Career Overview
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.
Also Known As
- Information Systems Director (IS Director)
- Information Systems Manager (IS Manager)
- Information Technology Director (IT Director)
- Information Technology Manager (IT Manager)
Alternate Job Titles
- Application Development Director
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
- Computer and Information Systems Manager
- Computer Operations Manager
- Computer Programming Manager
- Computer Security Manager
- Computer Systems Information Director
- Computing Services Director
- Consulting Technical Director
- Cyber Workforce Manager
- Cybersecurity All-Source Collection Manager
- Cybersecurity All-Source Collection Requirements Manager
- Data Center Manager
- Data Operations Director
- Data Processing Manager
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Direct daily operations of department, analyzing workflow, establishing priorities, developing standards and setting deadlines.
- Meet with department heads, managers, supervisors, vendors, and others, to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
- Review project plans to plan and coordinate project activity.
- Assign and review the work of systems analysts, programmers, and other computer-related workers.
- Provide users with technical support for computer problems.
- Develop computer information resources, providing for data security and control, strategic computing, and disaster recovery.
- Recruit, hire, train and supervise staff, or participate in staffing decisions.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Writing
- Coordination
- Complex Problem Solving
- Social Perceptiveness
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Written Expression
- Near Vision
- Speech Clarity
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Leadership Orientation
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Innovation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Working Conditions
- Support
- Achievement
- Recognition
- Independence
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Amazon Web Services AWS software
- Apache Cassandra
- Apache Hadoop
- Apache Maven
- Apache Tomcat
- Apple macOS
- Atlassian JIRA
- C
- C#
- C++
Tools & Equipment
- Access servers
- Computer servers
- Computer tool kits
- File servers
- Industry standard architecture/peripheral component interconnect ISA/PCI cards
- Inkjet printers
- Internet Information Services IIS Servers
- Laser facsimile machines
- Laser printers
- Mainframe computers
- Mid-range computers
- Minicomputers
- Netware servers
- Network analyzers
- Network interface cards NIC
Work Environment
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Contact With Others
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $104,450 |
| Median | $171,200 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | >$239,200 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 645,970
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Computer Systems Analysts
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $103,790
Project Management Specialists
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $100,750
Software Developers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $133,080
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $108,970
Management Analysts
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $101,190
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.