Director of Technology

The Director of Technology will be a key member of ZGF’s top leadership, overseeing and directing all areas of technology, including systems, infrastructure, staff, and services for ZGF’s offices across North America. This leader will be instrumental in promoting a culture of excellence and innovation, ensuring optimal day-to-day technology operations but also spearheading advancements that will keep ZGF at the forefront of the design industry and evolving world of technology. This role will require collaboration with people and teams at multiple scales, balancing the need for standardization and operational efficiency with attentiveness to teams’ individual needs. The qualified individual for ZGF’s Director of Technology must embody leadership, vision, operational rigor, and the collaboration skills necessary to communicate a coherent technology strategy consistent with ZGF’s preeminent role as an experienced and innovative design firm.The Director of Technology will lead ZGF’s technology group across its seven North American offices and build strong, collaborative relationships with the firm’s senior leadership. The Director of Technology will report to the Partner and Technology Liaison and work very closely with all 15 Equity Partners. The successful candidate will lead a staff of ~25.Qualifications:
  • 15+ years of progressive technology experience and 7+ years in a high-level management role, directing multi-location teams; architecture, engineering, or construction industry strongly preferred
  • Creativity and ability to provide overall strategic vision for the application of technology in a design services business
  • Experience leading all areas of the technology function, including systems, infrastructure, services, applications, telecommunications, devices, networks, and security; familiarity with a broad range of technology platforms, systems, tools, and applications
  • Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including team building and staff management; proven success recruiting, mentoring, managing, and developing effective, client service-oriented information technology teams
  • Proven track record leading enterprise transformation – ERP implementations, cloud migrations, digital workplace initiatives
  • The ability to synthesize a range of viewpoints and opinions from the firm’s key stakeholders and coalesce them into a unified, adaptable, effective technology strategy
  • A strong “client-service” philosophy to providing technology services, and the ability to instill the client service culture into the technology team
  • Proven ability to cultivate and maintain a collaborative team environment with the IT team, emphasizing trust and transparency.
  • Demonstrated success in strategic technology planning, execution, and policy development
  • Experience with and understanding of data architecture and knowledge management 
  • Understanding of business fundamentals as they relate to the operation of a design / service-oriented / client-centric firm.
  • A Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in information technology or related field, or equivalent experience.
Responsibilities:
  • Define and execute ZGF’s enterprise technology roadmap in partnership with firm leadership
  • Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing technology team distributed across seven offices
  • Facilitate collaborative solutions across IT and Design Technology that support both business operations and creative work
  • Take ownership of the development of ZGF’s technology roadmap; lead strategic technological planning and oversee the evaluation, development, and integration of future technologies
  • Identify and implement applicable and appropriate technology trends and platforms to position the firm as an industry leader relating to the innovative, creative, and effective use and application of technology
  • Define standards, policies, procedures, measures, and organization enhancement to meet company goals for technology
  • Advocate for and communicate technology initiatives with senior management and key stakeholders
  • Cultivate and maintain strong lines of communication with end-users; continuously seek ways to innovate and provide enhanced support to improve business operations and enable the firm to better serve its clients
  • Ensure responsive support for the firm’s information technology function, including all end- user applications, infrastructure, and devices; provide for appropriate disaster recovery and business continuity contingencies
  • Ensure that appropriate procedures, policies, processes, and technology components are in place for cyber security, data protection, compliance, and disaster recovery
  • Recruit, manage, mentor, and develop staff – provide specific, measurable, goals, timely feedback, and ensure that all functional resources are in alignment with the firm’s vision
  • Create and maintain a technology department culture of high credibility, transparency, responsiveness, open and clear communication, and excellent client service
  • Work productively and cooperatively on cross-functional teams in all areas of the business
  • Oversee the technology budget, project scheduling, and procurement, including the forecasting and preparation of comprehensive budgets for each fiscal year and ensuring best value opportunities are explored and evaluated.

Base Salary Range:

$190,000/yr - $240,000/yr

Benefits:

ZGF Employees enjoy Medical, Dental and Vision coverage with a generous employer contribution, HSA with employer contribution, 401k with employer match, 4 weeks of PTO and 10 paid holidays per year, paid parental and family leave programs.

Apply With:

  • Cover letter
  • Resume

We know that great projects take more than a design team to become a reality. Whether you’re a finance professional, project manager, or specialist in another field, your expertise helps create a healthier, more equitable built environment. Studies show that women and people from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t check every box—your skills and experiences may be exactly what we need.

ZGF Architects is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate the unique qualities and perspectives that each individual brings to our team. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities to apply. Regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, we are excited to consider qualified candidates.

If you're ready to contribute to meaningful work, we invite you to submit your cover letter and resume online.

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