Govt. IT Director

POSITION SUMMARY: The IT Director, under the direction of the CIO, is responsible for the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the tribes governmental and shared technology resources for a large multi-site organization in a department which functions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and for ensuring all customers, internal and external, are provided high quality customer service. This position is responsible for leading the IT team to deliver upon the strategic technology goals, plans, objectives and projects that have been approved, and that will lead the tribe successfully forward.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)Leadership and Management:

• Provide strategic vision and direction for the IT department, aligning IT goals and initiatives with overall organizational objectives.
• Lead the coordinated IT team efforts and communication towards all organization-wide strategic goals including digital transformation, cloud transformation, efficiency workflows, data driven decisioning and effective project management.
• Lead and manage a team of IT managers, including the IT Network Manager, IT Communications Manager, IT Data and Applications Manager, and IT Customer Service Manager.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing IT team environment, promoting professional development and employee engagement.
• Develop and implement departmental budgets, ensuring efficient resource allocation and cost control.
• Create and deliver effective presentations and project plans to organization executives to deliver upon the approved strategic technology goals and plans.
• Recruit, hire, and mentor top IT talent to support the organization’s diverse technological needs.

Strategic Planning and Execution:

• Partner with the CIO and other senior leaders to understand business needs and translate them into actionable IT strategies.
• Conduct regular IT infrastructure and service assessments, identifying opportunities for improvement and modernization.
• Develop and implement long-term IT roadmaps, ensuring the organization leverages technology to achieve its strategic goals.
• Oversee the implementation of major IT projects, managing risks and ensuring successful outcomes.
• Stay current on emerging technologies and industry best practices, recommending and implementing solutions that enhance organizational capabilities.

Security and Compliance:

• Develop and enforce comprehensive IT security policies and procedures to safeguard critical data and systems.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and government mandates relevant to the organization’s diverse sectors (Government, Healthcare, Gaming & Hospitality).
• Implement robust disaster recovery and business continuity plans to minimize downtime and ensure critical operations continuity.

Communication and Relationship Management:

• Clearly articulate IT strategies and initiatives to senior management and stakeholders.
• Effectively communicate complex technical concepts to a non-technical audience.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders across various departments, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding.
• Represent the IT department in meetings and presentations, advocating for IT investments and initiatives.
• Mentor and assist direct reports with training and experience intended to grow their abilities, leadership skills and opportunities.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Oversee vendor management and develop strategic relationships with key technology partners.
• Manage IT procurement processes, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to best practices.
• Stay informed about industry trends and regulatory changes that may impact the organization’s technology needs.
• All other job duties as assigned

CONTACTS:Immediate peers, peers in other departments, immediate supervisor/manager, managers in other departments, Executives, Board of Directors, customers and outside vendors/service providers.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Position primarily lifts up to 20 pounds with frequent lifting/carrying of 10 pounds. Physical factors include constant use of hearing, frequently remaining in stationary position, use of near/midrange/ far vision, depth perception and color and field of vision, frequent typing; and occasionally lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of items weighing up to 50 pounds climbing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, reaching and bending. Working conditions include occasional exposure to weather, extreme heat and cold, wet/humidity, noise, vibration and air quality. Working conditions include contact with the general public and as such could be exposed to infectious agents, etc. Potential hazards include constant computer use and occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, electric shock, high, exposed places and equipment. Protective equipment/clothing needed to perform the job include hazards kit with protective gloves, mask, etc. and personal protective equipment.REQUIREMENTS: Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, or related fields or five years demonstrated ability in relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience managing and directing a large Information Technology team is required in addition to the above-stated education requirements.Certification/License: Must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable by the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with annual driver’s license review and insurability standards with the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must undergo a criminal background investigation done under the rules of the National Indian Gaming Commission. Must comply with the Sault Tribe’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy which may include random drug tests.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge: Technical Knowledge:

• In-depth understanding of IT infrastructure, including networking, communications, data centers, applications, and security.
• Broad knowledge of industry trends and emerging technologies.
• Familiarity with IT frameworks (e.g., ITIL, COBIT) (desirable).
• Working knowledge of compliance regulations relevant to Government, Healthcare, Gaming & Hospitality industries.

Business Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of business operations and strategic planning
• Ability to translate business needs into actionable IT strategies
• Financial acumen and budgeting expertise.

Skills: Leadership Skills:

• Proven track record of leading and motivating high-performing IT teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to effectively delegate tasks, empower staff, and foster a positive work environment.
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills.

Strategic Planning Skills:

• Ability to develop and implement long-term IT roadmaps aligned with organizational goals.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify IT needs and solutions.
• Project management skills to oversee complex IT initiatives.

Communication Skills:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills to present technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Active listening skills to understand stakeholder needs and concerns
• Strong presentation skills to advocate for IT investments and initiatives.

Abilities:

• Ability to think strategically and make sound business decisions with a technology lens.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to adapt to change and embrace new technologies.
• Ability to manage budgets effectively and ensure cost-control measures.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and partners.

Native American preferred.

Sault Tribe