Central New Mexico Community College

Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Central New Mexico Community College in its search for Chief Information Officer.

For full consideration, please apply by March 2, 2026.

Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) is at a strategic inflection point. As New Mexico’s largest community college, CNM is advancing a bold strategic vision centered on student success, workforce relevance, equity, and long-term financial sustainability. Achieving this vision requires enterprise transformation, not incremental optimization, and technology is a central lever in that work.

CNM has demonstrated, and will continue to demonstrate, a commitment to investing in innovation and modernization, with a clear expectation that technology investments produce measurable results and sustainable value. This role is designed for an experienced CIO with strong business acumen, who is ready to lead at scale, shape enterprise direction, and leave a lasting institutional legacy.

Reporting directly to the President, the CIO serves as a trusted advisor to the President and Executive Cabinet and engages with the Governing Board on technology strategy, digital risk, and institutional readiness. As a cabinet-level executive, the CIO is empowered to modernize enterprise platforms, strengthen digital foundations, and deliver measurable improvements in institutional performance, shaping CNM’s future and leaving a lasting institutional legacy.

The CIO is a collaborative, strategic partner who balances innovative transformation with operational stability across all mission-critical systems. This role carries clear decision rights and institutional backing to:

• Establish enterprise technology standards and architectural direction.
• Lead prioritization of major technology investments in alignment with institutional strategy.
• Oversee cybersecurity posture, digital risk management, and institutional resilience.
• Direct vendor, sourcing, and shared services strategies.

The CIO will provide executive oversight for an established Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and a highly capable IT leadership team, setting enterprise direction and ensuring alignment across cybersecurity, digital platforms, and institutional priorities.

Serving nearly 30,000 learners annually, CNM’s mission is deeply rooted in access, completion, and economic mobility, positioning the College as a critical driver of the region’s educational and workforce success. The ideal CIO will be committed to this mission and ready to lead enterprise change at scale.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive & Enterprise Leadership

• Serve as CNM’s senior executive leader for technology-enabled transformation.
• Translate institutional strategy into a clear, outcome-driven enterprise IT and digital roadmap.
• Act as a strategic partner to the President and Cabinet on modernization, cybersecurity risk, and innovation investments.
• Lead CNM’s progression toward higher IT maturity, moving from reactive service delivery to proactive, value-driven enablement.

Enterprise IT Operations

• Ensure reliable, secure, and resilient delivery of core IT services, including infrastructure, networks, enterprise applications, cloud platforms, and end-user services.
• Provide executive oversight and strategic alignment for the CISO function, ensuring effective cybersecurity, identity and access management, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation.
• Develop and maximize operational benefits of CNM’s participation in the New Mexico Collaborative for Higher Education Shared Services (CHESS), particularly in enterprise shared services, cybersecurity, and enterprise applications.
• Establish service management disciplines and performance metrics that ensure accountability and transparency.

Digital Growth & Institutional Enablement

• Partner with academic and administrative leaders to modernize instructional, student-facing, and business processes through technology.
• Collaborate with the Chief Data Officer (CDO) to align enterprise platforms and integration capabilities with data strategy, analytics priorities, and institutional research needs.
• Enable the staging, integration, and deployment of data across enterprise systems to support strategic use cases, while respecting governance, privacy, and security requirements.
• Advance enterprise platforms (ERP, CRM, SIS, and integration and analytics infrastructure) to improve interoperability, scalability, and user experience.
• Support shared services and collaborative delivery models that improve efficiency, resilience, and return on investment.

Innovation & Future Readiness

• Identify, evaluate, and selectively pilot emerging technologies (e.g., AI, automation, advanced analytics, digital learning tools) aligned with CNM’s strategic priorities.
• Foster responsible experimentation with clear pathways from pilot to scale.
• Balance innovation with governance, risk management, and institutional capacity to ensure sustainability.
• Embed digital capability as part of CNM’s long-term operating model, not as isolated initiatives.

