Director of Information Systems and Technology
Please send cover letters and resumes to jobs@fourthchurch.org.
No phone calls, please.

Position Description

The Director of Information Technology and Systems is responsible for overseeing all aspects of technology operations and information systems for Fourth Presbyterian Church and Chicago Lights. The Director will collaborate with leaders to develop and implement an organizational IT and IS strategy to support programs and ministries, including managing relationships with external vendors providing IT support and services. Duties include analyzing the organization’s requirements for information systems and infrastructure, developing and overseeing an implementation plan to meet these needs, devising and establishing IT policies, and developing a training plan. This person is also responsible for ensuring reliable daily IT operations and for developing and managing internal staff and/or external technology partners to provide technology support to the staff of 100.

Schedule

This role is full-time. Occasional evening and weekend work hours may be required.

Location and Compensation

Location: This is a hybrid role with some opportunity to work remotely. In office days will be at our downtown Chicago location.

Compensation - Salary: $115,000 - $120,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.

Essential Functions

• Leadership:
o Oversee all technology operations, evaluate their efficacy and plan for their upgrades. This includes network, servers, cyber security, end-user equipment and A/V equipment (sound systems, video equipment, screens, projectors, Zoom carts.)
o Strategic Planning: Developing and implementing IT and IS strategies that align with the organization’s mission and goals, including technology upgrades and innovations.
o Budget Management: Planning and managing the IT and IS budget to ensure cost-effectiveness while securing necessary technological resources.
o Manage IT staff by assigning work, providing regular feedback, evaluating performance and collaborating on growth plans.
• Vendor Management: Overseeing relationships with external vendors to ensure service level agreements (SLAs) and expectations are met.
• Security Oversight: Ensuring data security and compliance with relevant laws and regulations, including managing cybersecurity strategies and disaster recovery plans.
• Technology Integration: Facilitating the integration of new technologies into existing systems, and ensuring these integrations meet organizational needs efficiently.
• Technology Leadership: Keep up to date with emerging technologies and trends, recommending innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency and productivity.
• System Maintenance and Updates: Coordinating with vendors for regular system maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting to minimize downtime.
• Performance Monitoring: Monitoring system performance and working with vendors to resolve any issues that impact operations.
• Staff Training: Arranging training and support for end users to ensure they can effectively and securely use technology tools and systems.
• Policy Development: Developing and enforcing IT policies and procedures that support the organization's objectives and operational requirements.
• Project Management: Leading IT and IS projects from conception to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to specification.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with staff and congregational leaders to determine how technology can be utilized in support of ministries and programs.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Experience in analysis, implementation and evaluation of IT and IS systems and their specifications.
• Adept collaborator with experience in providing guidance to others. Ability to work and communicate with a wide range of external and internal constituents.
• Strong analytical skills, able to establish priorities, manage multiple projects, and make sound decisions with close attention to detail.
• Goal oriented and driven by results. Able to manage multiple priorities.
• Self-starter with the ability to take initiative and work independently, but also able to work successfully in a variety of groups to meet objectives.
• Keen attention to detail with strong organizational skills and a commitment to accuracy and follow-through.
• Leadership and Management: Strong leadership skills to guide IT operations and manage vendor relationships effectively.
• Vendor Management: Experience in negotiating with and managing service providers and IT vendors.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement IT strategies that align with the organization’s goals.
• Technical Proficiency: Broad knowledge of IT systems, networking, cybersecurity, and software development.
• Project Management: Skills in overseeing projects from inception to completion, ensuring they meet deadlines, budgets, and specifications.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills (listen, speak and write) to effectively collaborate with other departments, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to quickly address and resolve technical issues that may impact operations.
• Budgeting and Financial Management: Capability to manage IT budgets and optimize spending for technology investments.
• Change Management: Skills in managing the seamless integration of new technologies and systems within the organization.
• Risk Management: Competence in assessing and mitigating risks related to IT operations and cybersecurity.
• Commitment to Mission: Desire and aptitude for working within a diverse, mission-driven organization and a commitment to the mission and work of Chicago Lights and Fourth Presbyterian Church.
• Commitment to Racial Equity and Social Justice: Recognize the role of race, income, age, immigration status, and other identities in shaping disparities, and work toward amplifying community voices to advocate for equity. Recognize how your own identities show up in the work, and welcome, reflect on, and act on feedback with an eye toward continuous learning about race, ability, and other lines of difference.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science or relevant field, professional certifications a plus.
• At least 3 years’ experience as an IT or IS leader with evidence of progressive leadership responsibilities.
• Knowledge of industry standards and relevant legal requirements.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with different abilities to perform essential functions.
• Must be able to participate in online virtual communications including email, video conferencing, and other online tools used to facilitate virtual office culture and work sharing.
• Smoke and drug (illegal or recreational) free environment.
• Fourth Church aims for accessibility in any off-site location in its control, but some of them may not be fully accessible.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and scanners. Employees are required to communicate effectively via computer, via phone, and in-person.
• This role requires frequent sitting and standing.
• Requires ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects up to 50 lbs.

EEO Statement

Fourth Presbyterian Church and Chicago Lights are committed to equal employment opportunity for all qualified applicants and employees, without regard to race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity and/or expression, age, creed, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status or familial status, veteran status, military status, source of income, political affiliation or any other factor protected by law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

Fourth Church and Chicago Lights are committed to elevating the voices of women, young people, people of color, Native people, immigrant and refugees, low-income people, LGBTQ+, and transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary people, people with disabilities, and young parents. We encourage people from these communities to apply.

Application Process

To apply please send resume and cover letter to jobs@fourthchurch.org

No phone calls, please.

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