Director, IT

Take the next step in your career by joining the team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo! The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking a Director of Information Technology. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director, Information Technology is accountable for the planning, implementation, operation, security and retirement of all Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (WICZ) information technology.In accordance with this mandate, the Director, Information Technology is also responsible for:Leading the IT team (staff, contractors, vendors) responsible for WICZ’s information technologyManaging the budget (capital, operating) associated with WICZ’s information technologyDirecting the use of technology to further WICZ’s purpose and strategic goalsPartnering with WICZ business units to ensure their technology requirements are met and their business goals are optimally supported by technology.What you will do:The following duties are typical for this role. Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.Champion technology at WICZ:Develop strategic plan for technology at WICZ, enabling WICZ’s strategic goals while ensuring cost-effectiveness, reliability/supportabilityKeep up-to-date on technology developments and ensure the implications for WICZ are understood and planned for (including adoption of new technologies)Communicate technology concerns/considerations to WICZ leaders and maintain visibility in leadership meetings, decisions and direction-settingOversee the implementation of technology strategy at WICZ. Maintain up-to-date strategic vision and overall technology posture at WICZPartner with WICZ leaders to ensure their technology requirements are met and their business goals are optimally supported by technologyOversee WICZ Technology Implementations/OperationsEnsure WICZ technology is cost-effective, reliable and secure through effective selection, implementation, and ongoing operational processes.Maintain departmental knowledge/expertise across all WICZ technology domains, including: Network (Fortinet) and server (Nutanix) operations (primary/secondary data centres), Desktop/laptop/POS workstations, including hardware/operating system management, asset management, deployment practicesOversee the continuous improvement of cybersecurity technologies and practices:WICZ peripherals (printers, pinpads, monitors, video-conferencing/AV equipment, etc.)Microsoft Cloud (365) Systems (Teams, O365, SharePoint, etc.)SaaS technologies and best practicesApply operational best practices as appropriate for WICZ (e.g. ITIL, CIS, NIST, etc.)Promote a Service Orientation:Provide leadership and role modelling as a customer service champion, create a culture of service excellenceInitiate and promote communication and feedback with IT across WICZ, assuring all significant technology related issues are being communicated and discussed.Maintain effective partnerships with external vendors, ensuring timely, cost-effective supportManage People and Processes:Provide management and leadership to the IT department, ensuring the team culture/environment is collaborative, collegial and supportive. Ensure effective cross training and succession planning for support of critical systems.Develop and implement appropriate leadership responses to IT team feedback, via 1:1 conversations, surveys, IT Team meetings, etc.Provide feedback and development plans for employees through WICZ’s performance evaluation processes and regular coaching sessionsManage IT’s operating and capital budgets by preparing and monitoring the budgets, revising/reforecasting and/or adjusting plans as required.As part of the Leadership Team, contribute to the strategic direction of WICZ and provide leadership to the organization more broadly.What you will bring:Minimum 15 years related Information Technology experienceBachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent is requiredMaster of Business Administration or equivalent is an assetPossession of ITIL, PMP, CBAP, CISSIP, etc., is preferredProven ability to lead IT departments/teams providing services to a number of business/customer departmentsExperience with implementing cybersecurity best practices and an ability to stay current in this rapidly evolving landscapeAbility to provide technology leadership to a multi-faceted organization, working collaboratively with executives/leaders, advocating and educating regarding technology issues, and promoting best technology practices across the organizationIT strategy development and implementation across a variety of technology domainsProven track record of leading people and implementing complex projects.Proven record of customer service success and working with business partnersFinancial/budget management expertise; business case development skills.An effective communicator, coach, motivator, collaborator, and problem solver. Eager to take ownership and motivate staff to do likewise.Working Conditions:This largely sedentary position requires considerable keyboard work and occasional on-grounds mobility. In addition, the individual uses filing cabinets to maintain files and occasionally refers to boxed files (on site and in storage) to address inquiries. Periodic extended hours may be required, not limited to some on call, weekend and evening responsibilities.The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility and all staff working at the zoo must be comfortable working in a large variety of outdoor conditions. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues.What the Zoo Offers:Competitive compensation, vacation and flex days entitlementFlexible benefits plan, including a health spending accountEmployer matching RRSP programDiscounts on food, beverage, and merchandiseParticipation in the Staff Pass Benefit planA fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of wild animalsAre you ready to join one of Canada’s leaders in wildlife conservation? If this position suits your skills, experience and personal attributes, we want to talk to you!Apply by doing the following:Watch this video about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1VH1MBXm0)Submit your resume and cover letter via our online application system.Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.If this position is a fit for you, we encourage you to apply with a resume and cover letter online by 4pm MST on September 20, 2024.The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. As a conservation organization, we respect and value the diversity of all life and come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the organization’s mission and vision. We recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that only those selected for interviews will be contacted. #J-18808-Ljbffr