Senior Director of IT & Data Strategy

Kansas Leadership Center•Wichita, KS

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Director of IT and Data Strategy is a visionary member of the KLC Executive Council, responsible for designing, planning, executing, and sustaining all strategic and tactical leadership in the areas of Information Technology, Information Security, Audio Visual, Data Management, Business Intelligence, and Monitoring and Evaluation. This cross-functional role contributes to strategic decisions, assuring the IT operations are secure and efficient, while minimizing systems downtime and works with C-level to devise strategies for implementation across the enterprise, and assists in fostering a culture of innovation that grows the impact of the Kansas Leadership Center.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required in information technology, computer science, information systems, or a related field
At least 8–10 years of progressively responsible information technology experience, including a minimum of 3–5 years in a senior IT leadership role such as IT Director, IT Manager, or similar (e.g., CIO, CTO, VP of Technology).
Demonstrated experience developing and executing an enterprise-wide IT strategic plan, including technology roadmaps that align with organizational goals and priorities.
Proven track record managing enterprise IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, cloud environments, systems administration, and enterprise applications.
Strong knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, risk management, data privacy, and regulatory compliance requirements, with experience establishing and enforcing IT security policies.
Experience developing, managing, and reporting on IT budgets, including capital and operating expenditures, cost forecasting, and vendor and contract negotiation.
Demonstrated success building, leading, and developing IT staff, including hiring, supervision, mentoring, and performance management.
Experience overseeing disaster recovery and business continuity planning, including data backup, system redundancy, and incident response.
Strong project management skills, with experience leading enterprise-wide technology implementations, system migrations, and organizational change management.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present IT strategy, risks, and recommendations to executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
High emotional intelligence and demonstrated ability to build trust, manage competing priorities, and partner with executive leadership to align technology investments with organizational goals.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a non-profit or higher education institution desired.
Professional certification such as PMP, ITIL, CISSP, CISM, or CompTIA Security+.
Master’s degree in information data analytics, technology, business administration, or a related field.
Experience with enterprise platforms such as Zoho CRM, Zoho Analytics, Zoho Projects, or comparable enterprise technology systems.
Experience with AI governance, responsible AI adoption, or developing organizational policies for emerging technologies.
Experience leading IT or technology teams in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.

Responsibilities

Serve as a member of the Operations Team, devising strategies for maximum mission-alignment, operational excellence, reach and impact.
Responsible for creating the vision and managing the strategic design and implementation of Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) to meet the business needs of the Kansas Leadership Center.
Work across the enterprise (Civic Leadership, Civic Information, Third Floor Research, etc.) to identify strategic data needs and support MERL efforts.
Partner with C-level and Executive Team to determine and meet evaluation, reporting, and analytics needs for dashboard and reporting functions.
Serve as the main point of contact for managing internal and external IT, data, and evaluation projects, fostering use of data to inform continual improvement.
Ensure timely evaluation of programs and projects.
Oversee KLC’s IT infrastructure — including network, servers, cloud platforms, workstations, and phone systems — ensuring reliable, secure day-to-day performance that fits the needs of a small, in-person team, and ensure the organization has the necessary data, technology, and systems functionality for ongoing operations and strategic planning
Oversee use of Action Tracking Software. Work with key staff to determine strategic use across the organization.
Work with key stakeholders, inform collecting requirements, and produce deliverables in the form of raw datasets, reports, dashboards, and analytical solutions that will be used to drive business decisions.
Responsible for setting and enforcing data security and privacy standards appropriate to KLC’s size, including user access controls, data backup and recovery, and incident response, as well as data collection, monitoring, and evaluation standards and tools.
Identify performance indicators, monitor project activities, outputs, and progress towards anticipated results.
Collect, track, and analyze data to assess the value and impact of different programs and interventions, as well as translate these assessments into actional insights and strategies to increase the impact of the organization.
Provide technical leadership and support to KLC.
Champion the use of applications within ZohoOne (including the CRM) as the centralized system across the organization and make decisions about other software uses.
Coordinate and collaborate with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and vendors for the smooth functioning of the enterprise data system.
Supervise the Technology and Operations Support Specialist to provide responsive day-to-day IT support to staff and manage the hardware and software lifecycle (procurement, setup, maintenance, and retirement); oversee building technology and AV systems, and interface with the Kansas Health Foundation related to building technology improvements.
Develop and manage detailed budgets and regularly report on the budgetary status of all assigned project budgets including hardware, software, and support components.
Manage relationships with outsourced IT, cybersecurity, and managed service providers as needed to supplement in-house capacity, favoring practical, right-sized solutions over enterprise-scale complexity.
Other duties as assigned.