Director of Information Technology

The Organization

Established in 1970, Civida is the largest provider of community and affordable homes in Edmonton. In partnership with the community and all levels of government, it aims to develop, support, and improve the lives of the families and individuals it serves. Through partnerships, investments, and a customer-centric approach, Civida is dedicated to its mission of providing safe, affordable homes while positively impacting the well-being and stability of its customers and communities.

Guided by a Board of Directors, Civida’s services include property management, benefit program administration, property development, community partnerships, fundraising, policy research, and advocacy. The organization prizes sustainability, excellence, engagement, and innovation in all it does, striving for its vision: Everybody’s Home. As an organization created under the Alberta Housing Act, it is also driven by the requirements of several regulations and pieces of legislation.

Civida is proud to be recognized as one of Waterstone Human Capital Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures. Reflecting the principles they live out each day – excellence, innovation and engagement, the Civida team shares a commitment to building thriving communities, within their team, and for those they serve.

For more information about Civida, please visit their website.

The Opportunity

• Reports to: Vice President, Corporate Services & CFO
• Direct Reports (2): Manager, IT Infrastructure; and Manager, Business Innovation and Applications
• Location: Edmonton, AB

Mandate

Reporting to the VP, Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer, the Director, Information Technology is responsible for the overall strategic development, planning and implementation of the information technology (IT) strategy that meets the company’s business needs, delivers optimal return on investment, and maintains utmost security. As the most senior IT professional in the organization, this individual will have a large degree of autonomy. Overseeing a team of 10 and responsibly stewarding an annual budget of approximately $1.1M (not including salaries), the Director will act creatively and collaboratively with their team and other Civida business units to support the organization’s mission.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Collaborate with members of the executive and senior leadership teams to identify ways IT can assist the company in achieving business and operational goals.
• Develop IT strategies, policies and procedures that support organizational goals and objectives.
• Develop and maintain relationships with other public housing agencies and external service provider organizations.

Information Technology/Systems Leadership:

• Lead development and implementation processes for the organization’s IT infrastructure, applications and departments.
• Develop and implement cybersecurity strategies, including strategies to eliminate/prevent security risks and vulnerabilities.
• Establish long-term Information Systems needs and plans and develops strategies for developing systems and acquiring software and hardware necessary to meet those needs.
• Responsible for fiscal management of the organizational budget as it relates to IT services and products for Civida.
• Responsible for the prioritization, planning and delivery of all IT initiatives and projects to meet budget, operational and strategic goals.
• Ensure that IT and network infrastructure adequately support the company’s computing, data processing, and communications needs.
• Develop and implement business continuity protocols to minimize disruption to business operations in the event of emergency situations or data loss.
• Coordinate multi-site IT systems via enterprise resource planning (ERP).
• Establish efficiency and efficacy standards, providing recommendations for improvement of IT infrastructure.
• Analyze IT infrastructure and systems performance to assess operating costs, productivity levels, upgrade requirements, and other metrics and needs.
• Facilitate IT security audits or investigations.
• Assist as top-level contact for end users in determining information systems requirements and/or solutions.
• Ensure compliance with government regulations that apply to systems operation

Project Management Leadership:

• Identify new information systems/applications developments and technologies; anticipates resulting organizational modifications.
• Develop, maintain, and revise proposals for assigned projects including project objectives, technologies, systems, information specifications, timelines, funding, and staffing.
• Communicate goals, projects, and timelines of the company to the department; plans ways to execute those goals within the department.
• Responsible for engaging and partnering with Civida leadership to gain support for the development and implementation of Civida projects.

People Leadership:

• Lead and manage a team of management and unionized staff members who deliver IT and application services.
• Contribute to interview, hiring, and classification decisions that affect the department.
• Facilitate resolution of human resource concerns as they arise, including rendering judgments as required governing conduct, performance, discipline, dismissal, promotion, transfers, etc. in conjunction with human resources.
• Complete performance reviews and manage employee conduct in the workplace through coaching and mentoring of staff.

First-Year Deliverables / Measures of Success

Success in the first year will be determined by the candidate’s ability to:

• Champion a service-driven culture that empowers and energizes the IT team and builds trust across the organization.
• Deeply understand business needs, affirm the IT roadmap, and drive meaningful strategic enhancements.
• Propel progress toward the goals outlined in the IT roadmap.
• Foster strong, trust-based relationships and earn the confidence of business units and executive leaders across Civida.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will have the following:

Education:

• Bachelor of Commerce, Administration, or Computer Science specializing in project management and information services.
• PMP or related designation is preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience related to IT/system implementation, and enterprise strategy including experience managing teams.
• Experience in housing or nonprofit environments is preferred.
• Proficient in latest technology for IT systems and management.
• Proficient with, or able to quickly become proficient with, a range of general and specialized applications, software, and hardware used in the organization and the industry.
• Strong leadership experience and the ability to inspire a team.
• Experience developing and executing complex data security/cybersecurity strategies.
• A thorough understanding of IT and a demonstrated ability to apply IT in support of organizational goals.

Competencies and Attributes:

• Deep understanding of IT systems and their practical application to advance organizational goals.
• Meticulous and detail-oriented, with a high degree of accuracy and precision.
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills, with a strong ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Proven leadership and management capabilities, with the confidence to drive performance and innovation.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to generate buy-in across diverse teams.
• Passion for community service and a deep commitment to the mission of affordable housing.
• Skilled in leading change, navigating complexity, and inspiring teams through transformation.
• Motivated by the opportunity to make a lasting impact within a purpose-driven organization.
• Future-focused and agile, with a willingness to “fail fast” and adapt quickly.
• Committed to continuous learning and able to quickly master both general and specialized tools.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Civida is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that a diverse team benefits and is essential to service excellence. Civida welcomes applications from all qualified individuals.

Application Instructions:

If this opportunity excites you, please send an application package, including a resume and cover letter, to [email protected] with the position title and organization name in the subject line of your email.