Director, Technology; IT​/OT

Summary

The Director, Technology (IT/OT) is responsible for bridging the gap between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) to ensure seamless integration and optimization of technology systems across the organization. This role involves overseeing the strategic planning, implementation, and management of both IT and OT infrastructure, including network systems, software applications, and industrial control systems. The IT/OT Director works closely with cross-functional teams to align technology strategies with business objectives, manage budgets, ensure system security and reliability, and drive innovation.

Strong leadership, technical expertise, and strategic vision are essential to integrate and streamline IT and OT processes, enhancing overall operational efficiency and performance.

• To develop and direct the Cooperative’s technology activities.
• To actively participate as a member of the management team where decisions and plans are developed to ensure the Cooperative’s strategies, goals, and objectives are accomplished.
• To develop, implement, and maintain Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) policies and procedures including those for infrastructure, cyber and information security, disaster recovery, standards, and purchasing.
• To ensure the Cooperative is provided with proper expertise in the areas of IT and OT operations, reliability, and security.
• To lead the Technology Team in developing and defining a long-range technology plan for the Cooperative which aligns the Cooperative’s business drivers and critical success factors with the Cooperative’s technology decisions.

• Reports to:
  
  Chief Operating Officer
• Supervises:
  Supervisor (IT/OT), Systems Administrator (IT/OT), IT/OT Specialist
• Directs:
  Various outside vendors associated with IT and OT projects

• Develop and implement a plan that outlines and maximizes the utilization of the Cooperative’s existing technologies, while integrating emerging technologies for improved results and efficiencies. Evaluate new technologies for their potential value to the Cooperative.
• Manage the system administration for the Cooperative’s network and telecommunications infrastructure (LAN/WAN, routers, servers, firewalls, switches, telephones, security devices, fiber optic technologies, etc.).
• Develop and implement a strategic communication infrastructure plan which includes short- and long-term strategy that covers procurement, design and deployment of technologies. The strategy will also cover private and leased fiber backbone networks, fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) networks, licensed and unlicensed microwave networks, wireless data networks, land mobile radio systems, RF channels and FCC spectrum licensing.
• Ensure the integrity of the Cooperative’s data and network infrastructure, including but not limited to cyber and information security, vulnerability management, intrusion detection, and incident response.
• Identify and respond to possible indicators of compromise on the Cooperative’s network. A system will be required that monitors, logs and tracks the issues. Management will be informed of emerging trends.
• Implement and maintain the firewall, Anti-Spam, Anti-Virus, Anti-Malware solutions and be proactive with prevention and thorough with remediation.
• Perform the IT audit function, which means to plan, coordinate, schedule, conduct and/or lead audits of internal controls, compliance monitoring and provide consulting support to all areas of the Cooperative to ensure cyber security risks are mitigated and standard operating procedures are followed.
• Develop, implement, and direct security access, disaster recovery and business continuity plans for the Cooperative’s IT functions to support the availability of critical operating systems and infrastructures within assigned area of responsibility.
• Conduct internal controls testing and validation of software to ensure that software changes are defect-free and comply with prescribed protocols.
• Provide technical assistance, help-desk support, and training related to IT for end user needs. Develop training and instructions for…