Information technology (IT) is a vital component of almost every company’s infrastructure, from workstations to network security, and you need someone to run it. That’s where an IT director comes in.
Some larger companies might have several IT directors on their payroll. The number of professionals your company has working as information technology directors will vary based on the type of company you own, the scale of the company, and the type of technology that you rely on and are using. Typically, larger companies will have more IT directors working for them.
The IT director typically reports to the company’s chief technical officer (CTO). A director may be in charge of just one team of IT professionals, or they could be in charge of several teams.
IT Director Job Description: Summary
If you are hiring someone to act as the IT director of your company, it is essential that you know what they do and the major roles they play. The director will be responsible for managing all of the technology operations and systems within an organization. They ensure that the technology within the company is functional and operating properly.
Additionally, the director is responsible for leading the company’s IT strategy. They’re accountable for setting policies and implementing initiatives that come from upper management. They ensure that the technological elements of the company are aligning with the business’s overall goals.
IT directors are responsible for determining a business’s technology needs, and then implementing them. Often, directors will have to research and recommend tech-related products or services to management. This requires that they always stay up to date in their field. If the company isn’t using the best technology or services, it could cost the company financially and put their security at risk.
Digital safety is also important: from hacking, viruses, and more, many problems could plague a company’s technology and network. Therefore, IT directors must continually work to improve the company’s technological safety.
They may also need to implement training programs for employees, especially virtual employees, on how to use the internet safely, how to avoid phishing scams and more. The director may come up with policies along with the CTO, and other IT professionals will then ensure that the employees are trained and properly informed.
IT Director Job Description: Skills
Naturally, IT directors need to be highly educated in information technology systems and specifications. This ensures they can handle their job and manage those who are working in the various IT teams.
You need to hire someone who understands the importance of staying current in the IT field. Technology changes rapidly, so IT professionals need to always understand the latest cutting-edge technology. Being an active learner and engaging in continuing IT education is important.
Technological expertise is important, but it is just the start of what is needed in terms of knowledge. They should also have other business skills that will help them in their role. An IT Director should be capable of analyzing workflows and delegating tasks. You do not want to hire an IT director that is trying to handle all of the work on their own or that micromanages the IT team. Learning to delegate is essential for anyone who is in a managerial or director position.
It is also essential that the IT director understands how to communicate well. Keep in mind that when you are hiring, this means more than just in-person communication. They also need to be capable of communicating clearly on the phone, through email, or in online meetings.
IT directors also need to be able to solve problems related to tech and personnel. When technology breaks down, it’s up to the IT department to handle the problems as soon as possible. A downed network or the presence of viruses or malware can cost the company a substantial amount of money.
IT directors need to understand how to handle these issues calmly and in a timely manner. They also need to know how to properly handle employee matters, since they will likely be in charge of one or more IT teams.
IT Director Job Description: Education and Experience
Since IT is such an expertise-heavy department, IT directors need to have a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, or other related fields.
IT directors should have at least several years of managing teams in an IT environment. Other types of management may be helpful, but if they do not have experience working specifically in a role where they are managing IT teams, they are not likely to be an ideal candidate.
For specific industries, IT directors should have expertise and experience in niche-specific technologies and platforms that could be relevant to that industry. For example, some may have experience working with technologies for banking databases or medical tech. Relevant certifications on software or hardware platforms commonly used in the field are also a plus.
Attracting IT directors as a tech startup
Tech startups can be wildly unpredictable, and require a lot of groundwork to make functional. That’s why finding the right IT director is among the most important roles to fill.
A lot of startups fail not because of a poor customer base, or lack of funding, but because they don’t have the right team. The right IT director can help streamline processes and ensure that the company’s technological foundation is running smoothly. But you need to be extra diligent in finding the right hire.
Create a list of your needs from an IT director and make sure you communicate them in the job description. This increases your chances of finding the ideal candidate.
To attract great IT directors, make sure they have the tools and resources needed to do their job. Too often, companies want a great IT director, but they do not want to support that director or the IT once they’re onboard. Also, support them once they arrive and listen to their suggestions.
Also, provide your IT directors with plenty of room to grow within the company. People don’t want a job with no room for advancement; let them understand the potential of the role, and allow them a chance to be creative within it.
When you follow these simple tips, you will find that it becomes easier to attract the right IT directors to your job.
Ready to hire an IT director? Hunt Club can help.
