IT Director

Description

Job Summary: The Director of Information Technology (IT) is responsible for overseeing the institution’s IT infrastructure, systems, security and services to ensure alignment with organizational goals and objectives. This role involves strategic planning, managing IT resources, and implementing innovative technology solutions to support academic and business operations. The Director of IT collaborates with leadership across departments, ensuring that technology enhances institutional efficiency, security, and performance.

Reports to: Vice President of Finance

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, network architecture, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, with a focus on strategic and innovative IT solutions.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and foster collaboration across departments.
• Experience managing vendor relationships, budgets, and IT procurement processes.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic IT Leadership:
Develop and implement an IT roadmap aligned with the institution's long-term objectives. Lead the integration of new technologies and ensure IT infrastructure supports institutional growth and efficiency.

IT Infrastructure & Operations:
Oversee the deployment, monitoring, and maintenance of IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, cloud services, and telecommunications systems. Ensure maximum uptime, security, and performance of all systems while developing and implementing robust disaster recovery and business continuity plans to protect against potential disruptions.

Help Desk & Support Services:
Manage the help desk operations, ensuring timely and efficient response to user inquiries and technical issues while adhering to the established IT Service Level Agreement (SLA). Establish escalation protocols, optimize end-user support, and hold the team accountable for exceeding SLA targets to ensure a high standard of service delivery and customer satisfaction.

IT Governance, Policies & Vendor Management:
Develop and implement IT policies and procedures to guide the institution’s technology strategy and ensure alignment with organizational goals. Oversee all institutional technology contracts to prevent the use of competing solutions, ensuring a unified approach that maximizes compatibility and efficiency. Manage vendor negotiations, contracts, and procurement to ensure cost-effective IT investments while maintaining fiscal responsibility by avoiding redundant or conflicting technologies.

Budget & Financial Management:
Lead the IT department’s budget planning, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and priorities. Create business cases and cost/benefit analyses for IT initiatives and procurement.

Security & Risk Management:
Oversee the institution’s cybersecurity strategy to ensure robust protection of IT infrastructure and data from emerging threats. Guide comprehensive risk management processes, including vulnerability assessments, threat analysis, and incident response protocols. Ensure the implementation of best practices for data security, compliance, and disaster recovery, ensuring the organization is well-prepared to handle and mitigate potential security breaches and cyber incidents

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or an Associate's degree combined with at least 10 years of relevant IT experience.
• 10 years of experience in IT, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Extensive experience in strategic IT planning, infrastructure management, cybersecurity, and project management.
• Familiarity with current network, data center, and cloud technologies, including VMware, Active Directory, Azure, Office 365, and business continuity solutions.

Personal Qualities:

• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to collaborate with diverse teams.
• Problem-solver with a forward-thinking approach to technology implementation.
• Adaptable to change and open to exploring innovative IT solutions.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and manage multiple priorities effectively.

• The desire to grow, develop, and mature, both spiritually and professionally.
• The ability to create and maintain a Christian professional atmosphere in all internal and external relationships.
• A spirit of cooperation and willingness to serve others.
• The desire and ability to disciple and mentor students.

Qualifications