Utah Retirement Systems provides benefits for state and other Utah Public employees through the work of two divisions. The Retirement Office administers pension and retirement benefits.  PEHP Health & Benefits specializes in medical, dental, life, and other benefits.  We take pride in providing a peace of mind for thousands of Utah families.  We are committed to our public mission and maintaining a positive team environment.  We offer a competitive salary, and our benefits far exceed what most modern employers offer.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director - Information Technology is a key executive role tasked with the governance, execution, and enhancement of information and computer technologies within the organization. The Director - Information Technology will chart the course for the enterprise IT strategy, ensuring it is in lockstep with the organization’s business ambitions and directives. Leads the IT department, fostering innovation, prioritizing IT initiatives, and coordinating the evaluation, deployment, and management of current and future IT needs while ensuring that the technology infrastructure is robust, secure, and strategically sound. The Director - Information Technology will also work with other key executives to ensure collaboration and cooperation across the organization as it relates to IT functions and needs. In addition, the Director - Information Technology shall provide input and advice to the Executive Director on strategic planning issues and the associated role of IT.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

1. Formulates, communicates, and supervises the implementation of a comprehensive IT and cybersecurity strategy.
2. Manages the IT budget, ensuring cost-effective resource allocation and financial planning.
3. Leads the IT department in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in service delivery.
4. Provides mentorship and career development opportunities for IT personnel.
5. Drives innovation and explores new technologies.
6. Facilitates communication between the IT department and other business units.
7. Provides leadership and direction in IT-related issues within the organization.
8. Ensures that cybersecurity measures are integrated across all platforms and services used by the organization.
9. Negotiates contracts with technology vendors, ensuring favorable terms and conditions for the organization.
10. Oversees vendor relationships, monitors performance, and manages IT vendor contracts throughout their lifecycle.
11. Serves as a member of the Executive Team and represents the IT department at the executive level, communicating strategies, challenges, and achievements.
12. Evaluates worker performance and makes decisions affecting job retention, advancement, discipline, and discharge. Directs and controls recruitment and selection activities for staff members.
13. Develops, implements, and interprets policies. Establishes guidelines and develops processes and procedures necessary for on‑going compliance, maintenance, and enhancement of system efficiency and effectiveness. Assures procedures and programs are properly documented and understandable.
14. Coordinates with interdepartmental committees in the development, testing and implementation of information systems.
15. Coordinates training for departments, divisions, and sections on use of information system equipment and programs
16. Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
17. Performs other related duties as required.
18. Maintains strict confidentiality.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in a computer related field and eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience performing a variety of executive, technical, administrative and managerial duties related to planning, organizing, developing, implementing, coordinating, directing, and controlling information technology for an organization, three (3) years of which in a supervisory or managerial capacity; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Master’s degree in business or information systems is preferred.

Specific experience in the management and design of IT systems preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This list contains knowledge, skills, and abilities that are typically associated with the job.

Required technical skills include the extensive knowledge of:

• Information technology systems, concepts, and ideas.
• Proven experience in IT Infrastructure planning, development, and operations.
• Problem solving and analytical capabilities.
• Computer configuration and design.
• Translate relevant business concepts to efficient system driven processes.
• Ability to analyze a variety of computer issues and problems and make recommendations.

Required advanced knowledge and ability of:

• IT operations and technology.
• Project management principles and practices.
• Data security and cybersecurity.

Required mathematical skills include working knowledge of:

• Basic algebra and geometry.
• Binary and hexadecimal number systems.
• Metric system.

Must possess excellent communication skills:

• Effective negotiation skills when dealing with vendors and employment related situations.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical documentation.
• Ability to draft reports, business correspondence, and technical documentation.
• Present technical ideas, concepts, and procedures to end users and top management.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with professionals, executives (internal), department heads, co‑workers, and vendors.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

Must have the ability to:

• Conceptualize long-term business goals and develop orderly processes to accomplish those goals.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Adapt to change and manage multiple priorities.
• Prioritize work.
• Perform within deadlines.
• Use strong problem solving and analytical capabilities.
• Handle changing priorities, deal with ambiguity, and use good judgment in stressful situations.
• Lead by example and demonstrate integrity, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Interact and influence a variety of users, senior management, and executive leadership.
• Work well in a team environment as well as independently.
• Multi-task by handling a variety of duties in a timely and efficient manner.
• Follow through with assignments.
• Deal effectively with stress caused by workload and time deadlines.

Position requires occasional travel for office business. Individual must be physically capable of safely operating a vehicle, possess a valid driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record based upon data provided by a current Department of Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Work Environment

Incumbent performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require a variety of physical activities which do not generally involve muscular strain, but do require activities related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing and seeing. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity required to perform essential functions.