IT Director

Position Summary

The Director of Information Technology provides strategic and operational leadership for all technology infrastructure and IT operations of the Critical Access Hospital and affiliated Rural Health Clinics. This working director role is responsible for both high‑level planning and hands‑on daily IT support. The Director ensures secure, reliable, and compliant technology systems that support clinical care, business operations, regulatory requirements, and organizational growth. The position works closely with executive leadership, Clinical Informatics, Revenue Cycle, Compliance, Quality, and external vendors to maintain a stable and secure technology environment. The role is on‑site and requires direct engagement with hospital staff across all departments.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

IT Leadership & Strategy

• Develops and maintains an IT strategic plan aligned with hospital goals.
• Advises COO and executive leadership on infrastructure needs, cybersecurity risks, capital planning, and system improvements.
• Participates in leadership meetings, QAPI activities, and grant initiatives as requested.
• Prepares technology‑related reports for executive leadership and Board as needed.

Infrastructure & Systems Management

• Oversees on‑premise server environment, network infrastructure, and cloud integrations.
• Ensures reliability and uptime for clinical, inpatient, outpatient, ER, and clinic operations.
• Maintains and monitors VoIP telecommunications systems.
• Oversees hardware lifecycle management, inventory control, and asset tracking.
• Coordinates with CTSI for escalated support and infrastructure services.
• Manages system backups and participates in disaster recovery planning and testing.

Cybersecurity & Compliance Collaboration

• Partners with the organization’s HIPAA Security Officer to support compliance with HIPAA Security Rule, HITECH, CMS Conditions of Participation, and Texas regulatory requirements.
• Assists with risk assessments, audit preparation, and documentation.
• Supports implementation of cybersecurity safeguards including endpoint protection, firewalls, patching, and vulnerability mitigation.
• Participates in incident response activities as needed.

Clinical Systems Collaboration

• Collaborates with Clinical Informatics regarding support of the TruBridge EHR platform.
• Supports network stability, connectivity, and interface development.
• Assists with system integrations and technical troubleshooting impacting EHR performance.
• Ensures infrastructure supports clinical workflows and reporting requirements.

Note: Clinical Informatics serves as the primary EHR software liaison; this role supports infrastructure and technical components.

Revenue Cycle & Business Operations Support

• Collaborates with Revenue Cycle leadership to ensure technical systems support billing and operational needs.
• Assists with database access, system configuration, and technical troubleshooting.
• Supports accurate data extraction for reporting, cost reporting, and operational analytics.

Database & Data Management

• Oversees database administration and data integrity.
• Supports dashboard development and internal reporting tools.
• Maintains secure access controls and data governance standards.
• Assists departments with reporting needs and system queries (SQL experience strongly preferred).

Hands‑On IT Support (Working Director Responsibilities)

• Provides direct day‑to‑day IT support as needed, including computer setup and deployment, password resets and user account management, troubleshooting hardware and software issues, printer and peripheral support, and individual staff support for technology‑related problems.
• Supervises internal IT technician and provides backup coverage as needed.
• Maintains a visible and service‑oriented presence throughout the facility.

Vendor & Budget Management

• Serves as primary contact for MSP, telecommunications vendors, cybersecurity vendors, and technology contractors.
• Negotiates and manages IT service contracts and agreements.
• Develops and manages IT operating and capital budgets.

Education and Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum 5 years progressive IT experience.
• Experience managing infrastructure and cybersecurity initiatives.

Preferred

• Healthcare IT experience.
• Experience in Critical Access Hospital or rural healthcare environment.
• Experience supporting on‑premise server environments.
• Experience with TruBridge systems.
• SQL/database administration experience.

Core Competencies

• Infrastructure management
• Cybersecurity fundamentals
• Database management and reporting
• Vendor oversight
• Budget management
• Regulatory awareness
• Strong customer service orientation
• Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands‑on operational work

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and move equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Manual dexterity for installation and configuration of hardware.
• Continuous mental and visual attention to complex systems.

Work Environment

• Hospital and clinical setting.
• On‑site presence required.
• May require occasional after‑hours support during system outages or emergency events.
• The Director will have personal contact with all levels of staff, patients, visitors, and government agencies.

OSHA Task Category III

• Tasks that involve little or no exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.