Director of Information Technology

Washington State Bar Association.•Seattle, WA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of IT leads the strategic and operational functions of Information Technology (IT) Department. This role oversees software application development, network operations, cybersecurity, training, and desktop support, while serving as a technology advisor to all departments. The Director is responsible for aligning IT initiatives with organizational goals, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring the delivery of secure, scalable, and user-centered technology solutions. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Director contributes to organization-wide strategy and decision-making.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an IT-related field (Computer Science, Management of Information Systems, Business Administration, Computer Engineering) or related field; or combination of education and relevant experience
Minimum 5 years of management experience and demonstrated success in IT leadership, including strategic planning, project management, managing information systems and teams, and contract negotiation.
Experience managing complex vendor relationships
Experience developing and implementing cybersecurity strategies
Experience in AI, strategy, and technology with experience applying AI in operational contexts
Experience and demonstrated success supervising, mentoring, and coaching technical and non-technical staff and performance evaluations
Exemplary communication skills (written and verbal), including the ability to effectively convey ideas, build trust, inspire confidence, and engage a wide range of stakeholders
Strong project management, particularly with agile projects, vendor management and negotiation skills.
Ability to build, coach, and lead a high-performing team
A strategic thinker with a systems mindset to assess organizational technology leads and with the ability to lead projects with prioritization, sequencing, and exceptional follow-through
High emotional intelligence, empathy, and user-centered approach to technology
Demonstrated technology policy development
Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, collaboration, and a results-oriented vision and focus.
Commitment to continuous learning and staying current with industry trends
Proficiency in desktop and web software tools up to and including Microsoft 365, Azure, and enterprise software tools
A service-oriented mindset with humility, professional humor, flexibility, and relational warmth
Effective facilitation skills
Ability to navigate ambiguity, bureaucracy, and organizational complexity
Resourceful and flexible in the resolution of challenges
Vision to see what is necessary to scale the business and willingness to take risks to achieve goals
Experience managing remote teams and fostering inclusive, collaborative environments
Superior interpersonal skills, including the ability to maintain and develop relationships with staff and internal/external partners
Ability to see the big picture, and question assumptions of the current way of doing things
Ability to lead staff through changing internal and external contexts
This position must be able to regularly work five days per week during business hours and Monday-Friday during operating business hours and as needed in situations like system upgrades, downtime, establishing business continuity, etc. in a hybrid work environment, Must possess the ability to primarily sit/stand and use a computer, and lift/push/pull items weighing up to 25 pounds, operate a computer keyboard, and other standard office equipment (e.g., printer/scanner/fax/telephone). This position must be able to read, write, and speak with others in English.

Nice To Haves

Master of Science in Business Administration or Public Administration or related field in addition to the educational requirement
Prior non-profit or government experience, particularly experience working with a board or volunteers in an association environment
Experience creating and executing long-term IT roadmaps that align with organizational goals, anticipate future needs, and support sustainable growth
Track record of staying current with rapidly evolving technology trends, including cloud computing, AI integration, and enterprise software advancements. Experience evaluating emerging tools and platforms, and translating them into actionable, scalable solutions for organizational benefit
Experience leading technology transitions and change management initiatives, including stakeholder engagement, training, and adoption strategies across departments with varying levels of technical expertise.
Experience with vendor contract negotiation, performance oversight, and accountability for deliverables, timelines, and service quality
Experience working in environments with high reliance on managed service providers and external technology partners
Experience conducting risk assessments, incident response planning, and compliance with data protection regulations
Experience leading cross-functional efforts to implement and secure enterprise systems, networks, and user environments

Responsibilities

Model progressive, agile leadership that balances autonomy with alignment and focuses the team on strong execution, milestone attainment, and results measurement and quantification
Supervise and mentor IT staff, including recruitment, retention, professional development, and annual performance evaluations
Monitor projects, initiatives, and processes to ensure alignment with both departmental and organizational goals and objectives. Ensure that budget is considered when prioritizing work and assignments
Track individual and team goals and objectives, delegate assignments, evaluate performance, and provide consistent feedback and coaching
Promote a collaborative, service-oriented team culture with clear communication and accountability.
Oversight of staff responsible for software application development, network operations, cybersecurity, training, and desktop support
Monitor organizational IT needs and ensure responsive and excellent support at all levels
Oversee vendor performance and ensure alignment with service expectations and requirements
Stay current on emerging technologies and proactively implement improvements on all IT operational processes, including application development, network operations, and support
Evaluate emerging AI technologies and trends to identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and enhanced service delivery. Establish governance frameworks and risk mitigation strategies to ensure ethical, secure, and effective use of AI across the organization
Own and lead the development and execution of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, including oversight of vendor-managed systems, applications, and infrastructure
Develop and maintain essential IT documentation and best practices to support consistent, high-quality service delivery
Develop and execute a strategic technology roadmap aligned with WSBA’s mission and departmental priorities
Develop and manage annual IT goals in the areas of technology stewardship, operational excellence, team building, and training and development
Collaborate with leadership to ensure IT initiatives support long-term organizational goals
Lead change management efforts and foster cross-departmental collaboration
Lead and manage IT projects, including scope, schedule, budget, and stakeholder communication to successfully deliver technology solutions
Lead cross-functional coordination to ensure IT projects are aligned with departmental goals, timelines, and resource availability
Establish clear project communication plans, including agendas, defined roles, next steps, and regular updates to stakeholders
Support project teams in resolving complex issues and maintaining momentum
Ensure timely delivery of key initiatives such as AMS conversion and Litify optimization
Monitor project adoption and effectiveness using data-driven metrics (e.g., usage rates, helpdesk trends, stakeholder feedback) to inform continuous improvement
Develop and manage the IT budget (approx. $2.5M, in collaboration with the leadership team, including capital planning and cost tracking)
Oversee vendor contracts with clear deliverables, timelines, and accountability measures
Develop, share and implement technology standards, policies, and procedures to ensure the overall health of network and technology assets
Oversee and actively support the IT trainer to develop and deliver organization-wide training and improve technical competency and productivity
Establish and maintain a proactive cybersecurity roadmap and posture, across systems, data, and infrastructure, that addresses current risks and anticipates future threats, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and industry best practices
Partner with internal stakeholders and external vendors to implement, monitor, and continuously improve security protocols, incident response plans, and compliance measures
Regularly update the IT Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and support the Deputy Executive Director in executing an annual tabletop exercise
Evaluate new technology solutions, in conjunction with the Office of General Counsel (OGC), for policy compliance and communications transparent approval decisions
Provide guidance and counsel to Board of Governors on IT-related matters

Benefits

State of Washington Retirement system (DRS/PERS), including an optional Deferred Compensation Plan (DRS/DCP).
Medical benefits (including Rx) through the WA Healthcare Authority, with WSBA paying a majority of the premium cost.
100% paid premiums for employee Dental and Vision
Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance Plans
Generous Paid Time Off Benefits (sick, vacation, holiday, float, emergency leave)
Transportation incentives, based on primary work selection requirements.
Allowance to set up a home office, based on a primary remote work selection.
Free Employee Assistance Program, and National Employee Discount Program
You will be working with a team of supportive, collaborative, creative, and dedicated colleagues driven to accomplish WSBA’s Mission
A company culture that truly focuses on a quality work and life balance for its staff through our 4 Pillars: 1) Excellence (Mission-driven results), 2) Unity (Team-driven results), 3) Integrity (Value-driven results), and 4 JOY! (People-driven culture).