Director of Information Technology

Organization Overview

FOCUS is a Catholic outreach whose mission is to share the hope and joy of the Gospel with the world. FOCUS invites college students into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church, inspiring and equipping them for a lifetime of Christ-centered evangelization. We welcome dedicated professionals who are passionate about impacting lives for Christ, developing the next generation of Catholic leaders, and contributing their talents to our organization’s mission.

Position Summary

The Director of IT oversees FOCUS’s technology infrastructure and strategy to ensure the organization’s systems, networks, and services support its mission and daily operations effectively. Reporting to the VP of IT, the Director of IT leads a multi-disciplinary team of IT professionals, manages vendor relationships, and oversees IT budgeting, security, and compliance. The role requires high-level strategic thinking, hands-on IT experience, and strong leadership skills to foster innovation, efficiency, and reliability in all technical areas. This is a full-time, on-site position in Golden, Colorado.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategy & Leadership

• Technology Strategy & Roadmap: Collaborate with the VP of IT to develop and execute a multi-year technology roadmap that aligns with FOCUS’s mission, strategic goals, and growth trajectory.
• Team Leadership & Development: Recruit, mentor, train, and manage a team of IT professionals (infrastructure, help desk, security, etc.). Encourage a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and accountability.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with other departments (Finance, Operations, Mission Development, etc.) to understand technological needs, identify opportunities for process improvement, and drive technology-enabled solutions.

2. Infrastructure & Operations

• Systems & Network Management: Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of all IT systems, including servers, networks, cloud environments, and telecommunications. Ensure high availability, reliability, and security.
• Help Desk & Support: Supervise user support services to provide timely and effective resolution of hardware, software, and network issues. Establish and track performance metrics (e.g., ticket resolution time, user satisfaction) to continuously improve service levels.
• Vendor & Service Provider Management: Manage relationships with external partners (hardware/software vendors, managed service providers, etc.), including contract negotiation, service level agreements, and performance monitoring.

3. Security & Compliance

• Cybersecurity: Develop and maintain a robust cybersecurity program, including threat assessments, vulnerability management, incident response, and training programs to ensure organization-wide security awareness.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and internal policies. Perform regular audits and risk assessments, implementing best practices to protect sensitive data.
• Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity: Define and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans. Oversee periodic testing of backup systems and processes to ensure minimal downtime in the event of a crisis.

4. Project Management

• Project Oversight: Lead and manage complex IT projects from ideation to completion, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate project goals, progress, and updates to leadership and relevant teams. Provide clear guidance and set realistic expectations regarding resource needs and timelines.
• Change Management: Develop and implement change management strategies to minimize disruption and enhance user adoption of new systems and technologies.

5. Budgeting & Resource Allocation

• Annual IT Budget: In collaboration with the VP of IT, develop and manage the annual IT budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Resource Planning: Optimize resource allocation to balance day-to-day support needs with strategic initiatives. Make data-driven recommendations regarding new tools, upgrades, and services.

6. Organizational & Mission Alignment

• Mission Support: Understand and support FOCUS’s Catholic mission, integrating its values into decision-making and team culture.
• Community Engagement: Collaborate with organizational leadership and stakeholders to leverage technology in support of evangelization efforts, donor engagement, and community outreach.
• Training & Evangelization: Encourage IT best practices and empower staff, missionaries, and students (when applicable) through training programs that enhance technology usage and alignment with the organization’s evangelistic focus.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

1. Systems Uptime & Reliability

Target system/network uptime: 99.9%

Reduction in unscheduled downtime or critical incidents

1. Help Desk Metrics

Average ticket resolution time and first-contact resolution rate

User satisfaction scores (e.g., post-incident surveys)

1. Security & Compliance

Zero critical security breaches and compliance violations

Successful completion of annual security audits and penetration tests

1. Project Delivery

Percentage of IT projects completed on time and within budget

Stakeholder satisfaction with IT project outcomes

1. Budget & Cost Management

Adherence to annual IT budget

Identification and realization of cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality

1. Team Development

Retention and development of high-performing IT team members

Professional development metrics (e.g., certifications, training, team engagement)

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field required.

Master’s degree in a relevant field or MBA preferred.

• Experience:

8 years of progressive experience in IT management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role (Director, Senior Manager, or equivalent).

Proven experience managing infrastructure, cloud services, and cybersecurity programs.

Experience in a non-profit or mission-driven organization is a plus.

• Technical Skills:

Deep knowledge of network protocols, server technologies, virtualization, and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure).

Familiarity with data management, CRM systems, and ERP platforms.

Robust understanding of IT security frameworks (e.g., NIST, CIS, ISO 27001) and compliance requirements (e.g., PCI-DSS, GDPR).

• Leadership & Interpersonal Skills:

Strong strategic thinking, with the ability to translate organizational needs into practical technology strategies.

Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop teams.

• Mission & Values Alignment:

Deep commitment to uphold and support FOCUS’s Catholic mission and values.

Ability to work collaboratively in a faith-based environment, respecting the Catholic identity of the organization.

Additional Information

• Compensation:

The salary range for this position is $120,000 – $160,000, commensurate with experience.

• Location & Schedule:

This position is based in our Golden, Colorado office. The Director of IT is expected to work on-site 5 days a week. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required due to project deadlines or unforeseen technical issues.

• Travel:

Periodic travel to other FOCUS locations, conferences, or events may be required (less than 5%).

• Physical Requirements:

Ability to lift and move up to 25 lbs. (e.g., servers, networking equipment) occasionally.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following to our online application portal at https://focus.org/about/get-involved/careers/

1. Resume/CV highlighting relevant experience and achievements
2. Cover Letter outlining your interest in FOCUS’s mission and your suitability for the Director of IT role
3. References (3 professional references)

Why Join FOCUS?

• Meaningful Work:

Contribute your expertise to an organization dedicated to evangelizing and forming the next generation of Catholic leaders.

• Professional Growth:

Lead a dynamic IT team, drive strategic initiatives, and develop innovative solutions that impact thousands of missionaries and students worldwide.

• Collaborative Culture:

Work in a supportive environment that values faith, fellowship, and professional excellence.

• Beautiful Location:

Enjoy the Rocky Mountain backdrop in Golden, Colorado, with access to outdoor activities and a vibrant local community.