How to Apply & Nominating an Individual

Spencer Stuart, a global executive search and leadership advisory firm, has been retained by University of Iowa to help identify and recruit the new Chief Information Officer.

For confidential nominations and expressions of interest, subject to the limits of Iowa’s Open Records Law (Iowa Code Chapter 22.7), please contact Spencer Stuart at ifinlay@spencerstuart.com.

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.

CIO Search Process Overview

The search for the next Chief Information Officer (CIO) at the University of Iowa follows a structured and inclusive process designed to ensure transparency, stakeholder engagement, and the selection of a highly qualified leader. Below is a summary of the key phases:

Launch & Planning

• Kick-Off Meeting: The search committee convenes to review the process, establish confidentiality protocols, and align on goals.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Committee members meet with key university stakeholders to gather input on priorities and desired candidate qualities.

Position Development

• Position Specification: A detailed description of the CIO role is drafted and finalized, incorporating feedback from stakeholders.
• Candidate Outreach Begins: The search firm and committee begin identifying and contacting a pool of potential candidates.

Candidate Review

• Initial Evaluation (“Paper Cut” Meeting): The committee reviews candidate materials and narrows the pool based on qualifications and alignment.
• Round One Interviews: Selected candidates are interviewed off-site over a weekend, with structured pre-briefs and debriefs to guide evaluation.

Semi-Finalist Selection & Referencing

• Initial Referencing: Background and professional references are conducted for semi-finalists to validate credentials and leadership experience.

Campus Engagement

• On-Campus Visits: Semi-finalists visit campus to meet with university leaders, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders for deeper evaluation and community input.

Final Interviews & Selection

• Final Round Interviews: The committee conducts additional interviews and reference checks to identify the finalist.
• Committee Debrief: Final evaluations are made, and a recommendation is prepared for university leadership.

Announcement & Transition

• Public Announcement: The selected candidate is announced to the university community.
• Transition Support: Planning begins to ensure a smooth onboarding and integration into the university’s leadership team.

Spencer Stuart: Executive Search & Leadership Consulting

Spencer Stuart has been retained to lead the search for the next Chief Information Officer at the University of Iowa.

Spencer Stuart has more than 65 years of experience in leadership consulting and has built a reputation for delivering real impact for clients around the world. They help clients address evolving leadership needs in areas such as senior-level executive searches, board recruitment, board effectiveness, CEO and C-suite succession planning, in-depth senior management assessment, individual and team performance, and many other facets of culture and organizational effectiveness.

If you would like to get in touch with Spencer Stuart, please feel free to reach out to:

Contact the committee

The search committee welcomes input from the university community and any questions related to the search. Questions or comments may be directed to the search committee's email address:

cio-search@uiowa.edu