IT Director Career and Salary Profile

Information technology (IT) directors manage computing resources for organizations across many industries. These professionals are vital to ensuring that a company’s information technology is continuously available and secure.

With the expanding nature of technology in today’s business world, IT directors must be ready to integrate into organizations for personal and professional success. Enrolling in an Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with a concentration in Information Technology Management, like the online program from Florida Institute of Technology (FIT), helps individuals advance to a challenging and rewarding IT director career.

Job Outlook for IT Directors

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs for the category of professionals known as computer and information systems managers, which includes IT directors, will increase by 17% nationwide between 2023 and 2033. That’s faster than the average growth rate for all occupations during the same period.

New technology and expanding business needs will continue to spur demand for IT directors. Individuals with strong business skills and advanced technical knowledge, as well as those with MBAs, will likely have better job prospects.

What Does an IT Director Do?

An IT director is responsible for the management, strategy and execution of IT infrastructure for an organization. Typical job duties include:

  • Overseeing technical projects in alignment with organizational goals
  • Directing the effective delivery of networks, development and disaster recovery systems and processes
  • Working with information engineers to find solutions to manage business activities
  • Supervising a team of workers while working closely with management, external vendors and advisors
  • Preparing financial budgets and presenting proposals for capital projects to senior executives
  • Researching and recommending new products
  • Identifying new market opportunities
  • Leading efforts to improve IT processes

IT Director Salary and Advancement Opportunities

IT directors usually earn their title after working as lower-level managers for at least five years, according to the BLS. With the right experience and list of achievements within their department, these IT leaders are capable of being promoted to chief technology officers (CTO) — a title that’s close to a more managerial and executive position like chief information officer (CIO).

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual salary for IT directors and other computer and information systems managers was $169,510 as of May 2023, with the top 10% of earners receiving in excess of $239,000.

Alternate Information Technology Careers

While pursuing an online MBA in IT Management is an effective way to find success as an IT director, there are plenty of other equally interesting career opportunities. Transferable skills like communication, research and staying up to date on technological advances make it possible for graduates to pursue any of the following other jobs:

  • chief technology officer
  • management information systems director
  • IT manager
  • IT management consultant
  • computer systems analyst

What Qualifications Do You Need to Be an IT Director?

Typically, IT director jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree and extensive IT experience. However, many employers prefer to hire candidates with a master’s degree.

Individuals competing for IT director jobs can distinguish themselves by earning an MBA with a concentration in IT Management. Coursework may include management information systems, database management technology, global information management and organizational behavior.

FIT’s online program offers a combination of technical expertise and principles of management for the success of its graduates. Professionals who have earned an MBA with a concentration in Information Technology Management should be able to:

  • Solve real-world technology challenges
  • Evaluate new technologies for competitive advantage
  • Apply contemporary business principles integral to a high-tech organization

What Skills are Required to be an IT Director?

IT directors have a great deal of responsibility, so they need a broad range of skills — from technical knowledge to understanding modern business practices. If you have technical expertise along with leadership and communication skills, plus a background in business management, you could succeed as an IT director. According to Indeed, managerial skills that employers want candidates who can:

  • Analyze workflows and delegate goals
  • Develop and maintain performance standards
  • Implement and monitor new projects
  • Make hiring decisions

Is an Online MBA in IT Management Right for You?

An MBA with a concentration in Information Technology Management can augment a candidate’s skillset and strengthen their ability to pursue the IT management career path. Florida Institute of Technology’s online program offers a flexible and affordable way for students to earn a higher degree and find success in the world of IT management.

Learn more about Florida Tech’s online Master of Business Administration in Information Technology Management program.

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