Director of Information Technology (Houston)

Job DescriptionJOB DESCRIPTION: The Director of Information Technology is responsible for leading the Information Technology function and advancing the company’s enterprise technology strategy. This role provides strategic direction, operational oversight, and technical leadership for the planning, development, implementation, security, and support of IT systems across the organization. The Director of Information Technology ensures that Audubon’s technology infrastructure, systems, cybersecurity practices, and support services align with business objectives, regulatory requirements, operational needs, and long-term growth plans. This position works closely with executive leadership, business units, internal teams, and external service providers to deliver secure, reliable, cost-effective, and scalable technology solutions. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Strategic Leadership and Governance Lead the overall management, planning, and direction of the Information Technology Department. Develop and execute an enterprise IT strategy that supports Audubon’s corporate goals and operational priorities. Provide technology guidance and recommendations to senior leadership through presentations, business cases, and strategic advocacy. Establish, maintain, and continuously improve IT policies, procedures, standards, and governance practices. Oversee the development, documentation, and implementation of IT processes, controls, and operating procedures. Help manage the organization’s Information Security Management System, including related policies, controls, documentation, and continuous improvement activities.Technology Infrastructure and Operations Oversee the deployment, monitoring, maintenance, upgrade, and support of enterprise IT systems, including servers, networks, firewalls, routers, endpoints, software platforms, and related infrastructure. Ensure the reliability, availability, performance, and security of IT systems and services. Manage server infrastructure, including installation, maintenance, upgrades, backups, patching, security, and lifecycle planning. Develop and maintain standards and specifications for hardware, software, networking, systems, and enterprise technology use. Coordinate with managed service providers, vendors, and technology partners for infrastructure management, cybersecurity solutions, network equipment, system upgrades, and technical support. Oversee the purchase, licensing, inventory, and lifecycle management of computer hardware, software, systems, and IT supplies. Cybersecurity, Risk, and Business ContinuityDevelop, implement, and maintain internal controls to protect information systems, data, applications, and network resources. Ensure appropriate access controls, security procedures, backup processes, licensing controls, system upgrade practices, and disaster recovery plans are in place. Lead planning and execution for cybersecurity, incident response, data protection, business continuity, and disaster recovery. Monitor and improve the organization’s security posture in coordination with internal stakeholders and external service providers. Ensure IT practices support compliance with applicable business, contractual, regulatory, and security requirements. Budgeting, Resource Management, and Vendor OversightDevelop, administer, and manage the Information Technology budget based on business needs, strategic priorities, risk considerations, and cost-effectiveness. Evaluate technology investments, vendor proposals, service agreements, and licensing requirements. Ensure IT operations and initiatives are delivered within approved budgets and aligned with business value. Coordinate technology procurement activities and maintain effective vendor relationships. Manage, direct, and prioritize major IT projects to ensure successful delivery of corporate objectives. Team Leadership and Staff DevelopmentLead, supervise, develop, and evaluate Information Technology personnel. Assign priorities, responsibilities, and resources to ensure department objectives are achieved. Select, train, mentor, and support IT staff to build technical capability, accountability, and service excellence. Prepare, review, and revise IT department job descriptions as needed. Make recommendations regarding staffing, assignments, retention, performance management, discipline, and employment decisions. Communication and Business PartnershipServe as a technology advisor to leadership and business units. Translate complex technical concepts into clear business terms for executives, managers, and non-technical stakeholders. Partners with departments across the organization to identify technology needs, improve processes, and implement effective solutions. Promote a service-oriented IT culture focused on responsiveness, reliability, security, and continuous improvement. EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or a related field required. 10+ years total IT experience; 5+ years leadership experience. Preferred Certifications: CISM, CISSP, ITIL, or PMPStrong knowledge of enterprise IT systems, computer networks, servers, hardware, software, cybersecurity, cloud services, and business applications. Experience with application development, implementation, system integration, and technology lifecycle management. Ability to manage budgets, personnel, projects, vendors, policies, and department operations. Strong understanding of IT governance, cybersecurity, disaster recovery, access control, backup procedures, licensing, and internal controls. Excellent organizational, communication, presentation, analytical, and interpersonal skills. Ability to explain technology solutions, risks, and recommendations to senior management and business stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage competing priorities, and deliver technology initiatives that support business objectives. Experience in engineering, construction, energy, industrial services preferred. No Recruiters, please!Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/DisabledJob DetailsJob Type: Regular Full-TimeCategory: Audubon Companies, LLCSalaried: Salaried