Director of Data Center Services

Position Summary:

The Director of Data Center Operations provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for Vanderbilt University's data center infrastructure. This role ensures the availability, reliability, scalability, and security of data center services that support the university’s academic, research, and administrative functions. The Director leads a team of professionals in data center operations, architecture, and analysis, and collaborates with internal stakeholders and external partners to align infrastructure capabilities with institutional goals and emerging technologies. This position plays a critical role in shaping the future of the university’s IT infrastructure and contributes to long-term planning and innovation.

About The Work Unit:

Vanderbilt University Information Technology is a human-centric organization that advances our university by delivering innovative solutions and frictionless experiences through collaboration.

Key Functions And Expected Performance:

Strategic Leadership and Planning

• Develop and execute a comprehensive data center strategy aligned with university goals and IT roadmap.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and trends to inform infrastructure modernization and innovation.
• Lead capacity planning, risk management, and business continuity initiatives for data center operations.
• Collaborate with senior IT leadership to integrate data center strategy with broader enterprise architecture.

Operational Oversight and Service Delivery

• Ensure high availability, performance, and security of all data center services.
• Oversee daily operations including monitoring, incident response, and maintenance.
• Establish and enforce operational standards, policies, and procedures.
• Manage vendor relationships and service contracts related to data center infrastructure.

Team Management and Development

• Lead and supervise a team of employees, including recruitment, training, and performance management.
• Acts as a player/coach, guiding and performing work within the function.
• Develop and implement plans, objectives, and initiatives to meet organizational goals.
• Allocate financial and human resources efficiently and effectively to support operational activities.
• Monitor and evaluate team performance, providing feedback and coaching to enhance individual and collective capabilities.
• Foster a positive work environment by promoting collaboration, communication, and employee engagement.
• Ensure compliance with Vanderbilt policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with other departments or stakeholders to achieve cross-functional objectives and resolve issues effectively.
• Analyze data and metrics to identify opportunities for process improvement and operational optimization. 

Compliance, Security, and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with institutional, regulatory, and industry standards (e.g., HIPAA, FERPA, NIST).
• Implement and maintain robust physical and logical security controls.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments to identify and mitigate risks.
• Coordinate disaster recovery and backup strategies across data center environments.
• Serve as a liaison between IT and academic/research departments to understand infrastructure needs.
• Communicate data center capabilities and constraints to non-technical stakeholders.
• Partner with external vendors, consultants, and peer institutions to share best practices and resources.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

Supervisory Relationships:

This position manages a team of ~12 employees. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for IT Operations.

Education And Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree is necessary
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field is preferred
• Relevant certifications such as Data Center Management (DCM), ITIL, Certified Data Centre Professional (CDCP), or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) are highly desirable are preferred

Experience And Skills:

• 7-10 years of progressive experience in IT infrastructure or data center operations is necessary
• At least 5 years in a leadership or management role overseeing complex data center environments is necessary
• Demonstrated experience with hybrid cloud environments, virtualization, and enterprise storage solutions is necessary
• Proven track record of strategic planning, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration is necessary
• Deep understanding of data center architecture, power and cooling systems, and network infrastructure is necessary
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on operational excellence is necessary
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders are necessary
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment is necessary
• Demonstrated commitment to VUIT’s Guiding Principles is necessary

Information Technology’S Guiding Principles:

• Trust and Respect- VUIT cultivates a community built on trust, mutual respect, and inclusivity, where all members feel valued and supported. We prioritize honesty, dignity, empathy, and a willingness to listen and understand. 
• Professionalism- VUIT strives to maintain a culture of maturity, accountability, and integrity to best represent the University and self. Have a sense of humility and poise in your work and daily interactions.
• Collaborate- VUIT commits to being inclusive in solution design where we value sharing within and partnering across the university. We are intentional about including our colleagues and preventing silos. 
• Bias-to-Action- VUIT is seen as a changemaker by exhibiting a decisive, self-starter, take-action approach with a willingness to make decisions without excessive deliberation. Personal initiative is recognized as a key part of the creative process.
• Communicate- Communication (written, verbal and non-verbal), within and outside VUIT, is open, thoughtful, welcoming, clear, proactive, concise yet complete, always honest, and delivered kindly.
• Innovate- VUIT pledges to be bold and challenge the status quo by inspiring a culture of creativity that promotes growth and advancement for the university. 
• Celebrate Each Other- We are intentional in showing appreciation for the work of others by valuing and acknowledging meaningful contributions at all levels of the organization.
• Optimize- VUIT will practice continuous and thoughtful optimization of our solutions and services to increase our human and technological capacity. Capacity drives innovation.

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.