Interim Executive Director

This interim engagement sits within a higher education environment and requires an experienced executive to provide strategic direction across all departmental operations. The role spans a 9-month contract with the possibility of extension, demanding full-time on-site presence in Columbia, South Carolina. The incoming leader will assess organisational structure, staffing models, and operational effectiveness, then drive restructuring and implement sustainable management practices.

Beyond internal operations, the role involves close collaboration with university leadership, governing bodies, and campus stakeholders to ensure compliance with policies, security standards, and regulatory obligations. The executive will also maintain continuity of critical IT services throughout the transition and prepare succession and transition documentation for incoming permanent leadership.

• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for all departmental operations within a higher education setting
• Lead organisational transformation, culture change, and restructuring initiatives to improve operational effectiveness
• Supervise managers and professional staff while establishing clear accountability frameworks
• Manage departmental budgets, resource allocation, and governance process development
• Collaborate with university leadership and stakeholders to ensure compliance with policies, audit requirements, and regulatory obligations
• Prepare executive reports, transition plans, and succession planning documentation for incoming permanent leadership

• Bachelor's degree with 8 or more years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience
• 3 or more years of executive-level experience leading organisational transformation and enterprise change management
• 3 or more years of experience managing large, complex technology organisations at an executive level
• 3 or more years of experience in personnel management, coaching, employee development, and performance accountability
• Must be authorised to work in the United States and reside in South Carolina or be willing to relocate prior to the start date
• Preferred: experience in higher education environments, governance framework implementation, audit remediation, and enterprise IT strategy

Ventures Unlimited Inc is a staffing and professional services firm that places contract and interim executives across a range of industries. This engagement supports a higher education client in Columbia, South Carolina, requiring on-site executive leadership for an organisational turnaround initiative.