IT Manager

IT Manager

Develop people. Build structure. Drive modernization. Deliver impact.

Location:

Champaign, IL

Job Type: Full-time

Classification: IT Manager/Administrative Coordinator

Reports to:

Director of IT Operations & Services

The IT Manager role offers the opportunity to lead two critical operational teams and shape SURS’ evolving technology landscape. Ideal candidates are energized by guiding technical professionals, improving operational processes, and helping modernize core infrastructure. This position is well suited for someone who values purposeful leadership, enjoys translating technical considerations into actionable decisions, and wants to contribute to a mission‑driven organization building a stronger, more forward‑looking IT foundation.

The IT Manager oversees the daily operations of the IT Operations Team, which includes Infrastructure and Endpoints/User Services. This position provides leadership and supervision to technical and support staff, ensuring reliable service delivery, high-quality customer support, operational consistency, and adherence to IT policies, security requirements, and compliance standards. The IT Manager leads operational technical projects, coordinates cross-team and vendor activities, partners closely with Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) and Security teams, and ensures effective execution of IT Operational processes under the strategic direction of the Director of IT Operations & Services.

• Manage day-to-day operations of the IT team
  • Provide daily leadership and supervision for Infrastructure and Endpoints/User Services team members.
  • Monitor and ensure high-quality customer service, timely ticket resolution, and consistent adherence to service delivery standards.
  • Oversee staff scheduling, task assignments, performance evaluations, coaching, and professional development.
  • Ensure team operations align with established IT procedures, service expectations, security policies, and compliance requirements.
  • Maintain operational readiness, coverage, and continuity across all supported systems and services.
  • Conduct hiring, onboarding, coaching, training, performance evaluations, and corrective action as appropriate.
• Lead and execute operational and technical projects
  • Plan, organize, and deliver operational and infrastructure projects within IT operations, including system upgrades, endpoint lifecycle initiatives, and service enhancement efforts.
  • Track project timelines, risks, milestones, documentation, and status updates.
  • Manage logistics and follow-through for disaster recovery testing and readiness under Director-led strategic planning.
  • Ensure project activities are executed according to established standards, procedures, and technical requirements.
• Coordinate with other teams, departments, and external vendors
  • Serve as the primary operational liaison across IT Operations, collaborating with Team Leads, Application Development, Security, and other internal stakeholders.
  • Partner with GRC and Security to implement required controls, support compliance activities, remediate audit findings, and ensure operational procedures align with governance and security policies.
  • Coordinate with vendors for scheduling, documentation, deliverables tracking, service quality review, and procurement-related tasks.
  • Communicate operational impacts, dependencies, and updates to stakeholders across the organization.
• Provide stewardship of IT operational resources
  • Oversee inventory, lifecycle, and compliance management for hardware, software, licenses, and support contracts.
  • Ensure operational documentation, procedures, and inventories are accurate, current, and aligned with organizational and audit standards.
  • Provide operational inputs for budgeting and resource forecasting.
  • Identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency, operational performance, and service reliability.
  • Reviews and approvals of routine operational purchases for the IT Operations team.
• Perform additional duties as assigned
  • Carry out other job-related responsibilities to support IT Operations and organizational objectives as needed.