Information Technology Manager

General Description

The Information Technology Manager plays a critical role in supporting the Philadelphia Zoo's growth, mission, and operational excellence. Reporting to the Senior Director of Information Technology, this position oversees the Zoo's IT environment, ensuring secure, reliable, and innovative technology solutions that enable staff, enhance guest experiences, and support the organizational and strategic plan goals. The IT Manager supports daily operations, leads IT staff, and drives strategic technology initiatives across the organization.

Essential Job Functions:

Reasonable Accommodations Statement:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Systems Reliability & Security

• Maintain the security, integrity, and reliability of all IT systems, infrastructure, and communication platforms.

• Monitor hardware, software, and network environments to ensure 24/7 uptime with a target reliability of 98% or higher.

• Conduct periodic testing, maintenance, and system audits to proactively identify and resolve issues.

• Support compliance with data privacy, PCI standards, and nonprofit reporting requirements.

Technology Planning & Management

• Oversee the acquisition, deployment, and lifecycle management of hardware, software, communication systems, and IT services.

• Direct upgrades and enhancements to existing systems to keep pace with evolving technologies and organizational needs.

• Provide IT planning consultation to departments and key stakeholders, ensuring technology solutions align with business objectives.

• Support the development and management of the annual IT budget, maintaining spending within approved limits.

Operational Leadership

• Maintain clear and effective communication with users regarding IT initiatives, system changes, and support needs.

• Assist in developing and coordinating technology requirements for capital projects.

• Assist with the hire, training, and mentoring of the IT department staff, fostering a culture of excellent service, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Develop Performance Management plans for staff; conducting one-on-one goal check-ins, mid-year and annual reviews.

Qualifications

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor's degree required;
Computer Science or related field preferred.

• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible IT experience.

• Microsoft certifications preferred, experience with VoIP systems highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability Requirements

Effective organizational skills and two-way communication skills;

• Ability to collaborate and work within a team;

• Ability to work independently;

• Ability to prioritize, make decisions, and solve problems;

• Ability to give and receive feedback;

• Willingness to continuously learn and participate in professional development opportunities

• High emotional intelligence

• Be specific about people leader skills needed for management and leadership roles, e.g. emphasizing positive guest and employee engagement including but not limited to being empathetic, actively listening, valuing employees and creating a psychologically safe environment, excellent interpersonal skills, ability to develop, lead and sustain high performing teams, ability to build relationships, high emotional intelligence, ability to be flexible, build and sustain trust, promote and support learning and growth for team/department/individual;

• Excellent project management skills;

• Ability to effectively present information and answer questions;

• Ability to remain curious or seek appropriate ways to solve problems;

• Demonstrate unquestionable integrity

• Ability to manage departmental budgets from planning to tracking expenses

Working Conditions, Physical, Medical & Additional Requirements

Must successfully complete a drug test and tuberculosis test prior to assuming position; ability to lift 40lbs; may require a combination of sitting, standing, and walking throughout the Zoo, successful completion of a post-offer criminal and child abuse clearances, credit record check prior to assuming position, must be able to utilize the following equipment, e.g., server, workstations, telephone, copier, and printer.

EEO Statement:
The Philadelphia Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to protected characteristics like race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.