Position Summary
Reporting to the Network Chief Information Officer, the Senior Director of Cloud Applications provides strategic leadership for the Network’s cloud-based application ecosystem across the San Francisco Bay Region Network (“SFBRN” or “the Network”), which serves California State University, East Bay (CSUEB), San Francisco State University (SFSU), and Sonoma State University (SSU). This position oversees the Cloud Applications team responsible for the daily operations, configuration, integration, and continuous optimization of the Network’s cloud platforms and services.
The Senior Director ensures that all cloud environments are robust, secure, and designed to support the academic and administrative missions of the Network universities. This leader drives the deployment, integration, customization, and lifecycle management of cloud applications; establishes best practices for system reliability and user support; and champions innovation in cloud technology adoption.
Through proactive collaboration with IT leadership, campus stakeholders, compliance officers, and technology vendors, the Senior Director promotes operational excellence, user satisfaction, and alignment with institutional strategy. This role empowers teams to deliver secure, scalable, and user-centered solutions that enhance efficiency and resilience, positioning the Network as a leader in cloud transformation within higher education.
Position Information
The San Francisco Bay Region Network (SFBRN) provides centralized administrative and transactional functions for CSUEB, SFSU, and SSU, creating a unified, cost-effective operational structure.
The Information Technology unit within the Network delivers secure, reliable, and innovative technology solutions that support all three universities. The unit manages infrastructure, application services, user support, information security, data management, and strategic IT operations. Partnering closely with each university’s leadership, including Presidents and Provosts, Information Technology drives digital transformation, promotes operational excellence, and supports institutional goals.
Within IT, the Cloud Applications team develops, implements, and maintains the software systems that power the Network’s academic and administrative operations. Operating under a product-based model, the team assigns dedicated resources to specific application portfolios, ensuring deep expertise and accountability. Responsibilities include managing application releases, coordinating updates and patches maintaining mobile apps and web platforms, and ensuring reliable access to digital resources. By delivering user-centered and innovative services, the Applications team enhances digital engagement and supports the teaching, learning, and administrative missions of each Network university.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Management and Guidance
1. Manages the daily operations of cloud applications, including deployment, configuration, maintenance, integration, performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and lifecycle management of cloud-based systems and tools.
2. Exercises authority to make operational decisions related to cloud applications, escalating complex or high-impact issues to the Network CIO as needed.
3. Oversees prompt and effective resolution of cloud application incidents, changes, releases, and service requests, ensuring optimal performance, high service availability, and compliance with technology best practices.
4. Empowers team to engage with the Network Support Center team to address cloud application–related inquiries, efficiently delegating tasks to the appropriate Network personnel as required.
5. Maintains working knowledge of CSU Administrative Manual (ICSUAM) policies, state, and federal regulations related to cloud technologies and services. Assists Network staff in ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Leadership, Management, and Supervision
1. Leads, manages, and supervises the Cloud Applications team, providing guidance, direction, and mentorship; fostering a positive work environment; and ensuring alignment of team goals with the Network’s overall strategy and objectives.
2. Manages the development of team members by helping them set and achieve career growth goals.
3. Fosters an inclusive environment that values differences and creates a sense of belonging and appreciation for team members.
4. Leads by example, demonstrating ethics and high accountability, and actively drives the process of embedding Network values and behaviors.
5. Contributes to a culture of trust and transparency and drives best-in-class customer service through effective team engagement.
6. Manages direct reports in adherence to Human Resources and institutional policies and procedures; handles personnel management tasks in coordination with HR, including selecting, training, guiding, and evaluating staff, ensuring staff effectively and equitably serve the needs of all Network universities.
7. Takes corrective action as required, recommends salary actions, promotions, and terminations, and participates in recruitment and orientation of new employees.
Service Delivery and Continuous Improvement
1. Builds and maintains strong relationships with customers, partners, and stakeholders to ensure that consistent, reliable cloud application services are delivered to all stakeholders.
2. Monitors and enforces service level agreements (SLAs) for the cloud applications unit.
3. Identifies opportunities to streamline workflows, eliminate redundancies, leverage automation, and improve user experience within cloud application management.
4. Works collaboratively with the IT leadership to implement new technologies or process enhancements.
5. Tracks and reports on key performance indicators (KPIs), metrics, and dashboards for cloud applications.
6. Keeps up to date with changes in laws, regulations, and technologies that may affect cloud applications and informs senior management and staff.
Communications and Training
1. Leads the development and maintenance of comprehensive documentation of university and Network cloud application policies, processes, and systems, promoting consistency across the Network universities.
2. Ensures crucial technical knowledge is accessible and understood by relevant stakeholders.
3. Cultivates a culture of mentorship and continuous skill development within the organization.
4. Champions initiatives that encourage knowledge sharing, coaching, and on-the-job learning.
5. Ensures end-user communications are timely, transparent, and helpful.
6. Maintains consistent communication with direct reports and senior leaders to resolve escalations and provide updates.
7. Communicates with Network universities and other Network leadership to safely support the Network’s cloud application needs.
Other
1. Contributes to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion across the organization.
2. Promotes the organization’s core values and consistently integrates innovation, employee fulfillment, teamwork, respect, excellence, integrity, service, and accountability into all aspects of work.
3. Complies with Network, university, and unit policies and procedures regarding privacy of information, authorized use of Network resources, and the security of Network systems and data.
4. Demonstrates safe work practices for oneself, others, and the office environment.
5. Performs other related responsibilities as requested and when necessary. The Network reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.
Unit Overview
The San Francisco Bay Region Network (SFBRN) provides centralized administrative and transactional functions for CSUEB, SFSU, and SSU, creating a unified, cost-effective operational structure.
The Information Technology unit within the Network delivers secure, reliable, and innovative technology solutions that support all three universities. The unit manages infrastructure, application services, user support, information security, data management, and strategic IT operations. Partnering closely with each university's leadership, including Presidents and Provosts, Information Technology drives digital transformation, promotes operational excellence, and supports institutional goals.
Within IT, the Cloud Applications team develops, implements, and maintains the software systems that power the Network's academic and administrative operations. Operating under a product-based model, the team assigns dedicated resources to specific applications portfolios, ensuring deep expertise and accountability. Responsibilities include managing application releases, coordinating updates and patches maintaining mobile apps and web platforms, and ensuring reliable access to digital resources. By delivering user-centered and innovative services, the Applicants team enhances digital engagement and supports the teaching, learning, and administrative missions of each Network university.
