Director of Information Technology

Abilities First•Poughkeepsie, NY

12h•Hybrid

About The Position

For over 60 years, Abilities First has been a trusted provider of education, vocation, residential and support programs in the Hudson Valley serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Committed to inclusion, Abilities First seeks to break down the barriers between people with and without disabilities, envisioning a world where all people are recognized and valued for their Abilities First. Abilities First recognizes the value of diverse experiences, identities, and backgrounds, and does not discriminate in hiring. We are inclusive, welcoming, and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender, and gender identities. Abilities First is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We are seeking a dynamic Director of Information Technology who can balance strong technical leadership with the ability to communicate IT solutions clearly and effectively to end users at all levels. The Director of IT will be responsible for oversight of the Information Technology department and the Abilities First network across 40+ physical locations. The Director will review and build upon existing IT policies and systems and will continuously analyze the business requirements of all departments to determine agency technology needs. Working directly with the CAO, the Director will manage and evaluate IT operations according to established requirements and goals set by leadership to ensure the agency’s technology needs are met. The Director will ensure that technology is accessible and for all to perform their jobs. The ability to communicate effectively with all types of end users is critical.

Requirements

BS degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or any other related field. An equivalent of the same in practical experience is also acceptable for the position.
5+ years of experience in a senior-level information technologies role, demonstrating increased responsibility
Direct IT management leadership experience including: Business Information Systems/Technology, IT strategy, Network infrastructure/architecture, and Data Security.
Technical knowledge including but not limited to: Networking, Visualization, Active Directory, VoIP, Expert level Microsoft 365 environment (Entra ID/ Azure AD, Exchange Online management, Conditional Access Policies, SharePoint and Teams, Purview);
IT Project Management experience
Cybersecurity practices
Must be able to communicate and immediately react/respond to changes in technical & business goals and plans.
Exceptional customer service skills with the ability to effectively communicate complex technical information to non-technical end users to quickly address their needs.
Ability to teach, integrate and promote excellent Customer Service skills to staff.

Responsibilities

Oversee all technology operations and evaluate them according to established agency goals.
Responsible for direct supervision and performance management of the IT team.
Responsible for oversight of the network and system infrastructure ensuring proper configuration, implementation, maintenance, and monitoring.
Devise and establish IT policies and procedures along with the systems to support the implementation of strategies set by the agency.
Ensure that the IT department efficiently and effectively responds to tickets, supporting end users clearly and in a friendly manner.
Analyze the business requirements of all departments to determine their technology needs.
Evaluate overall operations of computing and information technology functions and recommend enhancements.
Oversee the development, design, and implementation of new applications and changes to existing computer systems and software packages.
Build and maintain proper business continuity and disaster recovery plans both for on premise and cloud-based scenarios.
Provide management and guidance for all outsourced resources as well as on premise employees.
Responsible for operational and capital budgets.
Review and maintain budget reports and forecasts in order to address the needs of various departments.
Assist in building relationships with vendors and creating cost-efficient contracts.
Ensure IT policies and procedures enable strong security and risk-management capabilities.
Serve as the agency’s Security Officer in compliance with HIPAA/HITECH regulations.
Develop and implement various training and instruction programs for users on the use of key systems and security procedures.
Identify emerging information technologies to be assimilated, integrated, and introduced within the agency.
Ensures all required trainings and certifications required are current, and seeks further support and training where needed.
Adhere to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, which require all employees, consultants, board members, volunteers and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith and respect for others and the law.
Follows all agency policy and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard to personal safety and the safety of others.
Performs other appropriate job-related activities as required by the Chief Program Officer or Chief Executive Officer as circumstances warrant.
Will incorporate concepts of person-centered excellence by respecting people’s concerns and responding accordingly and will use “teachable moments” to assist people in understanding and exercising their rights.