Director of Information Technology

The Director of Information Technology will be a key member of ZGF’s top leadership, overseeing and directing all areas of information technology, including systems, infrastructure, design technology, staff, and services for all ZGF’s offices across North America. The Director of IT will be instrumental in promoting a culture of excellence and innovation, ensuring optimal day-to-day technology operations but also spearheading advancements that will keep ZGF at the forefront of the design industry and evolving world of information technology. This role will require collaboration with people and teams at multiple scales, balancing the need for standardization and operational efficiency with attentiveness to teams’ individual needs. The qualified individual for ZGF’s Director of IT must embody leadership, vision, operational rigor, and the collaboration skills necessary to communicate a coherent technology strategy consistent with ZGF’s preeminent role as an experienced and innovative design firm.

The Director of Information Technology will lead ZGF’s Technology group across its seven North American offices and build strong, collaborative relationships with the firm’s senior leadership. The Director of IT will report to the Partner and Technology Liaison and work very closely with all 16 Equity Partners. The successful candidate will lead a staff of 30.

As a Director of Information Technology, you will…

• Define and oversee technology development, implementation plans, documentation, and systems maintenance
• Collaborate with partners, principals, and other design professionals to establish firm priorities, prioritize initiatives, ensure proper resourcing and regularly, establish performance expectations for information technology
• Position the firm as an industry leader for its innovative, creative and effective use of Information Technology
• Take ownership of the development of ZGF’s technology roadmap; lead strategic technological planning and oversee the evaluation, development, and integration of future technologies
• Collaborate strategically on firm operations with the heads of finance, HR and communications functions
• Support the Director of Information Security in developing and implementing a security roadmap, ensuring that appropriate information security procedures, policies, processes, and technology components are in place for cyber security, data protection, compliance, and disaster recovery
• Work seamlessly with the Senior Manager of Design Technology to identify and implement digital design technologies that will further innovation and creativity
• Identify and implement applicable and appropriate technology trends and platforms to position the firm as an industry leader relating to the innovative, creative, and effective use and application of technology
• Define standards, policies, procedures, measures, and organization enhancement to meet company goals for technology
• Cultivate and maintain strong lines of communication with end-users; continuously seek ways to innovate and provide enhanced support to improve business operations and enable the firm to better serve its clients
• Advocate for and communicate technology initiatives with senior management and key stakeholders
• Ensure responsive support for the firm’s information technology function, including all end- user applications, infrastructure, and devices; provide for appropriate disaster recovery and business continuity contingencies
• Ensure that appropriate procedures, policies, processes, and technology components are in place for cyber security, data protection, compliance, and disaster recovery
• Recruit, manage, mentor, and develop staff – provide specific, measurable, goals, timely feedback, and ensure that all functional resources are in alignment with the firm’s vision
• Create and maintain an information technology department culture of high credibility, transparency, responsiveness, open and clear communication, and excellent client service
• Work productively and cooperatively on cross-functional teams in all areas of the business
• Oversee the technology budget, project scheduling, and procurement

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 15 years of progressive information technology experience and a minimum of five to seven years in a high-level management role, directing a multi-location team in a dynamic, growth-oriented professional services firm environment; architecture firm experience considered a plus
• Experience leading all areas of the information technology function, including systems, infrastructure, services, applications, telecommunications, devices, networks, and security; familiarity with a broad range of technology platforms, systems, tools, and applications
• An understanding and deep appreciation of the strategic role of information technology in the AEC field
• A strong “client-service” philosophy to providing information technology services, and the ability to instill the client service culture into the information technology team
• Creativity and ability to provide overall strategic vision for the application of technology in a design services business
• Ability to make solid, proactive recommendations that leverage technology to enhance both internal and external client service and business growth
• An understanding of a broad range of technologies, including systems for enterprise work process, mobility, data management, and cloud-based computing, including Microsoft Exchange and SQL Server
• Excellent listening and clear communication skills; outstanding presentation skills that can be tailored to small and large groups
• Strong communication and presentation skills; must be able to effectively communicate technical concepts to design leaders, clients, and general audiences
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including team-building and staff management; proven success recruiting, mentoring, managing, and developing effective, client service-oriented information technology teams
• The ability to synthesize a range of viewpoints and opinions from the firm’s key stakeholders and coalesce them into a unified, adaptable, effective technology strategy
• Demonstrated success in strategic technology planning, execution, and policy development
• Experience with and understanding of data architecture and knowledge management 
• Understanding of business fundamentals as they relate to the operation of a design / service-oriented / client-centric firm.
• A Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in information technology or related field

Base Salary Range

$200.000/yr - $250.000/yr

Benefits

ZGF Employees Enjoy Medical, Dental and Vision coverage with a generous employer contribution, HSA with employer contribution, 401k with employer match, 4 weeks of PTO and 10 paid holidays per year, paid parental and family leave programs and a hybrid work environment.

Apply With:

• Cover letter
• Resume

ZGF Architects LLP is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We invite qualified candidates to apply online posting cover letter, resume, and portfolio.