Research Computing Director

About the Role

Our Client is seeking an experienced leader to serve as the Interim Director of Research Computing. In this role, you will provide temporary executive oversight for the Research Computing team within the Division of IT, guiding the department through a period of significant change. You will stabilize operations, align resources with institutional priorities, and implement sustainable management practices to ensure a smooth transition to permanent leadership. The position offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the organization’s research infrastructure and culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Research Computing team, providing day‑to‑day operational oversight and strategic direction.
• Stabilize departmental operations while maintaining continuity of critical IT services and customer engagement.
• Conduct a comprehensive inventory of current research technology infrastructure, services, and operational procedures.
• Develop and execute a transformation plan to improve operational effectiveness and align resources with institutional priorities.
• Manage project portfolios, ensuring timely delivery of initiatives and adherence to budget constraints.
• Engage stakeholders across the university to gather requirements, communicate progress, and secure buy‑in for change initiatives.
• Implement best practices in governance, risk management, and compliance for research computing services.
• Oversee vendor relationships, procurement processes, and contract negotiations related to research computing resources.
• Prepare and present executive‑level reports on performance metrics, project status, and strategic recommendations.
• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 7 years of progressive leadership experience in IT or research computing environments.
• Strong background in project management, including planning, execution, and monitoring of complex initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and drive cultural transformation.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills, with experience presenting to executive leadership.
• Knowledge of high‑performance computing, cloud platforms, and research data management is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in budgeting, resource allocation, and vendor management.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Professional certifications such as PMP, ITIL, or equivalent are a plus.

Tools & Technologies

• Project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira, Asana) for planning and tracking initiatives.
• Collaboration platforms (Microsoft Teams, Slack) for communication and coordination.
• High‑performance computing cluster management and monitoring tools.
• Cloud services (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) for research infrastructure deployment.
• Data analytics and reporting tools (Power BI, Tableau) for performance dashboards.
• Standard office productivity suite (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).

Work Schedule & Duration

• Contract length: 6 months with potential for extension.
• Hybrid work arrangement: 3 days onsite per week at the Columbia, South Carolina office.
• Candidate must be a resident of South Carolina, North Carolina, or Georgia and willing to relocate to Columbia prior to start.

Interview Process

The interview process consists of a single in‑person round with senior leadership and key stakeholders. Candidates will be invited to discuss their experience, leadership approach, and vision for the Research Computing team.

Position Details

• Employment Type: Contract
• Duration: Approximately 12 months (with potential for extension)
• Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the United States