Vice President of Information Technology

Reliance Bank is seeking a Vice President of Information Technology to join our team in Altoona, PA.

This is an on-site, senior-level position based at our Corporate Office.

The Vice President of Information Technology will be responsible for the overall leadership, operation, and strategic planning of the bank's Information Technology department. This encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from development of IT-related policies and procedures, to designing and implementing the bank's technology plan, to ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing current and future IT systems across the organization. Additionally, the Vice President of Information Technology will serve as the bank's Information Security Officer (ISO), maintaining the critical responsibility of overseeing and reporting on the management and mitigation of information security risks across the bank.

Essential Duties:

• Lead IT strategic and operational planning to achieve bank goals by fostering innovation, prioritizing IT initiatives and coordinating the evaluation, deployment, and management of current and future IT systems across the organization.
• Plan, coordinate, direct and design IT-related activities of the organization and provide direction and support for daily operational activities of the IT Department.
• Identify, recommend, develop, implement and support cost-effective technology solutions for all aspects of the organization.
• Develop and execute enforceable Information Security strategies, objectives, polices and supporting processes. Collaborate with various departments to mitigate bank-wide Information Security Risk while ensuring operational efficiency.
• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of relevant regulatory requirements set forth by Federal, State or industry regulatory agencies and ensure the bank's adherence to all IT-related regulatory requirements.

A complete job description is included further down on this page. To view the complete job description, please scroll down.

Benefits for the Vice President of Information Technology role:

We offer a welcoming workplace emphasizing our Core Values of Integrity, Team, Relationships, Community and Growth. Additionally, Reliance Bank is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

• Annual Bonus Program
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Annual Paid Time Off (PTO) Allotment
• Gym Membership Reimbursement
• Employee Wellness Program
• Mileage Reimbursement
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Matched 401(k) Retirement Savings Program
• Flexible Spending Plans/Health Savings Account
• Life Insurance
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Career Development and Learning opportunities

Required Education: This position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems/Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration or a related field. A Master's Degree with a focus on technology, management, or a related area is preferred.

Required Skills and Experience: Qualified candidates must have a minimum of five (5) years' experience working in a senior management role. Other qualifications include the following:

• Advanced knowledge of network, telecommunications and commonly-used business systems and software (i.e., Microsoft)
• Ability to lead IT transformational initiatives in a complex and dynamic environment, utilizing project management techniques.
• Ability to interpret and/or discuss information with others that involves terminology or concepts not familiar to many people; ability to regularly provide advice and recommend actions involving complex issues.
• Forward-thinking mentality; open and receptive to innovative ideas.
• Ability to work successfully across departments and divisions, fostering collaborative cross-functional relationships.
• Effective communication skills; ability to speak concisely and adapt messages to a range of audiences (executive team, department heads, external service providers, direct reports, etc.)
• Ability to effectively lead teams by motivating, collaborating, and making sounds judgments while navigating challenges and managing diverse perspectives.
• Valid U.S. Driver's License.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office environment. This position requires the ability to remain in a stationary position for periods of times during the workday, with frequent need to move about the immediate workspace or to other areas of the department or building to accomplish tasks. Constant use of repeated motions involving the hands, wrists and fingers is required, as well as an ability to observe and analyze details at close range throughout the day. May occasionally need to bend, stoop, reach, stretch or move body into confined spaces to retrieve items or accomplish tasks. May occasionally adjust or move items weighing up to 50 lbs. in weight.

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Full Job Description:

General Responsibilities

The Vice President of Information Technology (VP) will maintain overall responsibility for the streamlined operation and strategic leadership of the Information Technology (IT) Department. Additionally, the VP will serve as the bank's Information Security Officer (ISO), responsible for overseeing the management and mitigation of information security risks across the Bank to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of electronic information.

Essential Duties:

1. Lead IT strategic and operational planning to achieve Bank goals by fostering innovation, prioritizing IT initiatives and coordinating the evaluation, deployment and management of current and future IT systems across the organization.

• Develop, implement, and maintain the Bank's overall Technology Plan, evaluate performance, and take corrective actions as required by regulatory and management requirements.
• Implement strategies to achieve goals assigned to the department as established in the Bank's strategic plan; develop the annual budget for the department and provide regular input to the CFO of budget status.
• Maintain a plan of disaster recovery for the IT Department in conjunction with the overall Bank's recovery plan and participate in regular testing of the plan with Bank's business units and necessary vendors.
• Participate in strategic and operational governance processes of the Bank.
• Provide reporting information to departments throughout the Bank.
• Serve as chair of the Bank's IT Steering Committee.

2. Identify, recommend, develop, implement and support cost-effective technology solutions for all aspects of the organization.

