VP/ Director of Information Technology (Hybrid - Tacoma, WA)

We want to make sure you are aware of something really important. Unfortunately, there are some employment scams out there that you need to watch out for. Keep reading to make sure you stay safe and don't fall victim to these sneaky schemes. Here are some things to watch out for:

• All communication during our recruitment and onboarding process will come from Orion HR with emails ending with the domain "@orionfirst.com" or from our trusted recruiter using the domain "talenttrust.com"
• Make sure to visit our company's official Careers site and fill out an application.
• Orion First will never ask you for money (e.g., visa fees, taxes, travel expenses, etc.) or sensitive personal information (e.g., bank account, social security numbers, passport information, etc.)
• Our recruitment process follows a specific procedure, which involves a series of interviews with the hiring team. The first interview is conducted with the HR team. We rely on Microsoft Teams as our preferred video interviewing platform for all our interviews.

OUR COMPANY

Committed to the growth of our clients, Orion First appreciates the importance of its own team development. Orion s culture is built around empowering each employee to channel their drive and exercise his or her own judgment, care, and leadership. Our employees are continually leading our industry forward through active roles throughout the industry association's various councils and committees. We work hard to provide motivated and talented individuals an opportunity to achieve their career goals. We cultivate employees who express an earnest desire to learn and grow within the organization, filling new roles as they gain experience. We are always seeking to connect with driven individuals, because we know our growth and success is the result of talented, focused, and persistent hard work.

OUR BENEFITS

In addition to a salary that is competitive for both the industry and the region, Orion First offers the following benefits and perquisites:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Time Off
• Retirement
• WFH Benefit
• And More!

JOB SUMMARY

We seek a highly skilled, hands-on Director of Information Technology to oversee our financial services company's technology systems, support, and information security. The ideal candidate will be in the Tacoma, WA, area and be able to report to the office three days a week. The candidate will have a strong background in managing the Microsoft tech stack, including Windows Servers (virtual and physical), Office 365, Azure, networking, and experience with Salesforce and other core financial applications is highly desired. The Director of IT will ensure the smooth operation, health, and security of our technology infrastructure and drive innovation and efficiency. A digital-first, problem-solving mindset is a must. This role will manage two direct reports.

Please note that this role is hybrid, and only local applicants within 20 miles of Tacoma, WA will be considered.

REPORTS TO:

Chief Operating Officer

TRAVEL

Occasional travel, 1-2 times a year.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Technology Systems Management:
   • Oversee the implementation, maintenance, and optimization of all technology systems, including Microsoft tools (Office 365, Azure), Salesforce, and core financial applications, IFS LeaseWorks, and Nortridge Loan System (NLS).
   • Develop and implement strategies for the effective use of technology to support the company's goals and objectives.
   • Ensure the availability, performance, and security of all technology systems.
2. IT Support:
   • Manage a team of IT professionals responsible for providing technical support to employees, including hands-on helpdesk and case management.
   • Develop and implement processes and procedures to ensure timely and effective resolution of IT issues, including root cause analysis.
   • Provide leadership and guidance to the IT support team to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
3. IT Security and Compliance:
   • Develop and implement an IT security strategy to protect the company's technology infrastructure and data.
   • Follow the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) best practices and oversee the annual SOC audits from an IT security perspective.
   • Stay current on the latest security threats and trends and implement appropriate measures to mitigate risks.
   • Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards related to IT security.
4. Vendor Management:
   • Manage relationships with technology vendors and managed Service Provider (MSP) Intelligence Technology Solutions (ITS).
   • Evaluate and select vendors based on their ability to meet the company's needs and standards.
   • Work with senior management and legal counsel to negotiate contracts and agreements with vendors to ensure cost-effective and efficient services.
5. Project Management:
   • Lead IT infrastructure, technology implementation, and security-related projects from requirements gathering to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and meet the company's quality standards.
   • Develop project plans, including scope, budget, schedule, and resource requirements.
   • Monitor and track project progress, identify and resolve issues, and communicate project status to stakeholders.

1. Strategic Planning:
   • Work closely with senior management to develop and implement IT strategies that support the company's overall business objectives.
   • Identify opportunities for innovation and efficiency improvement through the use of technology.
   • Provide regular updates to senior management on the status of IT projects and initiatives.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Educational Background:

• Bachelor s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Advanced Degree (e.g., MBA, Master s in IT) is a plus.

Professional Experience:

• Extensive experience in IT management roles, with at least 10 years in progressively responsible positions.
• Hands-on experience with both on-premise infrastructure and Azure cloud services.
• Proven track record in managing complex IT projects and leading cross-functional teams.
• Experience with IT security practices and compliance standards. Preferably NIST Security Framework.

Technical Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of on-premise infrastructure, including servers, networking, and storage.
• Strong expertise in Azure cloud services, including Azure Active Directory, Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Storage, and Azure Networking.
• Familiarity with hybrid environments that integrate on-premise and cloud resources.
• Experience with Microsoft SharePoint and Office 365 for collaboration and productivity solutions.
• Experience with IT Infrastructure Management Tools and monitoring solutions.
• Knowledge of scripting and automation (e.g., PowerShell, Azure CLI, Power Automate).

Leadership and Management Skills:

• Excellent leadership skills with experience in managing and developing IT teams.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to align IT initiatives with business goals.
• Strong project management skills with a track record of delivering projects on time and within budget.
• Effective communication skills for interacting with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Problem-solving abilities to address and resolve complex technical issues.

Personal Attributes:

• Adaptability to rapidly changing technology environments.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with disaster recovery and business continuity planning.
• Understanding of data privacy regulations and compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
• Knowledge of industry-specific technologies such as Nortridge Loan System and IFS LeaseWorks.

Certifications (Preferred):

• Microsoft Azure Certifications such as Azure Solutions Architect, Azure Administrator, or Azure DevOps Engineer.
• ITIL Certification for IT service management.
• Project Management Certification such as PMP or Prince2.
• Security Certifications such as CISSP or CISM.