Director of Information Technology
2 days ago
Seattle
Job Description:\n\n Director of Information Technology Information Technology Department (ITD) – Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) Salary Range: $152,210 to $152,210 + Washington State Employee Benefits and Retirement FLSA - Full-time, Exempt Application Deadline: January 16, 2026 The WSBA's mission is to serve the public and the members of the Bar, to ensure the integrity of the legal profession, and to champion justice. Purpose and Position Summary: The Director of IT leads the strategic and operational functions of Information Technology (IT) Department. This role oversees software application development, network operations, cybersecurity, training, and desktop support, while serving as a technology advisor to all departments. The Director is responsible for aligning IT initiatives with organizational goals, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring the delivery of secure, scalable, and user-centered technology solutions. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Director contributes to organization-wide strategy and decision-making. Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities: Departmental Leadership Model progressive, agile leadership that balances autonomy with alignment and focuses the team on strong execution, milestone attainment, and results measurement and quantificationSupervise and mentor IT staff, including recruitment, retention, professional development, and annual performance evaluationsMonitor projects, initiatives, and processes to ensure alignment with both departmental and organizational goals and objectives. Ensure that budget is considered when prioritizing work and assignmentsTrack individual and team goals and objectives, delegate assignments, evaluate performance, and provide consistent feedback and coachingPromote a collaborative, service-oriented team culture with clear communication and accountability.Oversight of staff responsible for software application development, network operations, cybersecurity, training, and desktop support IT Operational Processes Monitor organizational IT needs and ensure responsive and excellent support at all levelsOversee vendor performance and ensure alignment with service expectations and requirementsStay current on emerging technologies and proactively implement improvements on all IT operational processes, including application development, network operations, and supportEvaluate emerging AI technologies and trends to identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and enhanced service delivery. Establish governance frameworks and risk mitigation strategies to ensure ethical, secure, and effective use of AI across the organizationOwn and lead the development and execution of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, including oversight of vendor-managed systems, applications, and infrastructure Develop and maintain essential IT documentation and best practices to support consistent, high-quality service delivery Organizational Leadership Develop and execute a strategic technology roadmap aligned with WSBA’s mission and departmental prioritiesDevelop and manage annual IT goals in the areas of technology stewardship, operational excellence, team building, and training and developmentCollaborate with leadership to ensure IT initiatives support long-term organizational goalsLead change management efforts and foster cross-departmental collaboration IT Project Management and Supervision Lead and manage IT projects, including scope, schedule, budget, and stakeholder communication to successfully deliver technology solutionsLead cross-functional coordination to ensure IT projects are aligned with departmental goals, timelines, and resource availabilityEstablish clear project communication plans, including agendas, defined roles, next steps, and regular updates to stakeholdersSupport project teams in resolving complex issues and maintaining momentumEnsure timely delivery of key initiatives such as AMS conversion and Litify optimizationMonitor project adoption and effectiveness using data-driven metrics (e.g., usage rates, helpdesk trends, stakeholder feedback) to inform continuous improvement Budget Management Develop and manage the IT budget (approx. $2.5M, in collaboration with the leadership team, including capital planning and cost tracking)Oversee vendor contracts with clear deliverables, timelines, and accountability measures Implement technology standards and training Develop, share and implement technology standards, policies, and procedures to ensure the overall health of network and technology assetsOversee and actively support the IT trainer to develop and deliver organization-wide training and improve technical competency and productivity Cybersecurity and Business Continuity Establish and maintain a proactive cybersecurity roadmap and posture, across systems, data, and infrastructure, that addresses current risks and anticipates future threats, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and industry best practicesPartner with internal stakeholders and external vendors to implement, monitor, and continuously improve security protocols, incident response plans, and compliance measuresRegularly update the IT Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and support the Deputy Executive Director in executing an annual tabletop exerciseEvaluate new technology solutions, in conjunction with the Office of General Counsel (OGC), for policy compliance and communications transparent approval decisions Other duties as assigned Provide guidance and counsel to Board of Governors on IT-related matters Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in an IT-related field (Computer Science, Management of Information Systems, Business Administration, Computer Engineering) or related field; or combination of education and relevant experience Education Preferred: Master of Science in Business Administration or Public Administration or related field in addition to the educational requirement Experience Required: Minimum 5 years of management experience and demonstrated success in IT leadership, including strategic planning, project management, managing information systems and teams, and contract negotiation. Experience managing complex vendor relationshipsExperience developing and implementing cybersecurity strategiesExperience in AI, strategy, and technology with experience applying AI in operational contextsExperience and demonstrated success supervising, mentoring, and coaching technical and non-technical staff and performance evaluations Experience Preferred: Prior non-profit or government experience, particularly experience working with a board or volunteers in an association environmentExperience creating and executing long-term IT roadmaps that align with organizational goals, anticipate future needs, and support sustainable growthTrack record of staying current with rapidly evolving