Director of IT Innovation

Summary:

The Director of IT & Innovation is responsible for defining and executing company's technology strategy while serving as a hands-on technology leader who partners closely with business leadership to build and support the company's next generation digital insurance platform.

This role requires a leader who combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution. The ideal candidate is comfortable setting technology direction while remaining actively engaged in business application administration, systems integration, reporting, process automation, vendor management, and implementation. The Director will lead company's continued evolution toward a modern, self-service insurance experience that allows customers to obtain quotes, compare coverage options, begin the purchasing process digitally, and seamlessly transition to licensed advisors when needed.

The Director will also collaborate with company's shared technology teams to ensure alignment with enterprise infrastructure, cybersecurity, governance, and operational standards.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Technology Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute company’s technology roadmap aligned with company growth objectives.
• Serve as the technology advisor to executive leadership.
• Translate business strategy into scalable technology solutions.
• Drive innovation that improves operational efficiency and customer experience.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, accountability, and execution.

Business Applications & Technology Administration

• Serve as the primary administrator for company's business applications and insurance technology platforms.
• Administer, configure, maintain, and optimize agency management systems, insurance technology applications, quoting and rating platforms, CRM systems, telemarketing campaign systems, and other business applications.
• Troubleshoot application issues and coordinate with vendors to resolve system challenges.
• Evaluate new technologies and enhancements that improve business operations and scalability.
• Ensure business systems remain secure, reliable, and aligned with organizational needs.

Digital Product Development

• Lead the continued development of company's digital insurance platform.
• Drive the evolution of customer self-service capabilities from quotes through policy servicing.
• Oversee integrations between rating engines, carrier platforms, CRM systems, customer portals, and internal business applications.
• Partner with business leaders to identify opportunities to automate processes and improve customer and employee experiences.

Reporting & Analytics

• Develop, maintain, and enhance Power BI dashboards and operational reports that provide actionable insights to business leaders.
• Partner with department leaders to understand reporting needs and translate business requirements into meaningful analytics and reporting solutions.
• Leverage data to support operational decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives.

Sales & Marketing Technology

• Administer and support telemarketing campaign systems and lead management technologies.
• Partner with Sales and Operations to optimize lead workflows, campaign effectiveness, reporting, and automation.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through technology enhancements and process improvements.

Infrastructure & Security

• Partner with other enterprise technology teams on:
• Infrastructure
• Cybersecurity
• Identity management
• Disaster recovery
• Enterprise architecture
• Ensure company technology environments meet regulatory, compliance, and security requirements.

Vendor & Technology Management

• Manage relationships with third-party technology vendors and software partners.
• Coordinate implementations, system upgrades, integrations, issue resolution, and ongoing support.
• Negotiate technology contracts as needed and monitor vendor performance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Operations, Sales, Customer Service, Marketing, Compliance, Finance, and Enterprise IT to understand business needs and deliver practical technology solutions.
• Lead cross-functional technology initiatives that improve productivity, scalability, and customer experience.
• Serve as the primary technology liaison between company and enterprise shared services.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• This position has direct reports. Manages staff and carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Education and/or Experience:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 10 years of progressive technology leadership and systems administration experience.
• Experience administering business applications and enterprise technology platforms.
• Experience within the insurance industry, InsurTech, or independent insurance agency environment.
• Experience supporting insurance agency management systems, rating platforms, carrier integrations, and CRM solutions.
• Experience building and maintaining Power BI dashboards and reports.
• Strong knowledge of:
• Cloud technologies
• System integrations
• APIs
• Infrastructure
• Information security
• Software architecture
• Demonstrated success implementing technology solutions that improve business operations.
• Strong communication, project management, and relationship-building skills.

Preferred

• Experience administering telemarketing or lead management platforms.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, or high-growth organization.
• Prefer candidates in the central or eastern U.S.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• None Required