Department: Information Technology

Grade Range/Job Status: Full-time, Salaried-Exempt

Reporting Relationship: Chief Financial Officer

Supervisory Responsibilities: Systems Lead and Help Desk Manager

Typical Schedule: Primarily M-F Days. Must be willing and able to work flexible hours/days, (can work a hybrid schedule –remote and in-person).

Position Summary

The Director of Information Systems Technology, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for setting the overall direction for the use of technology at Hammer & NER, through strategic planning and evaluation. This role also manages Hammer & NER’s information network and systems. This position supervises the Systems Lead and the Help Desk Manager position. All employees are expected to center, model, and champion Hammer & NER’s core values: Person-Centered, Relational, Opportunistic and Stewardship.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Information Systems

• Provide strategic leadership and assume primary responsibility for all organizational information systems, including hardware, software, and infrastructure.
• Establish and enforce policies for the procurement, deployment, and maintenance of computers, phones, and other essential technologies.
• Ensure continuous monitoring and management of all information systems to maintain optimal performance and security. This includes oversight of:
• Security threats and vulnerabilities
• Network activity and events
• Hardware health and lifecycle
• Software functionality and updates
• Bandwidth utilization
• Backup integrity and disaster recovery readiness
• User access rights and connectivity
• Apply advanced analytical and problem-solving skills to proactively manage IT operations and support strategic decision-making.
• Collaborate with IT and organizational leadership to identify and evaluate emerging technologies and near-term opportunities that align with business goals.

Risk Management and Performance Analysis

• Serve as a technical resource for facilities teams and contractors on infrastructure projects involving computer-related systems, including fiber optics, conduits, and electronic door control systems.
• Develop and implement departmental and organizational policies and procedures related to data security, operational standards, and processing schedules in partnership with Human Resources.
• Design and maintain comprehensive disaster recovery and business continuity plans to ensure organizational resilience in the event of system failures, power outages, or other disruptions.
• Oversee routine data backup processes to safeguard critical information and ensure recoverability.
• Conduct performance analysis of IT systems to identify risks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement, supporting proactive decision-making and long-term planning.

Compliance and System Maintenance

• Perform regular system backups, server maintenance, software patching, and upgrades to ensure optimal performance and data integrity.
• Monitor and manage compliance activities related to Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards and the protection of Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
• Implement and maintain robust cybersecurity measures, including:
• Enterprise-grade firewalls
• Intrusion detection and prevention systems
• Malware protection and threat mitigation tools
• Ensure all systems meet regulatory and organizational security standards and proactively address vulnerabilities to safeguard sensitive data.
• Maintain detailed documentation of system maintenance activities and compliance protocols to support audits and internal reviews.

Development and Integration Adaptation

• Develop and lead the implementation of a comprehensive strategic information systems plan that aligns with the organization’s mission, values, and long-term business objectives.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to define technology requirements, establish technical architecture direction, and implement system changes that support organizational growth and innovation.
• Present project roadmaps, capital investments, and operating budgets to senior leadership and other stakeholders, including the Board of Directors.
• Provide expert guidance on evaluating, selecting, implementing, and maintaining information systems, ensuring sound investment in both strategic and operational technologies.
• Establish a structured decision-making process for determining whether to build, buy, or outsource technology solutions.
• Maintain deep expertise in emerging technologies to research, analyze, and recommend innovations that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Lead and support initiatives that promote best practices in system development, integration, and optimization.
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues, collaborating with IT staff to resolve problems efficiently and effectively.
• Demonstrate integrity and adaptability in problem-solving, consistently striving for solutions that meet the highest industry standards.
• Evaluate the impact of emerging technologies on organizational strategy and communicate implications to senior leadership.
• Provide strategic direction for all IT-related initiatives across the organization.
• Develop and manage a fiscally responsible departmental budget aligned with organizational goals, continuously identifying opportunities to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency.
• Oversee the daily operations of all business systems, ensuring they are effective, scalable, and aligned with future organizational needs.
• Lead the selection, evaluation, and management of application and technology vendors to ensure high-quality service and value.
• Coordinate vendor support for desktop systems, multifunction printers, and other end-user technologies.
• Maintain accurate documentation of network activity, system configurations, and operational procedures to support continuity and compliance.
• Serve as the organization’s HIPAA Security Officer, ensuring adherence to all applicable privacy and security regulations and standards.

Leadership and Supervision

• Foster a customer service-oriented environment where departments feel supported and empowered to seek assistance with technology-related needs.
• Provide strong leadership to build and maintain a responsive, customer-focused IT team.
• Supervise and support the Systems Lead and Help Desk Support Manager, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and organizational standards.
• Promote a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values community engagement, equity, diversity, and financial responsibility.
• Partner with Human Resources in recruitment efforts to hire qualified staff who contribute to a high-performing team.
• Facilitate regular department meetings to communicate updates, share goals, and encourage team alignment.
• Coach and develop team members by:
• Monitoring performance and providing constructive feedback
• Resolving conflicts professionally and effectively
• Ensuring compliance with legal and organizational policies
• Administering disciplinary actions when necessary
• Conducting annual performance evaluations
• Manage administrative responsibilities including approval of timesheets, personal time off requests, and maintenance of personnel records.

Essential Knowledge and Qualifications

• Proven experience managing and directing complex information systems environments, including software application management and HRIS platforms.
• Advanced knowledge of all facets of information technology, including database engines, operating systems, servers, and telecommunications hardware and software.
• Demonstrated success in leading application architecture across multiple platforms, including cloud-based and on-premises solutions.
• Strong understanding of disaster recovery planning and business continuity strategies.
• Familiarity with current industry trends and emerging technologies, with the ability to evaluate and recommend innovative solutions.
• Experience leading high-performing teams in a non-profit or mission-driven environment.
• Ability to build, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of professionals and be open and willing to provide services to those working outside of the office setting.
• Track record of driving strategic initiatives from vision through implementation, delivering measurable results.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with the ability to prioritize organizational needs and align technology strategies accordingly.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate vendor contracts and manage effective vendor relationships.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with technological advancements.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across all levels of the organization.
• Strong customer service orientation and ability to work collaboratively across multifunctional and multi-cultural teams.
• Developed written and verbal communication skills. Proven ability to communicate effectively across a diverse workforce.
• Ability to work with a wide range of people with varied degrees of computer experience.
• Requires a valid driver’s license, access to a personal auto and driving record that meets Hammer’s insurance requirements.
• Able to work in an office environment that is sedentary in nature but may require standing, walking, and lifting up to 50lbs.
• Experience, ability, and commitment to working with individuals and teams that are mixed across lines of difference such as race, gender-identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class, and immigrant status.
• Must be willing and able to work flexible hours/days, including occasional evenings and weekends, reflective of the dynamic schedule of the organization.

This job description assigns essential functions. It does not restrict the tasks an individual in their position might be asked to perform or all qualifications that may be required now or in the future.