Director of IT

Description

Core Bank is an accomplished Community Bank located in the Greater Omaha, NE, Kansas City, KS, and Mesa, AZ areas. We are not a mere collection of buildings or a place just to work or manage money; we are a community of friends, neighbors and partners in making life just a little bit better. Our culture - what we call our Recipe for Awesome - creates an environment that's a great place to bank - and a great place to work. It ensures we grow together, learn together, and have fun doing it.

At Core Bank, our Purpose is to Build Better. If you want to help us build something remarkable, then we'd love to get to know you. To learn more about what makes us - us, explore www.corebankcareers.com.

We are looking for a strategic, driven individual to join us as our Director of IT. This is a unique opportunity to shape the technology vision of a forward-thinking company that values innovation, efficiency, and customer-centric solutions. As the Director of IT, you will play a pivotal role in transforming our organization, driving growth, and leveraging technology to create an unparalleled customer experience. 

Job Summary

The Director of Information Technology (IT) is a strategic and visionary senior leader responsible for developing and executing a forward-thinking IT strategy that aligns with the company's strategic plan and mission to become a high-performing, tech-forward, and solutions-based organization. This role requires both strategic leadership and hands-on technical engagement, working alongside IT staff to design, implement and support technology solutions.

Working closely with internal teams and third-party partners you will create a robust technology ecosystem, including fintech and banking-as-a-service partnerships, to support the company’s growth and partner with product and innovation teams to develop and implement a data strategy that unlocks the full potential of company data to drive revenue and business growth. As the senior IT leader, you will drive innovation, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) adoption while working hands-on alongside the IT team, ensuring a seamless and exceptional customer experience. Additionally, the IT leader will oversee enterprise-wide technology transformation, enhance operational efficiencies, and fortify cybersecurity frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic IT Leadership & Roadmap Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive IT strategy and roadmap that supports the company’s vision, growth, and operational goals.
• Drive a digital transformation agenda, leveraging automation and AI to improve operational efficiency and innovation.
• Establish a long-term vision for IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data management.
• Partner with executive leadership to align IT investments with corporate growth strategies.

Technology Stack Development:

• Identify, evaluate, and integrate systems and technology solutions, ensuring seamless interoperability and scalability.
• Foster relationships with key fintech providers and banking-as-a-service platforms to drive innovative financial solutions.
• Work closely with leadership, internal stakeholders, and external partners to align IT initiatives with business needs.

Data Strategy & Analytics Execution

• Lead the development and execution of a company-wide data strategy to unlock the full potential of the company’s data, driving revenue growth and informed decision-making.
• Collaborate with product and innovation teams to ensure seamless data and technology integration into company offerings.
• Oversee the integration of advanced analytics, AI, and machine learning to optimize business performance.
• Establish data governance policies and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

AI & Automation

• Lead the company’s journey toward increased automation and AI adoption to enhance efficiency, customer experience, and business operations.
• Establish and govern the acceptable use of gen AI and related tools, methods, etc.

IT Operations, Governance & Cybersecurity Management

• Provide hands-on technical expertise and oversee the IT infrastructure, systems, and enterprise applications to ensure optimal performance, scalability, and security.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and best practices related to IT infrastructure and data management. Work with Risk Management to coordinate audit and exam activities related to information security activities.
• Implement best practices in cybersecurity, protecting company assets from threats and vulnerabilities.
• Develop and enforce IT policies, disaster recovery plans, and business continuity strategies.
• Manage vendor relationships and IT procurement to drive cost-effective technology solutions.
• Chair the Technology and Operations Committee and periodically provide reports and education to the Board and Board designated Audit Committee.

Team Leadership & Organizational Development

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing IT, cybersecurity, integration, and data analytics team.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration within the IT department.
• Promote cross-functional partnerships to align technology initiatives with business goals.
• Champion change management efforts, ensuring smooth adoption of new technologies across the organization.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 10 years of progressive experience in IT leadership roles, with a track record of developing and executing strategic IT initiatives and digital transformation.
• Proven experience driving automation, AI, and data-driven innovation in a corporate environment.
• Strong background in managing IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and enterprise applications to ensure regulatory compliance and satisfactory examination results.
• Experience in fintech, banking-as-a-service, or financial services technology preferred.

Required Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

• Alignment with Core Bank’s Purpose and Values
• Strong understanding of emerging technologies, including AI, automation, and data analytics.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to partner effectively across departments and with third-party vendors.
• Demonstrated ability to lead IT transformations, implement innovative solutions, and drive business growth through technology.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop and motivate high-performing technology teams.
• Exceptional communication skills and ability to influence key stakeholders.
• Experience managing IT budgets and vendor relationships.
• Knowledge of industry regulations and compliance standards related to IT and data security.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking & Visionary Leadership
• Digital Transformation & Innovation
• Data Strategy & AI Implementation
• Cybersecurity & Risk Management
• Change Management & Organizational Agility
• Team Leadership & Talent Development
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

Core Bank is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.