technology trends, including cloud computing, AI integration, and enterprise software advancements. Experience evaluating emerging tools and platforms, and translating them into actionable, scalable solutions for organizational benefitExperience leading technology transitions and change management initiatives, including stakeholder engagement, training, and adoption strategies across departments with varying levels of technical expertise.Experience with vendor contract negotiation, performance oversight, and accountability for deliverables, timelines, and service qualityExperience working in environments with high reliance on managed service providers and external technology partnersExperience conducting risk assessments, incident response planning, and compliance with data protection regulationsExperience leading cross-functional efforts to implement and secure enterprise systems, networks, and user environments Competencies (Skills/Abilities) Required: Exemplary communication skills (written and verbal), including the ability to effectively convey ideas, build trust, inspire confidence, and engage a wide range of stakeholdersStrong project management, particularly with agile projects, vendor management and negotiation skills.Ability to build, coach, and lead a high-performing teamA strategic thinker with a systems mindset to assess organizational technology leads and with the ability to lead projects with prioritization, sequencing, and exceptional follow-throughHigh emotional intelligence, empathy, and user-centered approach to technologyDemonstrated technology policy development Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, collaboration, and a results-oriented vision and focus.Commitment to continuous learning and staying current with industry trendsProficiency in desktop and web software tools up to and including Microsoft 365, Azure, and enterprise software tools Competencies (Skills/Abilities) Required: A service-oriented mindset with humility, professional humor, flexibility, and relational warmthEffective facilitation skillsAbility to navigate ambiguity, bureaucracy, and organizational complexityResourceful and flexible in the resolution of challengesVision to see what is necessary to scale the business and willingness to take risks to achieve goalsExperience managing remote teams and fostering inclusive, collaborative environmentsSuperior interpersonal skills, including the ability to maintain and develop relationships with staff and internal/external partnersAbility to see the big picture, and question assumptions of the current way of doing thingsAbility to lead staff through changing internal and external contexts Working Conditions: This hybrid position is required to work at least one day a week in-person at the WSBA office and serve as IT coverage onsite when no IT staff are available. The position must also be flexible to work in office or travel within WA state as deemed necessary, or as required that may include evening and weekend availability. This position may also have the option to work in-office. For remote work, must have an adequate home/work environment and internet access, for performing work of a highly sensitive and confidential nature. Employment with the Washington State Bar Association mandates that WSBA Staff must reside within the State of Washington at the time of hire, and during active employment status. The essential functions of the job that must be performed, with or without a reasonable accommodation: This position must be able to regularly work five days per week during business hours and Monday-Friday during operating business hours and as needed in situations like system upgrades, downtime, establishing business continuity, etc. in a hybrid work environment, Must possess the ability to primarily sit/stand and use a computer, and lift/push/pull items weighing up to 25 pounds, operate a computer keyboard, and other standard office equipment (e.g., printer/scanner/fax/telephone). This position must be able to read, write, and speak with others in English. For consideration and to apply: Interested candidates must apply online and submit the following required materials: online application, and both a comprehensive professional resume and cover letter. Note: Your cover letter should include a brief statement on your experience leading a small IT team, and vendor management. WSBA Staff must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis, upon hire. This position is not eligible for Sponsorship. WSBA administers pre-employment background screening upon a contingent verbal offer, and prior to hire. The WSBA is subject to Washington State Court Rules General Rule (GR) 12.4, which specifies the Bar’s responsibility and process to provide public access to Bar records. WSBA Benefits Include: State of Washington Retirement system (DRS/PERS), including an optional Deferred Compensation Plan (DRS/DCP).Medical benefits (including Rx) through the WA Healthcare Authority, with WSBA paying a majority of the premium cost.100% paid premiums for employee Dental and VisionLong-Term Disability and Life Insurance PlansGenerous Paid Time Off Benefits (sick, vacation, holiday, float, emergency leave)Transportation incentives, *based on primary work selection requirements.Allowance to set up a home office, *based on a primary remote work selection. Free Employee Assistance Program, and National Employee Discount ProgramYou will be working with a team of supportive, collaborative, creative, and dedicated colleagues driven to accomplish WSBA’s MissionA company culture that truly focuses on a quality work and life balance for its staff through our 4 Pillars: 1) Excellence (Mission-driven results), 2) Unity (Team-driven results), 3) Integrity (Value-driven results), and 4 JOY! (People-driven culture). The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) operates under the delegated authority of the Washington Supreme Court and exercises a governmental function authorized by the Washington Supreme Court to license and regulate the state’s nearly 40,000 legal professionals, including lawyers, limited practice officers, and limited license legal technicians. The WSBA both regulates legal professionals under the authority of the Court and serves its members as a professional association — all without public funding. The WSBA administers the bar admission process, including the bar exam; provides record-keeping and licensing functions; administers the lawyer discipline system. and provides continuing legal education for legal professionals, in addition to numerous other educational and member-service activities. The WSBA is committed to fostering a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. The statements contained in this job announcement are not necessarily all-inclusive; additional duties may be assigned, and requirements may vary from time to time. Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) Compensation Philosophy and Compensation Grid