Director Information Technology

Learn About Us

At the American Mathematical Society (AMS) we value excellence, inclusivity and teamwork. We work at the forefront of advancing and connecting the diverse mathematical community worldwide, and we are seeking curious, innovative, collaborative individuals to join our team.

The AMS serves 30,000 members and 570 institutions worldwide through programs and services that promote mathematical research and its uses, strengthen mathematical education, and foster awareness and appreciation of mathematics and its connections to other disciplines and everyday life.

What We Offer

• Hybrid work policy and excellent work-life balance
• Generous benefit offerings including
• 9.5% employer contribution to 403(a) Retirement Pla
• 100% employer-paid Life, AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Medical and Dental coverage with Employer cost shar
• Voluntary Vision, Life/AD&D, and Long-term Care Insurance available through payroll deduction
• 12 paid holidays
• Paid time off starting at 21 days per year
• $500 Computing benefit to be used for set up of home office (for applicable roles)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and a welcoming environment

The AMS has three offices – our headquarters in Providence, Rhode Island; Mathematical Reviews in Ann Arbor, Michigan; and the Office of Government Relations in Washington, DC.

SUMMARY:

The Director’s role is to ensure the streamlined operation of the department in alignment with the business objectives of the organization. The Information Technology (IT) Department is responsible for the efficient and secure operation of the network, desktop computers, servers, printers, and peripherals to meet the Society’s business needs. The Director will plan, coordinate, direct, and design the IT-related activities across all locations of the organization. The Director will also provide administrative direction and support for daily operational activities of the department. The Director will work closely with the Chief Information Officer, other computing department managers, and decision makers in other departments in order to identify, recommend, procure, implement, and support cost-effective, reliable, and secure technology solutions to support the business needs of the organization. This person will also oversee definition of, implementation of, and training of users in Society-wide IT policies, procedures, and best practices.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Strategy & Planning

• Lead department operational planning and projects, and organize and negotiate the allocation of resources.
• Work with stakeholders to define business and systems requirements for new technology implementations.
• Conduct research and remain current with the latest technologies and solutions in support of procurement effort
• Conduct system feasibility studies and testing
• Participate in development and execution of an enterprise-wide disaster recovery and business continuity plan.

Acquisition & Deployment

• Manage the monitoring and diagnosing of network and hardware problems
• Develop business case justifications and cost/benefit analyses for IT spending and initiatives
• Research, recommend, and approve purchase of hardware and software in order to meet operational requirements of the business across all locations
• Analyze existing operations and make recommendations for the improvement and growth of the network infrastructure and IT systems

Operational Management

• Ensure the efficient utilization of IT resources – including personnel and equipment – across the organization.
• Oversee all reports and documentation related to network and systems operations
• Approve maintenance schedules for network and systems equipment
• Develop and implement all functional policies and procedures, including those for network architecture, security, archiving, standards, purchasing, and services
• Oversee development and implementation of IT security training for users
• Practice asset management for IT hardware, software, and equipment.
• Prepare and monitor the department budget
• Monitor and manage departmental projects
• Supervise end-user services, including help desk and technical support services.
• Other duties as assigned

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:

• Establish and maintain regular written and in-person communications with the organization’s executives, department heads, and end users regarding pertinent department activities
• Work with volunteer leadership to satisfy their role-specific computing needs as appropriate
• Serve as a member of the Computer Coordinating Council
• Maintain working relationships with software vendors and contractors in support of computing services

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage and provide direction for the department staff
• Manage staffing, including recruitment, supervision, scheduling, professional development, evaluation, and disciplinary actions

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in the field of computer science or information systems and/or 10 years related work experience
• Strong technical knowledge of network and PC operating systems, including Linux and Windows
• Strong technical knowledge of current network hardware, protocols, and standards, including TCP/IP and SMTP
• Strong technical knowledge of security standards and protocols
• Proven experience in IT infrastructure planning and development.
• Excellent understanding of the organization’s goals and objectives
• In-depth knowledge of applicable data privacy practices and laws
• Strong understanding of human resource management principles, practices, and procedures
• Strong understanding of project management principles
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Exceptional customer service orientation
• Extensive experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
• Ability to create business cases, budgets, project reports, etc.

ATTRIBUTES AND COMPETENCIES: The following attributes and competencies are indicators of the skills and/or behaviors necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the position:

• Demonstrates understanding of organization’s mission, structure, culture, and constituencies
• Demonstrates knowledge of own department’s work activities and mission; understands how own job impacts work of department
• Responds positively to changes in the organization and the workplace
• Demonstrates flexibility in responding to work demands
• Demonstrates and communicates respect for the opinions and beliefs of other people at all levels and fosters a climate of mutual respect
• Plans and organizes work effectively
• Accepts accountability for job performance and results
• Works effectively with others in a variety of settings
• Uses communication tools effectively (e.g., presentation, verbal, writing, relationship building, negotiating, listening) to meet needs of audience and/or situation
• Maintains professional composure in challenging situations
• Exercises discretion in identifying, handling, and safeguarding confidential information
• Addresses issues constructively, building cooperative relationships within and across departments
• Receptive to feedback and willing to try different approaches in order to achieve the best results

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Duties performed cause light fatigue of eyes, fingers, or other faculties due to long periods of standing, sitting or repetitive motion
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other devices

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Typical office environment, climate-controlled, minimal noise
• Performing primarily sedentary work with limited physical exertion and lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Extended work hours may be required to meet project deadlines or resolve unexpected problems
• This position is required to be in-office with hybrid potential

Other duties disclaimer: This job description is a general description of essential job functions. It is not intended as an employment contract, nor is it intended to describe all duties someone in this position may perform.