Director, Information Technology

American Water Works Association; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

LRWRA is seeking a Senior IT Director to lead the information technology department, directing strategy, governance, and delivery across networks, ERP systems, and security programs. You will drive modernization, budgeting, and risk management while collaborating with executives to align technology with organizational goals.

The role demands a decade of IT experience, including leadership, strong communication, and an ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution in a municipal

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Ten years of progressively responsible information technology experience, including at least five years of supervisory or leadership experience over IT professionals.
• Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and certifications that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technology services in a small to mid-sized organization, balancing strategic planning with hands-on involvement.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to prioritize competing initiatives in a resource-constrained environment.
• Strong professional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Licensures, Certifications, and Registrations such as CISSP, CISM, PMP, ITIL are preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the IT department and set strategic information technology direction for the utility.
• Monitor technology innovations and advise on the best course for infrastructure, systems, and applications.
• Develop and maintain a multi-year technology roadmap with budget implications.
• Oversee IT department resources, budgets, and asset utilization.
• Ensure security, recoverability, and continuity of IT systems, networks, and data.
• Define KPIs and stay aware of regulatory and industry developments affecting IT operations.
• Coordinate with departments to support acquisition and operation of utility-specific applications.
• Provide leadership and development to IT staff and drive a customer-service culture.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic IT planning

Communication

Project management

Information security

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Network management

Cybersecurity tools

Job description

SAFETY SENSITIVE—NO

UNIFORM REQUIRED—NO

POSITION OVERVIEW

This position requires strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills; an ability to function in a collaborative and collegial environment; high integrity and intelligence; excellent judgment; a conceptual thinker - strategic as well as pragmatic; and an ability to generate trust and build alliances with co-workers.

Oversight of the security, reliability, and availability of the organization’s information technology environment encompassing networks, hardware, software, telecommunications services, enterprise and utility-specific applications, end-user support services, disaster recovery and ensuring business continuity.

Directing and integrating information technology staff, contractors, and consultants engaged in the support, development, design, implementation, maintenance, and security of wired and wireless networks, telecommunications services, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, utility-related systems, and desktop hardware and software applications deployed throughout the organization.

This position is part of the senior leadership team and is responsible for ensuring that any IT implications associated with other significant initiatives across the organization are appropriately considered and evaluated.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS)

Technology Leadership and Advocacy:

Work with the senior leadership team to set the strategic information technology direction for the utility and the IT team.

Continuously monitor innovation within the field of technology by observing "best of breed" companies, within the water reclamation industry and beyond to advise the best course to take when making technology decisions.

Develop, implement, and maintain a multi-year technology roadmap aligned with LRWRA’s strategic objectives, identifying short- and long-term initiatives for infrastructure, systems, and applications, and clearly identifying operating and capital budget impacts.

Participate in and represent the organization at selected professional associations, user groups, and industry forums as appropriate to organizational needs.

IT Program Management:

Responsible for IT department resources including management, coordination, and assistance for all hardware, software, network and other information system related services, projects, programs, and the integration of these activities into the overall LRWRA plan.

Accountable for development and oversight of the IT operating and capital budgets and resource utilization.

Ensure that core hardware, software, and systems required by employees are available, reliable and effective.

Ensure the security and recoverability of LRWRA IT systems, networks and data.

Direct the organization’s efforts to protect networks, systems, applications, and data from cybersecurity threats using risk-based practices appropriate to a municipal utility environment.

Define, monitor, and report on key information technology and cybersecurity performance indicators, and maintain awareness of relevant regulatory, legal, and industry developments affecting municipal and utility technology operations.

Develop, maintain, and periodically test IT disaster recovery and business continuity plans to ensure continuity of critical services.

Coordinate with operational, engineering, and administrative departments to support acquisition, implementation and operation of utility-specific applications, including coordination related to operational technology (OT) and control systems, as applicable, while clearly defining roles and responsibilities to avoid overlap.

Employee Management and Development:

Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership and direction to the Information Technology Department, ensuring a high-performance, service-oriented environment aligned with the mission, vision, and values of LRWRA.

Plan, organize, manage, and evaluate the work of the IT Department and, in coordination with peers, develop, implement, and monitor work plans, priorities, and performance measures to achieve organizational goals and objectives.

Create and maintain a culture of customer service that includes effective internal partnerships, practical service delivery, and responsiveness to organizational needs, with awareness of impacts to ratepayers and the public.

Other:

Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing technology guidance to organizational planning and decision-making.

Maintain a valid Arkansas driver’s license and the ability to operate company vehicles, as required for travel between facilities or response to critical incidents.

LEVEL OF SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works with minimal supervision.

Exercises sound, independent judgment in resolving most situations and determining appropriate courses of action, escalating issues based on organizational risk or operational impact.

Responsible for the productivity and performance of the Information Technology Department, providing leadership, coaching, and oversight for approximately five IT staff members, including the Director position.

TOTAL POSITIONS SUPERVISED

Directly supervises two non-director IT staff members and provides indirect supervision and functional leadership to remaining IT personnel.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Required:

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, or a related field from an accredited college or university.

Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible information technology experience, including at least five years of supervisory or leadership experience over IT professionals.

Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and certifications that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Demonstrated ability to lead technology services in a small to mid-sized organization, balancing strategic planning with hands-on involvement.

Strong project management skills, including the ability to prioritize competing initiatives in a resource-constrained environment.

Strong professional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

Demonstrated skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, and collaborative decision-making.

Preferred:

Licensures, Certifications, and Registrations

Relevant professional certifications related to information security, IT governance, or project management (such as CISSP, CISM, PMP, ITIL, or comparable credentials) are preferred but not required.

This position has been evaluated as to whether a momentary lapse of attention may result in grave and immediate danger to the employee, coworkers, or the public. If the designation is yes, the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act (AMMA) of 2016 will govern working conditions. If not, the AMMA will not apply to the position.

This position has been evaluated as to the mandated wearing of a company uniform during working hours. It has been determined that employees in this position are not required to wear a company uniform during working hours.