Chief Digital Transformation Officer

About Anant National University

Anant National University, India’s Premier Design University, is dedicated to training students to devise solutions for global problems through creative thinking.

Our DesignX way is unique in helping young designers develop a better understanding of the context we live in through community immersion, innovation and collaboration. The core of our pedagogy is sustainable design multiplied by a host of knowledge disciplines and technology to make problem solving impactful. Our multidisciplinary undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in design, architecture, climate action and visual arts harness the knowledge from various disciplines and traditional practices to integrate it with cutting edge technology to address diverse challenges.

About the Department

The Office of Information Technology manages the university’s technology systems and services to ensure smooth and secure support for teaching, learning, research, and administration.

Job Type

Full-time

Reporting to

Provost (Direct) , Chief Information Officer, Piramal Enterprise (Dotted)

Required Education Qualification and Years of Experience

• Graduate in Engineering/Computer Science or related field (Master’s degree desirable)
• Certifications in IT Governance, Cybersecurity, or Enterprise Architecture preferred (e.g., TOGAF, CISM, PMP, ITIL)
• 15+ years of experience in IT leadership, with at least 5 years in senior roles in higher education, research institutions, or comparable knowledge-driven organizations
• Proven record of driving large-scale digital transformation, innovation, and enterprise-wide Tech initiatives
• Experience with Academic ERP, Learning Management Systems (LMS), Research Information Systems, and Digital Libraries
• Experience with scalable tech infrastructure, including Audio/Video for state-of-the-art labs
• Strong exposure to Cloud, Data Analytics, AI/ML, Cybersecurity, Automation, and Collaboration Platforms
• Experience in working with regulators and accrediting bodies in higher education
• Track record in vendor and stakeholder management, budget accountability, and IT governance

Key Responsibility Areas (KRAs)

• Strategy & Transformation
  

• Shape and deliver Anant’s Digital, Tech and AI strategy, ensuring alignment with academic, research, and administrative priorities
• Drive a future-ready “Digital Campus” vision with integrated platforms for learning, student lifecycle management, research, and operations
• Anticipate technology trends in higher education and design pilots/PoCs for emerging solutions

• Academic & Learning Technology
  

• Oversee implementation and management of Academic ERP, LMS, virtual classrooms, EdTech platforms, and digital research tools
• Enhance hybrid/online learning delivery and digital student experience
• Ensure Tech support for faculty innovation, academic collaborations, & internationalization

• Infrastructure & Cybersecurity
  

• Lead IT infrastructure services: cloud, data center, campus networks & end-user computing
• Build robust cybersecurity frameworks and ensure compliance with UGC, AICTE, and global best practices
• Develop resilient data privacy and disaster recovery systems

• Data, Analytics, AI
  

• Implement data-driven decision-making across academic research & administrative units
• Establish data governance, master data management, and analytics for institutional planning, student success, and performance insights
• Drive AI-led transformation across the organization

• Standards, Compliance & Governance
  

• Define IT governance, service delivery standards, and compliance frameworks
• Liaise with regulators, auditors, and accreditation bodies for digital compliance
• Manage key vendor partnerships, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness

• Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
  

• Partner with senior leadership, faculty & students to co-create a digital-first ecosystem
• Inspire and lead a high-performing Tech team, fostering innovation and accountability
• Build collaborations with EdTech companies, research consortia, & global university networks

• Budget & Resource Management
  

• Full accountability for University IT and Digital budgets
• Drive cost optimisation while ensuring service excellence
• Mobilise grants, industry partnerships, and external funding for digital initiatives

Key Skills

• Strategic & Innovative Thinker with a futuristic mindset
• Strong understanding of digital trends in higher education and research
• Excellent stakeholder management, consultative, and communication skills
• Ability to balance academic freedom with IT governance and compliance
• Result-oriented, adaptable, and comfortable with disruption and transformation