Director of IT

Job Summary:

The Director of Information Technology leads the strategy, implementation, and optimization of IT, software development, and AI-driven initiatives at Alarm Detection Systems. This role partners with the CIO to modernize infrastructure, integrate AI solutions, and drive automation, innovation, and scalable growth across the organization. The Director ensures secure, high-performing systems while leveraging emerging technologies to enhance operational efficiency and align ADS’s strategic objectives.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations  may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the Director of IT. 

Alarm Detection Systems is an EEO employer.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Lead AI implementation efforts, including automation, predictive analytics, and intelligent systems integration.
• Identify opportunities for automation, system enhancements, and digital transformation.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend investments that improve operational performance and customer experience.
• Lead enterprise-wide technology initiatives from planning through implementation.
• Align and manage development priorities with business needs and organizational strategy.
• Ensure adoption of best practices in software architecture, security, testing, and deployment.
• Partner with the CIO to define and execute the company’s IT and technology roadmap.
• Ensure robust cybersecurity practices across infrastructure and applications.
• Oversee vulnerability management, access controls, endpoint protection, and security monitoring.
• Direct infrastructure management including network, servers, cloud services, hardware, and end-user support.
• Ensure proper disaster recovery, business continuity, and data backup strategies are in place and tested.
• Lead, coach and develop the IT Manager and Software Development leadership, establishing clear goals, performance metrics, and development plans.
• Support recruitment, coaching, performance management, and succession planning across IT and Software Development.
• Develop and manage the IT budget in partnership with the CIO, optimizing technology spend while maintaining performance and security standards.
• Monitor system performance metrics and implement continuous improvements.
• Other duties as assigned by management.
  
  

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field
• Minimum of 10 Years of progressive IT experience, including a minimum of 5 years in a people-management role with direct responsibility for managing other managers or technical leads is required
• Proven experience implementing AI, automation, or advanced analytics solutions in a business environment
• Experience managing infrastructure, support teams, and software development functions, with demonstrated experience overseeing the software delivery lifecycle, DevOps practices, and application architecture decisions.
  
  

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of software development lifecycle (SDLC), application architecture, DevOps practices, and system integration strategies.
• Strong knowledge of emerging technologies, automation tools, AI-driven solutions, and infrastructure modernization trends.
• Hands-on experience evaluating, piloting, or deploying AI/ML tools or automation platforms in an enterprise setting (e.g., LLM-based tools, RPA, predictive analytics)
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, risk management practices, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning.
• Working knowledge of enterprise systems (ERP, CRM, field service platforms, monitoring systems) and how they support operational workflows.
• Understanding of enterprise IT infrastructure, including network architecture, cloud environments, servers, endpoints, and system integrations.
• Financial acumen related to IT budgeting, capital planning, and cost optimization.
• Strategic technology planning and execution, with the ability to translate business objectives into scalable and secure technology solutions.
• Strong leadership and organizational development skills, with experience managing managers and cross-functional technical teams.
• Proficiency in performance metrics, KPI development, and data-driven decision-making.
• Effective communication, change management and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities in complex, multi-system environments.
  
  

Licenses/Certifications:

• Clear and valid driver’s license is required.
• Must have or be able to obtain a Permanent Employee Registration Card from the State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (Illinois employees only).
  
  

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sitting
• Standing
• Walking
• Fine dexterity
• Full mobility of wrists and fingers
•  Talking
• Hearing
• Vision/Color Vision
  
  

Work Environment:

The work environment for the Director of IT can be in any commercial or residential setting and includes the ADS office environment. Alarm Detection Systems maintains a quiet, clean, and smoke-free office work environment. The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Company Benefits:

We believe in providing a generous, comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) plan with a company match
• Paid Parental Leave Program
• Company-paid short-term disability program
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Company-paid phone and laptop
• Company-sponsored events (friends and family welcome!)
•  Continuous professional and development opportunities
• A fun, positive, and high-energy work environment
  
  

Compensation:
The starting base salary for the Director of IT is $160,000 - $175,000, dependent on knowledge, skills, education, and experience. This position is eligible for incentive bonuses based on product launch and success.