Director of Information Technology

Job Description

SCOPE OF WORK:

The Director of IT is a member of the New Hampshire Retirement System (NHRS) Executive Management Team and reports to the Executive Director. This role provides strategic leadership in IT initiatives while overseeing business software, management, end user support systems, and facilities operations. The Director of IT is responsible for assessing, developing, recommending, and implementing, strategies to continuously enhance IT infrastructure, data security, enterprise architecture, and management information systems, ensuring alignment with NHRS’ present and future business objectives. Additionally, this position oversees facilities management, ensuring operational efficiency and effectiveness across the organization.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Develops and implements NHRS’ strategic technology plan, identifying opportunities for improvement and recommending modifications to IT infrastructure, enterprise architecture, and management information systems.
• Oversees the execution of approved IT plans and initiatives.
• Identifies emerging technologies and trends to support NHRS’ business goals.
• Established and enforces IT policies, procedures, and guidelines, ensuring compliance with industry standards and NHRS’ strategic objectives.
• Communicates IT polices effectively across all business units and ensure adherence.
• Develops and executes strategies to safeguard NHRS’ information assets and enhance cybersecurity.
• Implements and updates the Information Security Policy to address evolving threats.
• Oversees system troubleshooting, backups, archiving, and disaster recovery planning, providing expert support when necessary.
• Ensures 24/7 operation support for business systems, interfaces, and processes.
• Directs the selection, procurement, and management of IT-related software, hardware, and assets in collaboration with executive leadership.
• Manages software licenses across NHRS’ IT environment.
• Monitors and evaluates system performance, identifying and resolving issues proactively.
• Builds and maintains strong IT vendor relationships to optimize service quality and cost effectiveness.
• Recommends and oversees IT-related asset purchases.
• Ensures IT team members are equipped with the necessary tools and resources to perform efficiently.
• Develops and implements risk mitigation strategies to prevent IT and telecommunications failures.
• Ensures IT systems and infrastructure are resilient against potential disruptions.
• Leads, mentors, and manages the IT team, ensuring alignment with NHRS’ strategic objectives.
• Oversees staffing, budgeting, hiring, training, and performance evaluations in the IT department.
• Encourages innovation and problem-solving, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Reviews project status reports, addresses challenges, and ensures timely issue resolution.
• Develops and proposes IT staffing and budgets.
• Oversees and manages plant and facilities resources.
• Actively participates on NHRS’ Executive Management Team, including development and implementation of strategic planning initiatives, collaborative problem-solving, and various project initiatives.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training and mentoring employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
  
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor’s Degree required, master’s preferred, in Computer Science or Information Technology.

Experience: Ten years experience in an IT management role, five years of which must have been in a senior management level position, with a complex data driven organization. Financial services related experience is a positive consideration. Each additional year of qualified work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.

License/Certifications: Valid driver’s license required. Certifications from industry recognized leaders, such as Microsoft, Cisco or SANS, are strongly encouraged.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position requires some in-state and out-of-state travel and the ability to work a flexible schedule, including periodic evening hours and weekends.
• The incumbent is required to carry a mobile device to respond to daily business needs.
  
  

RECOMMENDED WORK TRAITS:

• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and managerial diverse parties.
• Advanced working knowledge and understanding of information technology related standards, principles, and procedures in a Microsoft/Cisco environment.
• Strong supervisory/managerial know-how and leadership ability.
• The ability to think broadly with concentration and understanding of future business needs within a changing environment; strong problem-solving ability and resolution-focused approach.
  
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The employee must have the ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state, and local standards.
• Communicate with others to exchange information. (Constantly)
• Analyze accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned. (Constantly)
• Requires computer responsibility which involves extensive use of keyboard, mouse and monitor, and repeated motions that include the wrist, hands, and/or fingers. (Constantly)
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:

• Dayshift hours primarily, although overtime may be required in meet project deadlines.
• Physically able to participate in training sessions, presentations, and meetings.
• Work related assignments on weekends are possible.
  
  

EXPECTATIONS OF NHRS EMPLOYEES:

Commit passionately to the vision and mission for NHRS.

Exercise diligent fiduciary responsibility – Act first and foremost as fiduciaries. Whether it is an investment decision, or an expense incurred to administer the System, it must be made with members in mind.

Do what is right for the member, always – Provide member service at the highest level. Every member should receive the same level of excellent service. Decisions must be made with the benefit of all members in mind – not that of any individual or member group.

Accept responsibility – NHRS is New Hampshire’s largest locally organized financial institution. This is exemplified by bringing professional expectations to our work. Commit to doing excellent work and trust that colleagues will also.

Operate transparently – While guarding the integrity of member information, provide responsive and accurate information, data, and analysis to our many stakeholders, including members and their employee groups and associations, employers, the Legislature and its committees, and the public.

Adhere to legal frameworks that NHRS operates under – State and Federal law, constitutional mandates, IRS provisions, and NHRS rules and procedures all have a place in ensuring that fiduciary obligations are met.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

This description lists typical examples of work and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to a position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that position.

NHRS is hiring this position in a pay range of $140,000-$170,000 per year.