Director of Technology

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Technology is responsible for leading the information technology operations of Bank First, a $6 billion bank headquartered in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Reporting to the Chief Information Officer (CIO), this role directly supervises the IT Officer and other assigned IT staff, and assists the CIO in the strategic planning, implementation, and management of technology systems and services that support the Bank’s business objectives. The Director of Technology oversees IT staff, manages vendor relationships, ensures the security and reliability of IT systems, and collaborates across departments. This position plays a key role in evaluating and adopting emerging technologies, managing IT budgets, and ensuring regulatory compliance within the technology function.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage IT operations, including directing staff who support the help desk, networking, user services, telecommunications, and other information technology functions.
• Directly supervise the IT Officer and other assigned IT staff, including hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, coaching, and professional development.
• Develop, implement, and maintain the organization’s technology strategy aligned with business objectives and in coordination with the Chief Information Officer.
• Assess, recommend, and oversee the implementation of technology solutions that improve efficiency, security, and service delivery across the organization.
• Analyze business requirements, investigate alternative technology, and propose recommendations to improve or automate business processes.
• Establish and maintain a network infrastructure for local and wide-area connectivity and remote access in collaboration with network vendors.
• Be the point of contact for the Managed Services provider and ensure proper oversight of the relationship.
• Ensure the security of the organization’s IT assets and work closely with the Information Security Officer on cybersecurity initiatives, risk assessments, and incident response.
• Coordinate and respond to internal and external IT audits, regulatory examinations, and third-party assessments; ensure timely remediation of any findings.
• Serve as the primary IT point of contact for the Bank’s Internal Audit department, external auditors, and bank regulators (e.g., OCC, FDIC, providing requested documentation, evidence, and audit responses.
• Support the Bank’s Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and Disaster Recovery (DR) program, including coordinating technology recovery testing, tabletop exercises, and maintenance of recovery documentation.
• Participate in the Bank’s IT Steering Committee, Information Security Committee, and other applicable governance or risk committees, providing technology updates and reporting to senior management and, as requested, the Board of Directors.
• Ensure technology controls, policies, and documentation support compliance with GLBA, FFIEC, NIST, and other applicable banking laws, regulations, and information security frameworks.
• Participate in vendor contract negotiations for computer equipment, software, and managed services; monitor vendor performance and compliance.
• Develop and maintain IT policies, procedures, and documentation, including system flow diagrams, configuration documents, and technology inventory records.
• Facilitate communication between IT staff, management, vendors, and other technology resources within the organization.
• Provide timely and effective support to internal customers and ensure a high standard of IT service delivery.

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COMPETENCIES:

• Honesty, Integrity & Ethics – Demonstrates fairness and transparency, guided by moral principles and the organization’s code of conduct.
• Accountability – Willingly accepts responsibility for actions, decisions, and outcomes.
• Adaptability – Adjusts effectively to change and remains flexible in dynamic work environments.
• Decision Making – Selects sound courses of action while managing resources and expenditures efficiently.
• Interpersonal & Customer Orientation – Builds strong relationships and focuses on meeting the needs of both internal and external clients with empathy and trust.
• Results Oriented – Drives behaviors toward achievement; self-directed, action-oriented, and pursues opportunities with focus and determination.
• Oral Communication – Communicates with clarity, actively engages in conversation to understand others’ messages and intent, and processes feedback effectively.
• Written Communication – Writes concise, clear reports, documentation, and correspondence; skilled at proofing and editing.
• Detail Orientation – Pays close attention to all aspects of a task, ensuring thoroughness and precision.
• Consulting – Provides expert advice and works collaboratively to develop solutions, analyze information, and solve complex problems.

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible IT experience, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership or management role preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing direct reports, IT operations, infrastructure, and staff in a regulated industry environment. Experience managing a Managed Services vendor relationship is preferred.
• Knowledge of applicable banking and/or regulatory policies and procedures, including familiarity with OCC, FFIEC, and other relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Experience preparing for and responding to bank regulatory examinations and internal/external IT audits, including coordinating findings and remediation plans.
• Experience with network infrastructure, cloud environments, cybersecurity principles, and enterprise systems.
• Proven ability to manage vendor relationships and negotiate technology contracts.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize and execute multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain a high level of professionalism.

This job description does not constitute an exhaustive list of responsibilities, competencies, and skills. Management may revise this job description at any time.