Director, Information Technology

Job Title: Director, Information Technology

Posting Date: 11/22/2024

Job Department: Information Technology

Schedule: Full Time

Job Type: Hybrid

Location: National Aquarium Pier 3 501 E Pratt St Baltimore, MD 21202/ACRC 901 E. Fayette St Baltimore, MD 21202/Candler 111 Market Pl Suite 800 Baltimore MD 21202. 410-576-8532.

Job Summary

The National Aquarium is seeking a Director, Information Technology (IT) who leads the strategic vision, development, and implementation of the National Aquarium’s internal IT infrastructure. This role encompasses oversight of organization-wide IT operations, with a focus on aligning information systems to support the organization’s Strategic Priorities. The Director, Information Technology crafts and executes both long-term and short-term IT strategies to optimize technology investments and utilization.

In addition to serving as the technology leader, the Director, IT partners closely with staff across the organization, bridging the gap between technology solutions and business needs. This role offers guidance on data architecture and structure, promotes a culture of exemplary customer service and efficiency, and collaborates with National Aquarium’s Leadership Team to develop and implement the organization’s overall strategy, acting as a strategic partner to drive business success.

Key Requirements

STRATEGY

• Make a key contribution to the formulation of the company’s Strategic Priorities and Operational Plans.
• Proactively advise on the emerging technologies and trends that are most relevant to the company's goals and evolving needs.
• Help determine capital investment parameters, priorities and risks for organization-wide IT initiatives to maximize the return on investment.
  
  

LEADERSHIP

• Develop an IT vision, strategy, roadmap, and lead the IT team, in addition to its business partners, in effective execution.
• Ensure, on an ongoing basis, that current and planned technical architecture, investments and solutions are aligned with National Aquariums Strategic Priorities.
• Prepare and monitor IT operational budgets that meet prevailing objectives and constraints.
• Build strong relationships with other departments and their leaders across the organization and develop a detailed understanding of their issues, challenges and opportunities.
• Implement the most appropriate and effective IT organizational design to support and engage with the organization.
• Ensure transparency and collaboration between the IT department and its partners.
  
  

TEAM DEVELOPMENT

• Recruit, develop, evaluate, recognize, and retain a highly qualified team of IT professionals.
• Foster a culture of innovation, transparency and accountability in IT.
• Promote an “organization-first” mentality at all levels of the IT department.
• Ensure candidates have strong systems analysis and project management skills and the ability to execute organization-critical projects.
• Develop and maintain a plan that provides for succession and continuity in the most critical IT positions.
  
  

IT OPERATIONS

• Direct the design, planning, implementation and maintenance of the computing infrastructure that supports the organization’s operations and business applications.
• Establish metrics for managing IT effectiveness and for measuring the impact of IT on the organization.
• Maintain oversight of all IT projects, ensuring that commitments are properly planned, staffed, monitored and reported.
• Establish a comprehensive organization wide information security program to ensure the integrity, confidentiality and availability of relevant data.
• Lead the design and implementation of an organization-wide disaster recovery and business continuity plan.
• Establish and enforce IT policies, processes, portfolio management, development standards and methodologies.
• Monitor the industry for developments in IT operations; evaluate and implement relevant new tools and service management frameworks.
• Review, recommend, and oversee all vendors and managed service agreements for computing, telecommunications, IT services and equipment.
  
  

IT SERVICES

• Maintain support for core networks
• Support and maintain office phone services
• Support and maintain office internet services
• Maintain vendor support relationships for all services
• Complete and provide business continuity plans
• Manage budgets for all shared services
• Establish roadmap plan for all improvements and projects
• Support company mission.
• Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned or required.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technology-related field is required; a master’s or advanced degree is preferred. Exceptions may be considered based on skill set and relevant work experience.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience managing large enterprise infrastructure, architecture, applications, and related teams. Progressive leadership experience in enterprise-scale technology is essential.
• 10 years of knowledge in IT systems design
• 10 years of knowledge in developing IT systems
• Outstanding knowledge of various IT systems
• Solid understanding of data analysis, budgeting and business operations
• Analytical mind and great problem-solving skills
• Experience with nonprofit associations is preferred.
• Excellent communication skills, superb listening ability, and a talent for building relationships, community, and influence.
• Strong organizational, time management, and project management skills.
• Knowledge and experience with current and emerging IT trends and requirements for complex organizations.
• Experience with strategic planning, budget development, governance structures, and process transformation within a large organization.
• Proficiency in financial and business analysis techniques, including cost analysis, business case development, and risk assessment for enterprise solutions.
• Experience managing remote teams, with the ability to motivate and inspire staff and positively influence change.
• Ability to attract, recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing and diverse team.
• A commitment to detail, execution, and follow-through.
• High level of integrity, discretion, confidentiality, and maturity.
  
  

Total Compensation Information

Salary range ($81,550-108,149 Annual)

National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including unlimited PTO, up to four weeks of paid family leave and conservation day leave. Employees are eligible for health care (individual and family) after 30 days of full-time work and 401(k) plan participation with employer match available. Employees receive a family membership package and Aquarium tickets.

About The National Aquarium

Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium’s award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.

More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work. The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland.

Our Mission and Goals

The Aquarium’s mission—to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet—begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals—to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.

Our Values

At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission.

Connection: We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability.

Curiosity: We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change.

Optimism: We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues.

Service: We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization.

Wellbeing: We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice

National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment.

In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, and separation, and general treatment during time of employment.