TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR

Reports To Vice President of Operations

Direct Reports IT Specialist

Status Regular Full-Time Exempt

Location On site in Downtown Houston, Texas, with flexibility for occasional remote work

OVERVIEW

The Technology Director provides strategic vision and operational leadership for all information technology systems at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. This is an in-person role that oversees the planning, implementation, and integration of IT systems to enhance operational efficiency, service quality, and business development. The Technology Director is responsible for both strategic direction and hands-on management of core technologies, including industrial OT systems, CRM/ticketing systems, transactional systems, networking, financial management, customer relations, cybersecurity, and digital file integration. The Technology Director works closely with other department heads to identify how the application of information technology can best serve their business needs. They develop internal and cross-departmental procedures to ensure efficient and reliable use of IT systems. This role manages the Information Technology team and ensures delivery of excellent IT support to staff and world class customer technology experience to Hobby Center. The ideal candidate will bridge the gap between traditional IT and industrial OT systems, bring technical expertise, strong leadership, and a collaborative approach to help optimize our operations and enhance the patron experience.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS

Leadership and Supervision

• Leads the technology strategy while remaining engaged in day-to-day technical execution
• Manages and mentors an IT Specialist, providing guidance on daily tasks, professional development, and performance
• Oversees the performance and development of the IT team, ensuring all IT-related needs across the organization are met in a timely and effective manner
• Manages and prioritizes IT projects, ensuring that deadlines and quality standards are met

IT Strategy and Innovation

• Develops and executes a long-term technology strategy aligned with the organization's vision and strategic priorities
• Drives organization-wide digital transformation initiatives
• Identifies and implements intelligent automation opportunities across business processes
• Champions ethical AI practices, including transparency, privacy, and compliance with evolving regulatory standards

IT Systems and Infrastructure Management

• Ticketmaster Integration: Oversees the integration and optimization of Ticketmaster for seamless ticketing, sales, and customer interaction during events
• Tessitura Management: Manages Tessitura, a leading customer relationship management (CRM) and ticketing software, ensuring smooth operation, data integrity, and support for marketing and patron engagement efforts
• Sage Intacct: Oversees the management of Sage Intacct, the performing arts center's financial management software, ensuring proper integration with accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting processes
• POS Systems: Ensures the effective integration and management of Point-of-Sale (POS) system data for concessions, restaurant services, and parking, including troubleshooting, software updates, and user training

Operations Technology (OT)

• Develop and implement OT strategies that support operations.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to integrate OT systems with IT platforms.
• Ensure the reliability, security, and scalability of industrial control systems.
• Manage OT cybersecurity risks and ensure alignment with IT security protocols.

Cybersecurity and Data Management

• Cybersecurity: Develops and enforces comprehensive cybersecurity policies to protect the organization's data, including patrons' personal information and financial transactions
• Ensures compliance with industry standards and regulations
• Regularly reviews and updates security protocols, including user access control, software updates, and backup systems
• Leads disaster recovery planning and business continuity strategies related to IT infrastructure and data security
• Integrates AI-driven threat detection and zero-trust principles into the core infrastructure

Cloud-Based File Sharing and Collaboration Tools

• Oversees the administration of digital and cloud-based file-sharing platforms, such as Microsoft 365 Suite, or similar systems at recommendation, to ensure seamless document management, sharing, and collaboration across departments
• Ensures that staff are well-trained in utilizing these tools efficiently and securely

Venue Management Software

• Manages the venue management software and ensures all systems are optimized for event scheduling, logistics, and coordination.
• Coordinates with marketing, ticketing, and other departments to ensure system integration supports operational needs for event promotion, ticketing, and logistics

Marketing & Human Resources Systems

• Works closely with the Marketing team to integrate technology solutions that streamline communication, patron engagement, and digital marketing campaigns
• Collaborates with the HR department to ensure that HR systems (such as payroll, employee records, and onboarding) are fully integrated and aligned with organizational objectives

Emergency IT Management

• Responds to IT-related emergencies and incidents, providing leadership and solutions to restore operations in the event of system outages, data breaches, or other disruptions
• Develops and maintains an IT emergency response plan to address potential crises quickly and efficiently

Collaboration and Support

• Serves as the primary point of contact for all IT-related issues across the organization, working closely with other departments to ensure technological solutions meet the needs of each functional area
• Provides IT support for all staff, responding to technical inquiries, resolving issues, and providing training when necessary
• Functions as a strategic partner to department heads, ensuring that technology adoption aligns with the center's overall mission and growth goals
• Serves as a key advisor to executive leadership on technology trends, risks, and opportunities

Budget and Vendor Management

• Assists in managing the IT budget, including forecasting for software and hardware purchases, infrastructure upgrades, and any new technology-related initiatives
• Evaluates and procures technology tools, systems, and vendor services, ensuring cost-effectiveness and alignment with operational needs
• Establishes and maintains relationships with external technology vendors, ensuring timely service and support

Professional Development and Growth

• Encouraged to actively pursue learning opportunities, including emerging technologies, IT governance, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and leadership development
• Time allocation for professional development activities
• Support for relevant continued learning and industry certifications
• Participation in strategic planning and innovation initiatives
• Encouragement to attend industry events and user groups
• Sponsored attendance at relevant tech conferences

Responsibilities may evolve to meet organizational needs and employee strengths.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of IT management experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role
• Proven experience managing and integrating complex systems like Ticketmaster, Tessitura, Sage Intacct, and POS systems for operations such as concessions, restaurants, and parking with the goal of Improving customer experience, financial reporting, and operational efficiency
• Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, and cloud-based systems
• Experience in managing cybersecurity measures, data backups, and IT security best practices
• A positive, collaborative, and initiative-taking work style
• Understanding that the Hobby Center's core business is live performances; evening and weekend events are central to our operations

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working in a performing arts environment a plus
• Certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Familiarity with advanced venue management and event scheduling software

OTHER SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong leadership and team management abilities
• Excellent critical thinking skills and the ability to work under pressure, particularly in emergency IT situations
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical staff
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Strategic thinker with a focus on continuous improvement and innovative solutions
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and protecting organizational data

COMPENSATION

The Hobby Center offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 403b savings plan with matching employer contributions, and paid time off. The anticipated hiring range for this position is $100,000 - $125,000.

ABOUT THE HOBBY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts serves as a connector, convenor and incubator for all Houston audiences, artmakers and arts organizations. Opened in 2002, the campus houses two theaters and welcomes over 400,000 audience members annually to a wide range of arts experiences including the Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center series. The Hobby Center is also home to a full season of musical theatre produced by Principal Resident Company Theatre Under the Stars, as well as a variety of diverse performances from both Houston-based and touring artists and companies. Education and accessibility initiatives are central to the Hobby Center's impact in Houston through programs like the ExxonMobil Discovery Series, sensory inclusive performances, tactile tours, talkbacks, specialized audience services, and master classes for artists and students. The ExxonMobil Discovery Series creates access to engaging arts experiences for thousands of Houston-area students each year. All ExxonMobil Discovery Series performances are offered free of charge to schools, including transportation.

The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace.