Join a Purpose-Driven Team as our Director of Information Technology at Vernier

At Vernier Science Education, we believe that technology should empower learning and make science accessible, engaging, and inspiring. For over 40 years, we’ve been a pioneer in creating innovative tools that support hands-on STEM education. As a Perpetual Purpose Trust-owned company and long-time member of Oregon’s 100 Best Companies to Work For, we are deeply committed to our mission, our community, and our people.

We are currently looking for a passionate and skilled Director of Information Technology to lead our technology initiatives. The Director of IT will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of our information technology systems, ensuring their efficient operation, and aligning them with the company's strategic goals. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and a proven track record in budgeting, strategic planning, and team leadership, as well as a willingness to roll up their sleeves and work shoulder-to-shoulder with their colleagues.

What It’s Like to Work Here

Vernier fosters a collaborative, team-oriented environment where innovation thrives. You’ll join a group of individuals who are curious, dedicated, and respectful—people who believe in doing excellent work while having fun along the way. Whether supporting day-to-day operations or leading strategic IT initiatives, your voice will be heard, your expertise respected, and your growth supported.

We value work-life balance and provide a hybrid work model (with at least 3 days per week in our Beaverton office), competitive compensation, robust benefits, paid volunteer hours, generous PTO and sabbaticals, and opportunities for continuous learning. Our on-site perks include a fitness center, on-site fitness classes, bike storage, and easy access to public transit.

Who You Are

You're a seasoned IT leader with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field; or proven experience with five or more years in a leadership role within an IT department. You have demonstrated expertise in strategic IT planning, budgeting, and financial management. You have strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop IT professionals. You have in-depth knowledge of IT infrastructure, systems, and operations. You also possess excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills. 

Job Title:                    Director of Information Technology

Department:              Information Technology

Reports To:                Chief Financial Officer

FLSA Status:             Exempt

SUMMARY

The Director of IT will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of our information technology systems, ensuring their efficient operation, and aligning them with the company's strategic goals. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and a proven track record in budgeting, strategic planning, and team leadership, as well as a willingness to roll up their sleeves and work shoulder-to-shoulder with their colleagues.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Strategic Planning:

• Develop and implement an IT strategy that supports the overall business objectives.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies and trends to enhance organizational efficiency and competitiveness.
• Create and maintain an IT roadmap that ensures scalability and future readiness.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to integrate IT strategy with business goals.

 Budgeting and Financial Management:

• Develop and manage the annual IT budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and optimal resource allocation.
• Monitor IT expenditures, identify areas for cost savings, and implement financial controls.
• Oversee vendor relationships and negotiate contracts to secure favorable terms for IT services and products.
• Prepare financial reports and present IT budget performance to stakeholders.

 Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing IT team.
• Fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Conduct performance reviews, set clear objectives, and provide professional development opportunities for team members.
• Recruit, onboard, and retain top IT talent.
• Work with the team to build and maintain IT documentation that covers all aspects of day-to-day operations in the department.

IT Operations and Infrastructure:

• Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, and cloud solutions.
• Ensure the security, reliability, and availability of all IT systems and data.
• Develop and enforce IT policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Manage IT projects from initiation to completion, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to scope and budget.

E-commerce Development and Data:

• Oversee the development and maintenance of the company's e-commerce platform.
• Managed development projects from initiation to completion, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to scope and budget.
• Oversee the build-out of tools to access data inside the company systems for the needs of reporting.

Risk Management and Compliance:

• Implement robust IT security measures to protect company data and systems.
• Develop and test disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry regulations and data privacy laws.
• Conduct regular security audits and assessments.

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages the Information Technology Team. Carries out managerial responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws and regulations. Responsibilities include:

• Review the performance of individuals in the group, providing positive and appropriate communications that are fair, consistent, and adhere to the company policies and culture.  Provide praise, feedback, and counseling, as well as disciplinary action when necessary.
• Interview and hire quality candidates that fit with the company culture and adequately meet job qualifications.
• Ensure proper training of new and existing employees on departmental processes and procedures.
• Establish clear, consistent, and regular communication and expectations for workers.
• Manage and motivate workers, providing a fun and productive atmosphere.
• Conducts quarterly one-on-one meetings and timely performance reviews with all direct reports.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential 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.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field; or proven experience (5+ years) in a leadership role within an IT department
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic IT planning, budgeting, and financial management
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop IT professionals
• In-depth knowledge of IT infrastructure, systems, and operations
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills
• Cloud-based infrastructure experience is a plus

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, write, and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and memos. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to department employees, customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, musical notes, etc.) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here 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.

• Independent work, requiring self-prioritization of daily tasks and, when necessary, raising issues to the team or management.
• A hybrid work schedule may be possible, after an initial start-up period, requiring at least three days per week in the office.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, typical of an open-cubicle setting.

Vernier Science Education is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veterans status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.