• Remain informed on new developments and ideas to ensure developing technologies and systems are appropriately introduced to achieve maximum service, quality, and efficiency.
• Direct the upgrade and maintenance of all computer hardware, software, systems tools, and peripherals such as printers, scanners, and other external devices.
• Develop benchmarks to analyze and recommend improvements for growth of IT infrastructure and IT systems.
• Develop and implement IT policies and procedures in Documented form.
• Consult with vendors to define equipment needs; recommend consultants, management specialists, or technical personnel.
• Monitor the use and operation of the network services. Provide plans for the required network expansion, testing, and reconfigurations as needed.
• Coordinate with System Administrators to ensure that releases and updates are installed consistently and in a timely manner. Maintain a current knowledge of all third-party vendor applications.

3. Serve as the bank's Information Security Officer (ISO), responsible for developing and executing enforceable short-term and long-term Information Security strategies, objectives, policies and supporting processes to address current and emerging Information Security risks.

• Develop, direct and implement an ongoing, proactive risk assessment program for all new and existing systems and remain familiar with the Bank's business processes ensuring effective controls can be implemented for those areas presenting the greatest security risk.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to address any issues pertinent to the Bank's overall Information Security (security protocols, patching, IT standards, etc.) program.
• Communicate risks and recommendations to management and committees to facilitate effective decision-making regarding the ongoing security of the Bank's IT systems.
• Regularly engage with department heads to understand new initiatives, evaluating the inherent information security risk of these activities, and developing strategies to effectively mitigate these risks while ensuring operational efficiency.
• Remain current in knowledge and understanding of current Information Security trends through self-directed learning, professional development activities, training, and professional networking.
• Collaborate with various departments to mitigate bank-wide Information Security risk while ensuring operational efficiency.
• Assume a leadership role for managing and leading the Bank in the required levels of security for the Information Technology area. Applicable to customer privacy, network security, cloud applications, and equipment physical security. Ensuring reports, logs, and other means of tracking and documenting are employed in the security process.
• Research solutions to risk areas and assisting in the design and implementation of relevant IT systems; and ensuring bank-wide compliance with all Information Security audit and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with the IT Department and vendors to design and implement relevant risk mitigation systems within the Bank as needed.
• Facilitate immediate bank-wide communication regarding newly recognized security threats and provide directives regarding effective mitigation strategies.
• Research and provide recommendations for solutions to address any known or potential information security threats; investigate compromised IT systems and act to effectively resolve.

4. Ensure the Bank's adherence to all regulatory requirements in Information Security:

• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of relevant regulatory requirements set by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking, the FDIC, and any other Federal, State, or industry regulatory agency.
• Evaluate areas of vulnerability and develop strategies to ensure the Bank's ongoing compliance in these areas.
• Serve as a liaison between the Bank and external/internal auditors regarding Information Security audit items. Respond to requests for information, collaborate with other departments to obtain information as needed, and available to provide clarification to auditors regarding Information Security issues.
• Evaluate any relevant audit areas needing improvement by internal or external auditors. Prioritize the correction of these issues, ensuring an effective and thorough resolution that satisfies regulatory requirements.
• Responsible for the Enterprise Risk Management function related to Information Technology. Provide updates to the Enterprise Risk Management Committee regarding assessments, issues, and process.

5. Plan, coordinate, direct and design IT-related activities of the organization and provide direction and support for daily operational activities of the IT Department.

• Provide leadership, on-the-job training, and technical guidance to Information Technology Manager and Support Analyst(s). Train, motivate, and coach team members in performance of their jobs.
• Organize the work and activities of the IT department to achieve established goals; monitor the efficiency and performance of the department versus established standards.
• Respond to inquiries relating to his/her particular area, or to requests from other bank team members, customers, etc. within given time frames and within established policy.
• Assist in the selection of new team members as appropriate.
• Make provisions for the proper onboarding and training of new team members.
• Review team member performance throughout the probationary period and on a regularly scheduled basis thereafter. Deliver performance management evaluations and salary recommendations. Assist in preparing team members for career pathing and promotional opportunities.
• Organizes, schedules, and distributes work among team members.
• When necessary, in conjunction with Human Resources, addresses disciplinary actions.
• Keeps team members informed of pertinent policies and procedures affecting the department and/or their jobs; creates an atmosphere in which upward communication from employees is encouraged.
• Administers Human Resource policies and procedures as established by Executive Management.

6. Abide by current laws and organizational policies and procedures, including those designed to promote an environment which is free of sexual harassment and other forms of illegal discriminatory behavior in the workplace.

7. Cooperate with, participate in, and support the adherence to all internal policies, procedures, and practices, including those in support of risk management and overall safety and soundness; ensuring that the department and all department team members adhere to the same.

8. Properly manage confidential information for all internal and external customers.

9. Adhere to and uphold all the Bank's policies and procedures regarding physical and Information Security.

Ancillary Duties

1. Performs tasks which are supportive in nature to the essential functions of the job, but which may be altered or re-designed depending upon individual circumstances.

2. Takes the opportunity to promote Reliance Bank and its services when possible.