Data Enablement as a Strategic Asset

• Champion data as a foundational institutional asset that supports strategy, performance management, and student success.
• Partner closely with the Chief Data Officer (CDO) to ensure alignment between data governance, analytics, and enabling technologies.
• Ensure that data platforms, integration architectures, and cloud environments support reliable, timely, secure, and ethical access to data.
• Coordinate technology deployment timelines with the institution’s readiness to use data for decision-making, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Financial, Talent & Resource Stewardship

• Lead IT financial planning, budgeting, and investment governance with a focus on value realization and ROI.
• Partner with the President and Cabinet to align technology investments with institutional priorities.
• Build and sustain a high-performing IT organization with modern skills, clear accountability, and service orientation.
• Redesign workforce and service delivery models as needed to support transformation, scalability, and sustainability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Business, or a related field.
• Seven (7) or more years of senior executive leadership experience in enterprise IT, digital transformation, or technology-enabled operations.
• Demonstrated success leading large-scale modernization or transformation initiatives.
• Experience overseeing cybersecurity, enterprise platforms, budgets, and vendor ecosystems.
• Proven ability to partner with presidents/CEOs, boards, and executive teams.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Information Systems, Business Administration, Data Analytics).
• Experience in complex mission-driven organizations, higher education, or public sector.
• Experience operating within shared services or consortium-based environments.

About Central New Mexico Community College

Founded in 1964 as Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute, a locally supported vocational school, the College was accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (now the Higher Learning Commission) in 1978. Degree-granting power was approved by the New Mexico Legislature in 1986, signaling the College’s transformation into a comprehensive community college. In 2006, the institution changed its name to Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) to better reflect the breadth of offerings and the service area. CNM currently offers Associate of Arts, Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science degrees, as well as many certificate programs and non-credit certifications and licensures. Over the last decade, CNM has consistently enrolled the largest undergraduate student body in the state.   

In U.S. Department of Education statistics, CNM consistently ranks among the top five two-year colleges nationwide for the number of associate degrees and certificates awarded to both Hispanics and Native Americans. CNM also consistently ranks among the top 10 for total associate degrees and certificates awarded to all students. As the institution with the largest undergraduate student body in New Mexico, CNM provides affordable education to over 30,000 learners and offers rewarding career opportunities to over 2,000 faculty and staff. For the last decade, CNM has been recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the country’s top 150-200 colleges eligible for the Community College of Excellence Award.

CNM has nine locations for easy student access across CNM’s District, including seven campuses. The campuses are in each quadrant of Albuquerque, and one in nearby Rio Rancho. The campuses include Main Campus near downtown Albuquerque and the University of New Mexico; the Joseph M. Montoya Campus in the Northeast Heights; the Westside Campus; the South Valley Campus; and the Rio Rancho Campus. The College also offers programs and services at the Advanced Technology Center and Workforce Training Center in north Albuquerque, and the STEMulus Center and FUSE Makerspace in downtown Albuquerque. Each of the locations has had recent upgrades to facilities, technology, and signage.

CNM is deeply rooted in the community, emphasizing service learning and projects that connect students to local opportunities. The college also provides robust student support services, such as tutoring, advising, and counseling, ensuring students have the resources to succeed. Modern facilities, equipped with state-of-the-art labs and study spaces, enhance the learning experience.

Learn more about CNM's Strategic Plan, including mission, vision, culture statement, goals, and objectives.

Living in the Area

Living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, offers a unique blend of culture, natural beauty, and modern amenities, making it an appealing place to call home. The city boasts a rich cultural heritage, deeply rooted in Native American, Hispanic, and Western traditions, which is reflected in its vibrant art scene, historic landmarks, and annual events like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, low humidity, short commute times, and a relaxed pace, Albuquerque is easy to live in and offers an endless mix of culture, lively entertainment, dining, and shopping.

Albuquerque is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, surrounded by stunning landscapes like the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande, offering year-round opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing, and hot air ballooning. The city’s high desert climate ensures plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for those who love an active lifestyle. The central location also provides easy access to other attractions, such as Santa Fe and the national parks.

The city is home to a strong job market, with opportunities in sectors like healthcare, education, technology, and renewable energy. Adding to that are a favorable tax climate, the state’s strong fiscal health, and a cost of living below national average. The area offers affordable housing options and access to diverse dining and entertainment. With its unique blend of culture, affordability, outdoor adventures, and career opportunities, Albuquerque provides an exceptional quality of life for individuals and families alike.

To Apply 

For full consideration, please apply by March 2, 2026.

To be viewed by the search firm, you must apply directly at: https://acesrch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a21esjy384cc

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to CNMCIO@acesrch.com

Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com.

Institutional Information

As an EEO employer, Central New Mexico Community College will not discriminate in our employment practices based on an applicant’s race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, serious medical condition or status as a protected veteran or spousal affiliation. Central New Mexico Community College hires only U.S. citizens and individuals lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.