Senior Director of Information Technology (Full-time)

Job Title: Senior Director of Information Technology

Reports To: President & CEO

Role/Pay Grade: L6/ 8

SUMMARY

The Senior Director of Information Technology is the museum’s senior technology executive, responsible for strategy, reliability, security, and innovation across all IT infrastructure, applications, and digital systems. Reporting to the President & CEO, this position combines visionary leadership with hands-on technical expertise to ensure Frost Science’s systems are designed and maintained for security, scalable, and future ready.

The Senior Director of Information Technology leads teams responsible for enterprise IT, cybersecurity, helpdesk, networking, storage, virtualization, CCTV, VoIP communications, digital systems, exhibit AV and application development. The role also provides technical direction for secure infrastructure supporting outside entities and participates in future museum expansion initiatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Develop and execute a multi-year technology roadmap aligned with institutional goals and visitor experience.
• Lead IT operations, cybersecurity, Helpdesk, and digital systems teams focused on uptime, innovation, and security.
• Partner with executive leadership to align technology with operational, educational, and experiential objectives.
• Participate in future museum expansion initiatives, ensuring technology infrastructure is scalable and aligned with new facility plans.
• Manage IT documentation, protocols and SOP development including network diagrams, data flow, security layers.
• Review, evaluate, and govern all proposed museum IT systems, platforms, and technology acquisitions to ensure alignment with the museum’s existing architecture, cybersecurity standards, and long-term technology strategy.
• Manage technology budgets, capital planning, and vendor relationships.

Infrastructure & Systems Management

• Oversee enterprise IT infrastructure: servers, networking, virtualization, and storage.
• Manage VMware vCenter environments for performance and availability.
• Plan and oversee VMware infrastructure upgrades and lifecycle modernization.
• Administer SAN storage and plan for future SAN replacement and expansion.
• Oversee Microsoft SQL Server and MySQL database management, optimization, and backup strategies.
• Manage Linux and Apache web servers supporting internal and external applications.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Terminal Services / Remote Desktop Services (RDS) for secure remote access.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365, Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive, integrated with Active Directory and Azure AD.
• Manage Okta for MFA, SSO, and identity lifecycle automation.
• Oversee Fortinet FortiNAC for wired and wireless access control.
• Manage Palo Alto firewalls for segmentation, VPN, and advanced security.
• Knowledge of Versa SD-WAN with multiple BGP-routed ISP connections for resilient connectivity.
• Oversee core switching, VLAN design, Split DNS, routing, and QoS management.
• Knowledge of Ubiquiti Wi-Fi systems to deliver reliable, secure wireless access for guests and staff.
• Manage network segmentation and secure IT infrastructure for any approved external entities operating within the museum’s network boundaries, ensuring strict isolation and compliance.
• Lead edge network upgrades and modernization.
• Direct disaster recovery planning and testing using Veeam Backup & Replication, including immutable and offsite backups.
• Oversee Synology CCTV systems and storage infrastructure for 200+ cameras.
• Oversee IT Helpdesk operations, ensuring efficient, customer-focused technical support for museum staff.
• Oversee the Voice over IP (VoIP) phone system including system reliability, configuration, and call routing; Avaya experience is a plus.
• Maintain proactive monitoring, patching, and capacity planning.

Cybersecurity, Endpoint Protection & Vulnerability Management

• Lead cybersecurity and risk management across all systems and data assets.
• Oversee SentinelOne endpoint protection for advanced threat detection and response.
• Manage Tenable vulnerability scanning and penetration testing to identify and mitigate risks.
• Implement zero-trust security architecture and continuous monitoring.
• Enforce secure access controls and network segmentation for internal and third-party systems.
• Support PCI DSS compliance and related privacy requirements.
• Conduct staff cybersecurity training and incident-response exercises.
• Report risk and cybersecurity metrics to the executive leadership and Board committees.

Application & Website Development

• Oversee internal and external website development and custom application development initiatives.
• Manage museum web and digital platforms built using PHP, MySQL, and Redis, ensuring scalability, reliability, and performance.
• Collaborate with external developers and digital agencies to maintain and enhance Frost Science’s online presence and integrations.
• Ensure proper version control, staging, and deployment workflows for all application projects.
• Oversee integration of web and data systems with CRM, ticketing, and e-commerce platforms.
• Ensure application and web environments meet security and compliance standards.

Digital Systems & Guest Experience

• Partner with Exhibits, Education, and Planetarium teams to support AV, show-control, and interactive technologies.
• Ensure reliable, high-performance visitor-facing systems (Wi-Fi, kiosks, digital signage, online engagement).
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications on web performance, analytics, and content delivery.
• Experience with planetarium control, projection, or dome-display systems a plus.

Vendor & Project Management

• Manage vendor contracts and performance for hardware, software, and digital services.
• Lead technology projects including VMware, SAN, SQL, Wi-Fi, application development, and CCTV modernization.
• Direct IT design and implementation for future museum expansion projects.
• Ensure project delivery within scope, schedule, and budget.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS /EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, or related field required, advanced degree or certifications a plus.
• 10+ years of progressive IT leadership experience, including 5+ in a senior management role
• Proven expertise managing VMware vCenter environments and infrastructure upgrades.
• Experience with Dell SAN or equivalent enterprise storage.

• Proficiency in Microsoft SQL Server and MySQL database management.
• Experience with Linux and Apache web servers.
• Strong understanding of PHP application development and Redis caching architecture.
• Hands-on experience with Microsoft Terminal Services / Remote Desktop Services (RDS).
• Experience overseeing IT Helpdesk operations.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft 365, Active Directory, and Azure AD.
• Experience managing Okta, Fortinet FortiNAC, and Palo Alto firewalls.
• Understanding of SD-WAN and multiple BGP-routed ISP connections.
• Experience managing Ubiquiti Wi-Fi or equivalent for enterprise and public connectivity.
• Strong understanding of Split DNS, VLANs, and network segmentation.
• Expertise in Veeam Backup & Replication and disaster recovery planning/testing (immutable/offsite backups).
• Experience managing Synology CCTV or equivalent systems for 200+ cameras.
• Familiarity with SentinelOne endpoint protection and Tenable vulnerability management.
• Experience overseeing PHP/MySQL web projects and Redis performance optimization.
• Knowledge of Tessitura or similar CRM/ticketing systems a plus.
• Experience administering VoIP phone systems; Avaya IPOffice experience preferred.
• Experience with planetarium technologies is a plus.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is normally performed in an interior office environment, using light physical effort. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

• Background clearance.
• Drug screening as part of the Drug Free Workplace Program.