LAA-24-53 - Executive Director, Information Technology

Legal Aid Alberta is seeking to fill a permanent full time Executive Director, Information Technology role in our Edmonton office. This position will appeal to an individual that likes to take initiative, is client focused and is exceptionally strong in delivering high-quality results.

Who We Are

As a publicly funded, non-profit organization, Legal Aid Alberta provides affordable legal services in family law, domestic violence, child welfare, immigration, and youth and adult criminal defense. We are Alberta-wide, with 300 staff and 1,200 private practice lawyers helping people overcome their legal challenges in more than 75 communities across the province.

Who You Are

Working at Legal Aid Alberta means you care about people and empathize with their situation. You have excellent communication skills especially in tough situations. You’re computer-savvy and more organized than anyone you know. Fast-paced work environments give you a rush and you’re always up for a challenge. You love learning new things, solving problems, and can adapt to change quickly. You care deeply about the success of our team and our organization.

Job Description

Reporting to the President and CEO, the Executive Director, Information Technology (ED IT) is responsible for providing leadership and direction of the strategy, design, development, implementation and oversight of organizational information systems, software applications, and IT support and infrastructure systems in alignment with LAA’s Business Plan. The ED IT leads the IT team to sustain and enhance the technical infrastructure, information systems, services and processes that enable Legal Aid Alberta’s excellence in criminal, family and immigration law and will help drive organizational objectives established by the Executive Team and LAA’s Board of Directors.

Leadership

• Oversee LAA IT services and ensure that third party providers maintain compliance with all contractual obligations including costs and timing of implementation.
• Develop and execute an integrated departmental business plan to optimize the resources, processes and technology that supports and advances the strategic goals and objectives of the organization.
• Provide strategic technical and cyber security advice to the President and CEO, the Executive Committee, divisional Leaders and the Board of Directors where appropriate on matters that impact the organization.
• Build and maintain an Innovation and Technology Services framework with extensive expertise in infrastructure, cyber security, business continuity, disaster recovery, application lifecycle management, enterprise architecture, business services and enablement, project management, organizational change management, training and technical communication.
• Architect and execute an integrated enterprise-wide plan and technical roadmap that supports and advances the strategic goals and objectives of the organization in collaboration with Executive and LAA business leaders.
• Provide support and strategic technical and cyber security advice to other divisions, program initiatives and enterprise projects.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to align the organization's priorities with the IT vision, goals, and strategic objectives, partnering with appropriate executive sponsor on respective projects to achieve strategic goals.
• Formulate and execute a comprehensive IT strategy that aligns with the organization's mission and values.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of the organization's IT infrastructure, including cloud, external and on-premise data centres, hardware, software, networks, and systems.
• Ensure the security and integrity of data, systems, and information assets.
• Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans.

IT Operations:

• Lead the IT department, managing a team of IT leaders, individual contributors, consultants and vendors.
• Develop organization wide IT policies, and implement effective procedures, and best practices.
• Monitor IT performance, track objectives and key results, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Information Systems Management:

• Collaborate with departments to identify their technology needs and develop efficient and integrated user-friendly systems and solutions that align with LAA’s overall IT strategy.
• Oversee the implementation and integration of software applications, databases, and other IT tools.
• Ensure the organization's systems comply with relevant data protection and privacy regulations.

Resources and Accountability:

• Develop and manage the IT budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Evaluate and select solution integrators and technology vendors, negotiate and manage contracts and licensing to maximize value.
• Identify opportunities for partnerships and collaborations to leverage shared IT resources internally and externally.

IT Governance and Compliance:

• Enforce IT policies, standards, and procedures to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and industry best practices.
• Stay abreast of legal and regulatory changes affecting IT operations and ensure organizational compliance.
• Provide guidance on data management, privacy, and cybersecurity practices.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Undergraduate degree in business, software engineering, IT or equivalent preferred.
• Certifications in Systems Engineering, Network Operations, Database Management, Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure Library, Digital Business Strategy, Cyber Security, Enterprise Content Management, Project Management, and Organizational Change Management.
• Membership in the Chief Information Officer Association of Canada an asset.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in “senior” information technology leadership roles in a for profit setting.
• Minimum of 10 years experience in the field of information technology.
• Experience in identifying and mitigating cyber security risks and business continuity planning for IT risks.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage with a range of different audiences.
• Use of best practices in all aspects of leadership role, including change management, oversight functions, understanding of technical operations and services functions, performance measurement and benchmarking.
• Experienced consensus builder within a dynamic team environment and an innovative problem solver.
• Seasoned technical and cyber security advisor able to provide or provision sound, practical, solution-based advice that aligns with the objectives of the organization.
• Able to work within a diverse team environment with colleagues, clients, and external stakeholders to achieve excellent results.
• Able to stimulate strategic thinking and planning processes to guide the organization’s commitment to its vision, mission and values.
• Able to understand the business and translate high level business requirements, and to help set priorities based upon alignment with business plan and available budget and resources.

What We Offer

Perks of working with us

• Competitive wage

• Health and dental benefits

• Health and wellness accounts

• Hybrid work opportunities

How to Apply

If you got excited at the prospect of being a part of our team when you reviewed this posting and you meet the minimum qualifications, please select ‘Apply Now’ to create your candidate profile. This competition will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Requirements

Successful candidate will be required to provide an acceptable criminal record check.