IT Director

LIGHTPATH TECHNOLOGIES INC•Orlando, FL

23h•Onsite

About The Position

LightPath Technologies is seeking an experienced and operationally focused Director of Information Technology to lead the company’s day-to-day IT operations, infrastructure, support services, cybersecurity operations, and technology execution initiatives across multiple business locations. This role is responsible for ensuring the stability, security, scalability, and operational effectiveness of the company's IT environment while leading internal IT personnel and coordinating with external managed service providers and technology partners. The Director of IT is a hands-on leadership role responsible for translating business needs into reliable operational technology solutions while supporting the organization’s broader cybersecurity, compliance, and business continuity objectives. This position reports directly to executive leadership and works closely with strategic cybersecurity, compliance, and governance advisors.

Requirements

8–15 years of progressive IT experience
Minimum 5 years in IT leadership or management roles
Experience managing IT operations in multi-site organizations
Experience leading internal IT teams and coordinating third-party vendors/MSPs
Strong background in infrastructure operations, end-user computing, cloud services, and operational cybersecurity
Strong working knowledge of: Microsoft 365 ecosystem, Microsoft Entra ID / Active Directory, Microsoft Intune and endpoint management, Azure infrastructure and cloud administration, Network infrastructure, VPNs, firewalls, and wireless technologies, Endpoint security and operational cybersecurity practices, ITSM platforms and ticketing systems, Backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity operations
Working knowledge of: CMMC 2.0, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, NIST SP 800-171, ITAR, Cybersecurity operational best practices, Audit support and operational compliance processes
Strong operational leadership and organizational skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
Calm, structured decision-making during incidents or operational challenges
Ability to balance strategic direction with hands-on operational execution

Nice To Haves

Experience with environments supporting manufacturing, engineering, or regulated industries is strongly preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related field
Relevant certifications preferred, such as: ITIL, Microsoft certifications, CompTIA Security+, CISSP (preferred but not required), Azure certifications

Responsibilities

IT Operations & Infrastructure Leadership: Lead and oversee daily IT operations across all LightPath locations and business units. Ensure availability, performance, and reliability of: Microsoft 365 environment, Azure infrastructure and cloud services, Endpoint management systems, Network infrastructure, Voice and communication systems, Core business applications. Manage operational uptime and reduce recurring technical issues through proactive IT management. Oversee hardware lifecycle management, system upgrades, patching, and infrastructure maintenance.
IT Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and manage internal IT staff and contractors. Establish operational accountability and performance expectations. Drive a responsive, customer-service-oriented IT culture. Prioritize and delegate workload across the IT organization. Support professional growth and development of IT personnel.
Cybersecurity Operations & Risk Management: Support operational cybersecurity initiatives aligned with company security policies and Zero Trust principles. Coordinate with managed security providers and internal leadership on: Endpoint security, Threat monitoring, Incident escalation, Vulnerability remediation, Access control management. Ensure operational adherence to: Multi-factor authentication (MFA), Identity and access management standards, Endpoint compliance requirements, Security patching protocols. Participate in incident response coordination and remediation activities.
Compliance & Audit Readiness: Support operational readiness efforts associated with: CMMC 2.0, NIST SP 800-171, ITAR, SOX and internal audit requirements. Ensure IT operational processes and documentation remain audit-ready. Assist with evidence gathering, remediation tracking, and compliance-related operational activities. Enforce IT operational policies, SOPs, and technical standards.
Vendor & MSP Management: Serve as the operational liaison for managed service providers, security vendors, and technology partners. Hold vendors accountable to service-level agreements (SLAs) and contractual obligations. Coordinate escalations, maintenance activities, and operational support efforts. Participate in vendor evaluations and technology solution assessments.
Project & Technology Execution: Lead implementation and execution of IT infrastructure and operational technology projects. Coordinate timelines, resources, and deliverables across departments and vendors. Support operational rollout of: Infrastructure upgrades, Cloud initiatives, Security improvements, Enterprise technology solutions. Ensure projects are delivered efficiently with minimal operational disruption.
Operational Planning & Budget Support: Assist executive leadership with: IT operational budgeting, Hardware/software planning, Vendor cost management, Asset lifecycle forecasting. Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and cost optimization.