Information technology (IT) directors manage computing resources for organizations across many industries. These professionals are vital to ensuring that a company’s information technology is continuously available and secure. Enrolling in an MBA program with a specialization in Information Technology Management can help individuals advance to a challenging and rewarding IT director career.
Job Outlook for IT Directors
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs for the category of professionals known as computer and information systems managers, which includes IT directors, will increase by 11% nationwide between 2018 and 2028. That’s faster than the average growth rate for all occupations during the same period. New technology and expanding business needs will continue to spur demand for IT directors. Individuals with strong business skills and advanced technical knowledge, as well as those with MBAs, will likely have better job prospects.
What Does an IT Director Do?
An IT director is responsible for the management, strategy and execution of IT infrastructure for an organization. Typical job duties include:
- Overseeing technical projects in alignment with organizational goals
- Directing the effective delivery of networks, development, and disaster recovery systems and processes
- Working with information engineers to find solutions to manage business activities
- Supervising a team of workers, while working closely with management, external vendors and advisors
- Preparing financial budgets and presenting proposals for capital projects to senior executives
- Researching and recommending new products
- Identifying new market opportunities
- Leading efforts to improve IT processes
IT directors usually earn their title after working as lower-level managers for at least five years, according to the BLS. With the right experience and list of achievements within their department, these IT leaders are capable of being promoted to Chief Technology Officers (CTO), a title that’s close to a more managerial and executive position like Chief Information Officer (CIO).
What is an IT Director’s Salary?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average yearly salary for IT directors and other computer and information systems managers was $142,530 as of May 2018, with the top 10% of earners receiving in excess of $208,000.
Similar Job Titles
- Chief Technology Officer
- Management Information Systems Director
- IT Manager
- IT Management Consultant
- Computer Systems Analyst
What Qualifications Do You Need to Be an IT Director?
Typically, IT director jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree and extensive IT experience; however, many employers prefer to hire candidates with a master’s degree.
Individuals competing for IT director jobs can distinguish themselves by earning an MBA with a specialization in IT Management. Coursework may include management information systems, database management technology, global information management, and organizational behavior.
Professionals who have earned an MBA with a specialization in Information Technology Management should be able to:
- Solve real-world technology challenges
- Evaluate new technologies for competitive advantage
- Apply contemporary business principles integral to a high-tech organization
What Skills are Required to be an IT Director?
IT directors have a great deal of responsibility, so they need a broad range of skills, from technical knowledge to understanding modern business practices. If you have technical expertise along with leadership and communication skills, plus a background in business management, you could experience success as an IT director. According to Robert Half, managerial skills that employers want candidates who can:
- Analyze workflows and delegate goals
- Develop and maintain performance standards
- Implement and monitor new projects
- Make hiring decisions
An MBA with a specialization in Information Technology Management can augment a candidate’s skillset and strengthen his or her ability to pursue the IT management career path.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Information Systems Managers, on the internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm (accessed November 26, 2019).
National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Degree and/or certificate program options do not guarantee career or salary outcomes. Students should conduct independent research for specific employment information