Senior Director of Information Technology Services

The Senior Director of IT Services plans, directs and leads the staff and outsourced IT services providers. Oversees the hiring, professional development, and continuing education for the IT staff. Develops and manages the annual revenue and expense budget for the Information Technology Unit. Serves as the primary resource and thought leader for information technology issues. Ensures the consistent, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of information technology services and support. Negotiates the Pier’s IT service agreement(s). Oversees and manages any IT provider contract(s) and collaborates with contracted provider(s) to ensure compliance with the agreement and financial performance terms. Oversees the preparation of information technology-related Board materials. Works with IT service providers to provide tenants, Pier partners, and the East-end management group, the information services, database management, internet and support needed. Develops and maintains mission critical relationships with IT services providers and backup services to ensure service continuity. Oversees the preparation of IT related requests-for-proposals (RFP) and coordinates with Legal and Finance Departments in this effort.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required to successfully perform this job. Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Serves as the primary resource and thought leader for information technology issues and actively participates in larger Navy Pier Operations tactical planning processes. Deliverable: Annual IT strategic plan.
• Ensures the consistent, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of information technology services and support, monitors staff and service providers to ensure they are following procedures and takes corrective actions when necessary. Deliverable: Provides monthly operational status reporting to SVP of Operations and operational status update to the Board, as needed.
• Plans, directs, and leads the staff and outsourced IT services provider, overseeing the development of IT standard operating procedures and associated staff and service provider training. Deliverable:  On a quarterly basis, hosts a Quarterly Business Review (QBR) with the service provider to ensure continuity of baseline service level agreements.
• Oversees the hiring, professional development and continuing education for the IT staff ensuring is it appropriately staffed to accomplish it business plan. Develops and cross trains staff to achieve a competent workforce that is cross trained to perform all duties within the department.
• Provides periodic feedback to employees to recognize contributions and address any existing performance issues. Conducts performance reviews that accurately reflect individual performance throughout the entire year and provides developmental and career recommendations. Deliverable: Semi-annual performance reviews.
• Develops and manages the annual revenue and expense budget for the Information Technology Unit and monitors monthly and quarterly financial forecasts and budget variances.
• Partners with the Pier Security team to ensure core IT services and support are aligned to uphold the Pier’s larger emergency plan.
• Ensures the consistent, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of information technology services and support, monitors staff and service providers to ensure they are following procedures and takes corrective actions when necessary.
• Oversees and manages the IT provider contract and collaborates with contracted providers to ensure compliance with the agreement and financial performance terms, and the delivery of high-quality IT services, database management and storage, network, and internet infrastructure without service disruptions.
• Oversees the preparation of information technology-related Board materials, reports and presentations and attends Board meetings as required.
• Works with IT service providers to provide tenants, Pier partners, and East-end management group, the information services, database management, internet, and support necessary for the daily business operations.
• Develops and maintains mission critical relationships with IT services providers and backup services to ensure services continuity. Works with the IT services providers to minimize the potential for any IT service disruptions and ensure that all industry best practices are in place.
• Oversee the preparation of IT related requests-for-proposals (RFP) and coordinates with Legal and Finance Departments in this effort. Develops the methodology used to analyze and evaluate RFP proposals and select vendor-based cost benefit or related contribution to the Pier.
• Negotiates the Pier’s IT service agreement(s) with the support of the Legal and Financial Departments to ensure the delivery of quality service and support without service disruptions.
• Supports the mission of Navy Pier and upholds organizational priorities as stated.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned or required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required for this role include:

EDUCATION

• Requires a Bachelor’s Degree with an emphasis in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, or other related fields.

EXPEREINCE

• Requires a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively more responsible experience in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems with at least five of those years in supervisory or middle level management.
• Requires experience with managing out-sourced technology services and the integration of in-house and outsourced technology interfaces.

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

• Productivity: Microsoft certifications in operating and productivity software and applications used by Navy Pier and its service providers is preferred, strong knowledge and tangible work experience with the Microsoft Suite is required.
• Project Management:  PMP and/or Six Sigma Certification preferred.
• Networking: Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Routing and Switching certification is preferred, strong knowledge of network management and configuration is a requirement.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in the latest technology for IT systems and management.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Excellent analytical and management skills.
• Excellent people skills.

BENEFITS

• Comprehensive medical with generous employer HSA contribution
• Dental; Vision; Short- and Long-term disability
• Up to 6% retirement contribution
• Paid parental leave; 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, 11 holidays, 3 personal days, and 1 community service day
• Complimentary parking in Navy Pier garages
• Annual Salary Range: $150,000 - $175,000

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Requires the ability to work extended (long hours) during a normal work week. Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays as necessary and required. Must be available 24/7-365 to respond to on-call emergencies. Work is primarily performed in a normal office environment. Since work is sometimes performed outdoors in varying weather conditions, must be able to tolerate extreme temperatures or inclement weather and be able to withstand working long hours in inclement weather conditions