Description

BACKGROUND

The American Counseling Association (ACA) is the world’s largest organization representing professional counselors in various practice settings. Our vision: We are the preeminent advocate and resource for professional counselors and their clients in a world where everyone has access to mental health services.

Our mission: Advancing mental health and well-being through advocacy, community, inclusion and research.

Our values: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Integrity, Proactive Leadership, Professional Community & Relationships, Scientific Practice & Knowledge, Social Justice & Empowerment. 

All American Counseling Association team members are encouraged, supported, and expected to demonstrate The Way We Work Values: Be Flexible, Be Creative, Be Empowered, Be Inquisitive, Be Collaborative and Be Respectful. 

JOB PURPOSE

The Director of IT serves as a strategic, innovative, proactive and best-practice driven partner on all technology related matters for the organization. The Director is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and securing the technology strategy of the association that supports staff by leading technology projects, and providing resources to manage, implement, and maintain the project deliverables. The Director will provide leadership as well as hands-on management for all IT-related areas, including digital transformation, infrastructure and data architecture, application development and support, networks, cybersecurity, telecom systems, out-sourced vendor relationships, desktop support, project management and disaster recovery/business resumption. This is a director-level position with supervisory responsibility.

In addition to the below list of responsibilities, the Director of IT will carry out assigned tasks that are consistent with the general responsibilities of this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Leads and manages the IT strategy for the organization by developing, implementing, and maintaining IT solutions that support ACA's mission and vision. 
• Translate ACA's strategic priorities and objectives into actionable technologies and digital strategies. 
• Work closely with the Executive Team to ensure consensus on technology priorities. 
• Manage strategic relationships between internal IT resources and external entities, including vendors, and partner organizations.
• Establishes and manages relationships with key IT suppliers and consultants, including providing direct supervision of vendors, which may include AMS, CMS, LMS, network engineering, administration, help desk support, etc.
• Monitor vendor performance for compliance with quality and performance standards.
• Works with the Executive Team to maintain and enforce the association’s policies regarding data and operational procedures.
• Oversee and ensure a comprehensive and effective enterprise information security program, including policies, standards, and guidelines. Contributes towards the development and maintenance of business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
• Oversees the development of documentation of the association’s processes and procedures for maintaining and supporting internal systems.
• Oversees and analyzes security assessments, including security program reviews, penetration testing, vulnerability testing, risk analysis, and provides recommendations related to findings. 
• Identify training needed for all IT users to ensure productive use of existing and new systems.
• Develop, track, and control the IT annual operating and capital budgets; ensure compliance with contracts and service agreements. Develop business case justifications and cost/benefit analyses for IT spending and initiatives. Identify opportunities for the cost-effective investment of financial resources in IT systems and resources, including staffing, sourcing, purchasing, and in-house development. Ensure IT system operation adheres to applicable laws and regulations.
• Establish and maintain industry best practice operating standards and practices that are responsive and adaptable to evolving business needs and ensure proper compliance protocols are in place on all applicable data-related systems.
• Oversee outsourced and internal help desk function. Manage to ensure high staff satisfaction and quick resolution of help desk service tickets.
• Stays apprised of current knowledge, information, trends, and best practices with current and future technologies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

 QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, information management or other technical discipline and/or the equivalent years of business experience.
• Advanced degree is a plus.
• Demonstrated understanding of ITIL with respect to security administration and information technology governance in a multiplatform environment
• Excellent understanding of project management principles. A track record of managing and prioritizing multiple projects to ensure successful completion and issue resolution on time and on budget.
• 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in similar management position. Supervisory experience is a plus.
• In-depth knowledge of applicable laws and regulations as they relate to IT.
• Familiarity and experience with technologies and systems (i.e., AMS, CMS, LMS, Cloud/Virtual, Office365, VOIP, website, mobile, APIs, social applications).
• Ability to effectively translate technical issues to non-technical audiences.
• Experience in technology outsourcing strategies and contract vendor management.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing the design, development, and launch of varied technology projects on time and within budget.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Understanding of project management methodologies/tools and development of technology life cycles.
• Strong communication (verbal and written), interpersonal skills and the ability to present information to business audiences.
• Ability to accurately review and complete detail-oriented information and projects.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
• Ability to take responsibility and function under minimal supervision.
• Ability to work with wide range of people in a team-based environment.

 LOCATION AND FLEXIBILITY:  Hybrid.