Director of IT Role

The director of IT is responsible for managing the technical infrastructure for an organization. They oversee all technology operations and establish IT policies and strategies. IT directors are responsible for overseeing technical projects and directing the implementation of new IT systems, configurations, and upgrades. They also control the IT budget, identify technology needs, and purchase appropriate equipment and software.

 

Salary Range

  • $80k-220k per year salary based on experience (USD)

  • Average salary is $106-180k per year (USD)

  • Average hourly pay is $50.96-86.54 per hour (USD)

 

Similar Job Titles

  • Computer Systems Manager

  • Director Information Technology

  • Information Systems Manager

  • Information Technology Manager

  • IS Director

  • IT Manager

  • IT Operations Manager

  • IT Program Manager

  • Manager Information Systems

  • Manager Information Technology

  • Manager Infrastructure

  • Manager of IT

  • Manager Technology

  • MIS Manager

Job Duties

  • Manage IT infrastructure for an organization and establish IT policies and strategies

  • Identify necessary systems, networks, upgrades, and configurations and direct their implementation

  • Oversee the development and implementation of disaster recovery systems and security processes

  • Control budget and purchase IT equipment and software

  • Oversee technical projects

 

Industries

  • Computer Hardware & Software

  • IT Services

  • Education

  • Biotech & Pharmaceuticals

  • Banking & Finance

  • Insurance

  • Aerospace & Defense

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information tech, or a related field. Some companies may prefer a graduate degree such as a Master's degree in information systems, business administration (MBA), or a related field. Relevant industry certifications can also help boost job prospects.

 

Locations

  • New York

  • Massachusetts

  • New Hampshire

  • New Jersey

  • Connecticut

  • Vermont

  • Pennsylvania

  • Remote

Director IT Job Description

Primarily, the director of IT operations is a senior departmental head who develops and maintains the IT department's strategic roadmap while ensuring that IT capabilities continuously support overall business goals and objectives. The head of IT operations is responsible for identifying and designing current and future technical solutions. This position directly controls the development, implementation, and management of the infrastructure of a company's IT operations. The director of IT operations develops and implements IT policies and procedures that enable strong security and risk management capabilities. IT leaders play a key role at their company and are often responsible for maintaining the accessibility, functionality, and security of computer resources.

IT directors must have a good understanding of the company's business model and IT strategy. Their main responsibility is to monitor the operation of the IT department. This includes developing and managing the application portfolio of the department. IT director duties include managing all applications in the IT department and developing a comprehensive IT strategy. They coordinate and implement the company's computer and information systems and services.

The director of IT operations also works with the Human Resources Department to define the criteria for hiring qualified candidates in the IT division to ensure consistent and high performance. The director of IT works closely with directors, upper management, and decision-makers in other departments to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support comprehensive IT and operations strategies. The director of IT is responsible for the design and planning of the operational activities of all IT teams and for the provision of strategic solutions that improve mission-critical business processes.

The experienced IT director plays an analytical role, constantly evaluating the performance of new and existing computer systems developed by the department. They analyze complex business requirements and make recommendations to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for technical solutions to ensure they are in line with the overall business vision and mission direction. The director of IT operations will also coordinate the development and implementation of enterprise-wide computer systems, services, and technology solutions.

The IT director position is at the head of IT and supervises all information systems managers and employees. They coordinate the management of the IT division and the company's technology operations, as well as the development of new technologies and software. IT director responsibilities include the planning, development, testing, and implementation of all information systems and technical solutions. Business management skills are useful, and the director of IT’s job description may include serving as a technical advisor to the CTO and being involved in the development of new technologies and software.

The IT operations manager takes responsibility for the high performance of the IT department and its operations and maintenance, as well as the implementation of strategic solutions to ensure the highest performance and reliability of IT systems and services. An experienced IT director may manage a wide range of computer systems and services. The focus of this role is to promote the company’s IT vision by supporting the development and implementation of enterprise-wide IT solutions at the highest technical level.    

The director of IT’s job includes supporting information systems managers and other key IT personnel and preparing them for disaster situations, such as a cyber attack or natural disaster. They implement strategies to resume operation of systems and architecture in the event of a disaster and plan the long-term recovery of the IT infrastructure and operations. IT directors also identify security risks, create security architecture, and introduce procedures and controls to ensure the security and integrity of information and data that is stored, accessed, and shared.

The job description of the director of IT requires managing the company's computer systems and resources so that they are well maintained and carefully protected. The ability to learn new technologies, apply technical knowledge and expertise, and find ways to improve systems in the company is also part of the IT director duties.

Director IT Job Questions, job outlook

Director IT Job FAQs

 

What Does an IT Director Do?

IT Directors manage the technical infrastructure of the department, vertical, or company. They specifically work on operations, establish policies, budgets, and strategies. They are typically the decision maker for purchasing new technology.

How Do I Become an IT Director?

To become an IT Director, earn a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or a related technical degree. Also obtain years of hands-on work experience and continuously learn / acquire relevant training certificates in new technologies.

What Is the Difference Between IT Manager and IT Director?

IT Managers run teams and oversee network technologies within a company. IT Directors oversee all new hardware, software, deployment, and testing for every computer system on the network.

How Many Years Does It Take to Become an IT Director?

IT Directors typically need a minimum of two years as senior level IT employees with team leadership experience. Without other IT professionals having reported to you, your chances of becoming a director are very slim. Learn to manage tech & people!

What Skills Do You Need to be an IT Director?

IT Directors need strong interpersonal communication, project management, and leadership skills. While they obviously have to have a strong analytical and technical background, their strongest point must be managing & delegating to their technical employees.

Who Is Higher Than the IT Director?

IT Directors sometimes report to a Vice President of Information Technology (VP of IT) or more likely a chief technology officer (CTO) or other C-Level leaders in the organization. Directors are heads of departments or verticals, not always company wide technology.


How Many Searches for IT Director Happen Each Month?

Director IT has approximately 3,600 search volume (SV) per month on Google according to an independent study conducted by redShift Recruiting.

There are approximately 1,000 candidates per month searching for this position that we can confirm.

There are approximately 880 employers per month searching for this role’s job description that we can confirm.

This does not include other major job board data, and only considers natural occurring Google search volume estimates.


How Many IT Director Jobs & Job Seekers Are There?

According to Indeed Hiring Insights (May 2021): there are 1,807 open jobs posted by 1,152 employers hiring for 72,563 candidates looking inside the USA.

This means there are 40 job seekers per job on average for this tech position.