Position Summary
The Director of Information Technology (IT) serves as the strategic and operational leader of all technology initiatives across the organization. This executive role is responsible for shaping the digital future of the agency, ensuring that technology systems, services, and partnerships are aligned with organizational goals, secure, scalable, and high-performing.
The Director will oversee a diverse portfolio of external technology vendors, managed service providers (MSPs), software-as-a-service (SaaS) platforms, and systems integrators. This position demands a forward-thinking leader with a zero-tolerance approach to mediocrity, a passion for innovation, and a commitment to operational excellence.
Core Responsibilities
Strategic IT Leadership
• Develop and execute a comprehensive IT strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission, operational priorities, and long-term growth.
• Serve as the principal advisor to executive leadership on technology trends, digital transformation, and risk mitigation.
• Lead enterprise-wide initiatives to modernize infrastructure, enhance service delivery, and improve digital accessibility.
• Champion the adoption of emerging technologies that drive innovation, efficiency, and public value.
Technology Operations & Infrastructure
• Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of all IT systems, including network architecture, cloud platforms, enterprise applications, and data centers.
• Ensure high availability, reliability, and performance of mission-critical systems.
• Establish and enforce IT policies, procedures, and standards for system administration, data governance, and operational continuity.
• Lead the development of business continuity and disaster recovery plans to safeguard organizational resilience.
Cybersecurity & Risk Management
• Design and implement a robust cybersecurity framework that protects digital assets, sensitive data, and user privacy.
• Conduct regular risk assessments, penetration testing, and vulnerability scans to identify and remediate threats.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including data protection laws and cybersecurity mandates.
• Lead incident response efforts and coordinate with legal, compliance, and law enforcement when necessary.
• Vendor Oversight & Accountability
• Supervise and direct multiple external technology vendors, including MSPs, SaaS providers, and systems integrators.
• Lead contract negotiations, renewals, and procurement processes to secure favorable terms and high-value partnerships.
• Enforce service-level agreements (SLAs) and monitor vendor performance using KPIs, scorecards, and regular reviews.
• Drive accountability and continuous improvement across all vendor relationships, with zero tolerance for underperformance or non-compliance.
• Ensure vendor solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned with enterprise architecture standards.
• Team Development & Organizational Culture
• Recruit, mentor, and retain a high-performing internal IT team with diverse skill sets and perspectives.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and innovation-driven culture within the IT department.
• Provide professional development opportunities, performance feedback, and leadership coaching to staff.
• Promote cross-departmental collaboration and knowledge sharing to maximize technology impact.
Data Strategy & Digital Services
• Oversee enterprise data management, analytics platforms, and reporting tools to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Lead initiatives to digitize services, streamline workflows, and improve user experience across internal and public-facing platforms.
• Ensure interoperability and integration of systems to support seamless data exchange and operational efficiency.
Qualifications Required
• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive IT leadership experience, including at least 3 years in a director-level or executive role.
• Demonstrated success managing enterprise IT operations, vendor relationships, and cybersecurity programs.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience enforcing SLAs and driving vendor accountability.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex technology projects.
• Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills.
Preferred
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Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or Technology Management.
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Experience in public sector, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations.
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Familiarity with ITIL, COBIT, NIST, or other IT governance frameworks.
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Professional certifications such as PMP, CISSP, CISM, or CGEIT.
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Compensation & Benefits
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Competitive executive salary commensurate with experience
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Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance Retirement plan with employer contributions
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Paid time off, holidays, and professional development support
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Opportunities to lead transformative technology initiatives that impact the community
To Apply:
Submit resumes to resumes@gatewayport.com
The Plaquemines Port Harbor and Terminal District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
