issues, conduct root cause analyses, develop effective solutions, and implement improvements that strengthen system reliability and security.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement responsible generative AI strategies that support organizational effectiveness and innovation.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively to urgent technology needs.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable information for nontechnical audiences.
- Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships with leadership, colleagues, technology partners, and external vendors.
- Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, discretion, accountability, and a commitment to maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of organizational information.
- Familiarity with enterprise business applications such as Salesforce, ADP, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
- Strong personal and professional integrity.
