Director, IT - Data and Business Solutions

JOB SUMMARY

Directs the activities of multiple major disciplines and functions within the IT organization (through subordinate managers). Manages large-scale projects/activities that have significant impact on the success of the organization. Responsible for setting the vision for areas of responsibility.  Works directly with Senior and Executive management to identify issues and develop recommendations/solutions that create strong and sustainable IT systems and infrastructure.  Works proactively with District management (Principals) and Dept Managers to meet the needs of the organization.  
 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops plans to resolve technical and business problems within scope of responsibility, which varies by management level and occasionally technical specialty. Evaluates recommendations and focuses on innovative solutions. Provides process, project and technical guidance, quality review and management for the management team. 
• Establishes technical standards and requirements and drives IT organization to develop improvement solutions. Focuses on continuous process improvement and fiscal responsibility. 
• Oversees and manages design, implementation, delivery, monitoring and administration of applicable IT services and technologies to the organization. Develops creative and innovative solutions regarding processes, directions and methodologies.
   

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

• Establishes operational objectives and assignments and possibly delegates assignments to subordinate managers. Assigns projects and establishes performance metrics for managers and staff based on overall group goals.
• Selects, develops and evaluates personnel to ensure efficient development and operation of IT services, products and systems. Directly accountable for professional and technical development of direct reports.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

Typically requires at a minimum a Bachelor's Degree. Master’s Degree preferred.
 

WORK EXPERIENCE

15+ years including previous full management experience involving full personnel management experience. Extensive experience working with and building client/customer relationships.
 

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Applies expert knowledge of technical concepts and theories used in multiple functional areas; may be considered an industry expert. Knowledge of and experience managing and working with multi-platform personal computer environments and local and wide area network technologies. Should have completed certification at a senior level in an IT discipline. Should have completed basic project management experience. Must have full breadth of understanding all IT disciplines and have a working knowledge of key engineering disciplines such as software, information, systems, network, security, and system management engineering.
 

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Senior Management. Manages a department or multiple major disciplines, often through subordinate management. Regularly manages staff in the completion of large-scale projects or a very closely related set of projects/initiatives often spanning multiple disciplines. Receives strategies and broad departmental objectives from senior leadership; establishes operational objectives and work plans; delegates assignments to subordinate management and staff. Allocates resources according to priorities and serves as the primary decision maker regarding hiring, performance and budget recommendations.
 

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work is non-standardized and widely varied, involving many complex and significant variables including significant time spent planning, evaluating complex solutions and issues, and negotiating outcomes. Strong analytic ability and inductive thinking are frequently required to devise new approaches to situations where previously accepted solutions have proven inadequate. Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the division. Supervision received typically consists of providing periodic coaching, advice and feedback.
 

BUDGET AUTHORITY

Specifies requirements for a plan and/or budget.
 

PROBLEM SOLVING

Decisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD. Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas. May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.
 

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Decisions have moderate impact to the facility/department or division, causing increased satisfaction or dissatisfaction; producing efficiencies or delays; promoting or inhibiting personal intellectual or professional development; and/or contributing to financial gain or expense. Errors may be serious, usually not subject to direct verification or check, causing losses such as improper cost calculations, overpayment or improper utilization of labor, materials or equipment. Effect usually confined to the organization itself and is short term.
 

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Oversee and direct – serves as one of the organization's senior level spokespersons in area of expertise, defines and champions change initiatives, organizational strategies, services, policies and practices. Interactions are typically with Customers and Top Management.
 

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Leads others in the resolution of highly sensitive and confidential issues on behalf of the department. Acts as a trusted advisor, and becomes involved in the customer's decision making process including presenting alternatives and information and applying persuasion and negotiation skills in the resolution of problems. Monitors customer service standards.
 

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements. Ability to carry and/or lift less than 15 pounds. Work is normally set to specified shifts. This position is expected to be goal and customer service focused. During times of emergencies, outages and project planned work; employees are expected to be on call and available until the event is addressed. During system conversions, extra effort may be required in order to ensure the roll out of the system is successful.