Interim Chief Technology Officer

Summary

The Interim Chief Technology Officer advances Principia by leading a strategic assessment of our technology landscape and organizational structure, providing operational plans and an IT organization to implement that strategic plan, and establishing necessary and appropriate policies, procedures, and service level agreements. Reporting to Principia’s Chief Executive and partnering closely with our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer (CFO/COO), this role is tasked with understanding Principia’s strengths, opportunities, and culture, and making specific recommendations that position us for progress and modernization. The Interim CTO partners with the broader IT team, campus heads, and other institutional leaders to continue to provide secure and well-functioning core technology systems and to ensure technology is a true business partner in delivering exceptional employee and student experiences. Success in this role draws on strategic thinking, relationship building, visionary leadership, a propensity toward results, data fluency, project management, and a deep commitment to service and inclusion.

This interim role is expected to last at least six and up to 12 months. At the conclusion of the interim period, Principia will review the recommendations and determine how to move the department forward and whether there is an ongoing need for a permanent Chief Technology Officer position. The interim CTO may be eligible to apply for the permanent role, should it be established.

Who We Are

At our award-winning Early Childhood through grade 12 Principia School in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education—blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia’s team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of alumni and friends.

Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued.

Primary Responsibilities

• Conducts a comprehensive assessment of Principia’s technology infrastructure, organizational structure, and operational processes building on assessments already completed and available
• Prepares a technology strategy, aligned with campus head and other institutional goals, including leveraging technology to improve learning and operational effectiveness
• Recommends a new organizational structure to support this strategy, including help desk; network and telecom systems; cloud services; software acquisition, customization, tech support, and program management; media services (on both campuses); educational and classroom technology on both campuses; Business Intelligence and integration of AI
• Provides adjusted job descriptions to support this new organizational structure
• Prepares a comprehensive plan to implement that strategy, to include identifying and addressing gaps, risks, and areas for modernization in technology and digital strategy. Presents and gains approval of the CE and CFO/COO
• Leads IT organization transition to implementing this strategic plan, including re-organization and management of the approved IT organization
• Affirms technology standards, policies, and best practices, defining new and refining existing standard operating procedures, service level agreements, and policies
• Audits software tools and recommend plan to eliminate redundancy and improve usability and support
• Assesses and recommends adjustments to SIS, LMS, and productivity platforms (e.g. Microsoft 365, Google Workspace)
• Engages with stakeholders across all levels to gather insights and feedback
• Oversees IT governance, risk management, and cybersecurity during the interim period
• Serves as a member of Principia’s Executive Team, partnering with senior leaders across the institution to advance strategic priorities
• Seeks to understand Principia’s unique culture, strengths, and opportunities for improvement
• Champions a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement within the IT team and across the organization
• Mentors and supports IT leaders and staff, fostering professional growth and well-being

Core Competencies

Principia values the unique strengths each employee brings to their role. The following competencies are especially important for success at Principia:

• Continuous Learning & Expertise: Demonstrates mastery in your area of responsibility and seeks opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Accountability & Results Orientation: Manages time and priorities effectively, meets commitments, and consistently delivers high-quality outcomes.
• Problem Solving & Judgment: Approaches challenges thoughtfully, considers multiple perspectives, and makes sound, timely decisions that support institutional goals.
• Proactivity & Ownership: Takes initiative, anticipates needs, and drives projects forward with minimal supervision while taking responsibility for outcomes.
• Excellence & Attention to Detail: Produces accurate, polished, and high-quality work; continuously looks for ways to improve systems, processes, and results.
• Service Orientation: Builds positive, supportive relationships and responds promptly and professionally to the needs of students, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
• Collaboration & Collegiality: Works cooperatively across departments and teams; values input from others and contributes to a positive, respectful environment.
• Communication: Shares information clearly and concisely; listens carefully to others and adjusts communication style for different audiences and situations.
• Inclusion & Belonging: Demonstrates respect for all people; values diverse perspectives and fosters a culture of inclusion, belonging, and mutual respect.
• Leadership: Inspires and guides others with clarity, compassion, and accountability; supports individual and team growth in alignment with Principia’s mission and goals.
• Culture & Team Building: Fosters a culture of trust, collaboration, and open communication; demonstrates genuine care for team members’ well-being and development.
• Resource Stewardship: Manages budgets, time, and resources responsibly and strategically to achieve departmental and institutional objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Student of Christian Science preferred
• Supportive of Principia’s guiding statements as articulated here https://www.principia.edu/about/guiding-statements
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field; Master’s degree preferred
• 15 years of technology leadership experience, ideally in an educational or non-profit institution
• 15 years of progressive experience leading technology teams, with a proven track record of managing large, diverse groups and developing talent
• Demonstrated success in strategic assessment and planning

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia.

Compensation

We offer a competitive starting salary range for this position: $157,000 – $183,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Equal Opportunity

Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status.

In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia—as an institution with a religious mission—gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.