Head of Information Technology (IT)

TITLE: Head of IT

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

REPORTS TO: VP of Finance & Administration, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Investment Officer

SUPERVISES: A team of ~20 full-time employees and 30 additional contractors

DATE: January 2025

POSITION SUMMARY

United Educators (UE) seeks to recruit a new Head of Information Technology, a key member of the leadership team at UE, responsible for leading the company’s technology strategy and operations.  The organization is working to optimize its technology environment and to bring additional process discipline to the way it delivers new technology and supports colleagues across the company.  This role requires a business-oriented leader who can align technology initiatives with UE’s strategic goals, ensuring that technology investments drive business growth and operational efficiency.  The new Head of Information Technology will oversee the development and implementation of technology platforms, office and facility technology, manage cybersecurity risks, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

This leader must possess a collaborative, business-minded approach to technology, and will work closely with business leaders across UE to develop a technology strategy that is closely linked with and drives the organization’s broader business financial and operating goals.  This individual will then align the technology team to deliver against this strategy in a practical and cost-effective way.

This position will be based at UE's headquarters in Bethesda, MD.

All resumes must be submitted to uevpit@spencerstuart.com.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Leadership: develop and execute the IT strategy in alignment with UE’s business objectives.  Provide visionary leadership to drive digital transformation and innovation.
• Business Alignment: collaborate with business units to understand their needs and deliver technology solutions that enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.
• Technology Management: oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of IT infrastructure, applications, and services. Ensure the reliability, security, and scalability of technology systems.
• Cybersecurity: implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.  Lead the response to any security incidents.
• Vendor Management: manage relationships with external IT vendors and service providers.  Negotiate contracts and ensure the delivery of high-quality services.
• Team Leadership: build and lead a high-performing IT team.  Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and professional development.
• Budget Management: develop and manage the IT budget.  Ensure cost-effective use of resources and maximize the return on technology investments.
• Compliance and Risk Management: ensure IT operations comply with industry standards and regulations.  Identify and mitigate technology-related risks.
• Data Strategy: develop and drive a company-wide data strategy that streamlines investments in the consistent collection, integration, and use of data to drive measurable business outcomes.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Fifteen years of technology leadership experience
  At least five years of experience in a group- or division-level technology senior leadership role.
• Five years of experience in the financial services industry
  Experience with insurance technologies (e.g., policy administration and underwriting platforms) would be ideal.
• Technology vendor management experience
  Experience with key vendors including Microsoft 365, Salesforce, CounselLink preferred.
• Experience leading a technology modernization program resulting in tangible business results
  Track record of successfully implementing new platforms, modernizing legacy systems, etc.
• Experience leading teams of 15+ people
  Experience including full-time, contract, and vendor resources.
• IT governance and compliance experience
  Experience implementing IT governance frameworks and ensuring compliance with industry standards (e.g., GDPR, ISO, SOC 2).
• Cybersecurity experience
  Track record of implementing robust cybersecurity strategies to protect organizational data and infrastructure.
• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred
  Preferably with concentration in STEM such as computer science, engineering, or other technical field.

SALARY RANGE

$220,000 - $370,000 USD

The listed salary range is a general guideline. Multiple factors are taken into consideration to arrive at the final annual salary to be offered to the selected candidate. Factors include, but are not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, the selected candidate’s work experience, education and training, the work location as well as market and business considerations.

The above-referenced position summary is a guideline designed to present an overview of job duties and is not intended to be a comprehensive list of responsibilities and requirements.