Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium · 9 hours ago
Vice President of Information Technology
Omaha, NE
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$160K/yr - $160K/yr
10+ years expOmaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is seeking a Vice President of Information Technology to provide strategic vision and leadership for all technology initiatives. The VP of IT will oversee core systems, infrastructure, and security frameworks, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and operational priorities while enhancing the visitor experience.
EducationLeisureNon Profit
Responsibilities
Responsible for the performance, reliability, and strategic direction of all technology systems, including infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity, enterprise applications, data systems, and analytics
Review current, evaluate future, and implement new mission-aligned technology solutions that enhance operational efficiency, improve the visitor experience, and strengthen organizational performance across the Zoo and Safari Park
Champion technology-forward and user-centric philosophies across the organization by influencing and implementing strategies that embed effective, secure, and intuitive technology into daily operations
Establish and maintain systems to gather and interpret technology performance and user-feedback, identifying improvement opportunities and proactively addressing friction points in technology workflows
Serve as a point of escalation for critical technology issues, ensuring timely resolution and implementing long-term solutions that reduce operational disruptions
Support the organization’s long-term success by leading or participating in strategic planning efforts that strengthen financial health, operational efficiency, and guest experience through technology
Develop and report on industry-standard IT performance metrics to monitor system reliability, security posture, technology adoption, and service delivery
Optimize IT performance by collaborating with direct reports to ensure staffing, workload, and resources align with team capacity and departmental budgets
Build and maintain strategic technology partnerships that support and advance the Zoo’s mission, including relationships with software providers, hardware vendors, consultants, and managed services partners
Manage vendor negotiations and ensure strong, sustainable partnerships, securing favorable contracts and service levels that meet organizational needs
Lead annual IT staffing strategy and participate in hiring and onboarding, ensuring the department has the technical expertise and cross-functional skills to meet organizational demands
Collaborate with leaders and staff across all departments to ensure technology solutions are aligned, integrated, and supportive of cohesive workplace operations
Regularly communicate IT performance, risks, and opportunities to the senior leadership team, providing clear recommendations and data-informed insights
Foster an inclusive culture by prioritizing communication, trust, collaboration, and principles of inclusive leadership within the IT department and in cross-departmental work
Promote workforce inclusion initiatives by ensuring technology systems and digital experiences are accessible, equitable, and user-friendly for both staff and guests
Lead the IT team with proactive, transparent, and consistent communication, ensuring staff understand priorities, responsibilities, and organizational expectations
Oversee staff performance, ensuring duties are assigned effectively, work quality is maintained, and all policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements are followed
Ensure that enterprise technology platforms, software tools, and workflows reduce friction for staff and guests, including systems such as ticketing, CRM, POS, membership, financial platforms, kiosks, scanners, and mobile applications
Oversee annual IT budgets and long-term capital planning, ensuring responsible financial stewardship, cost-effective purchasing, and alignment with organizational priorities
Represent the Zoo and Safari Park at industry conferences, technology forums, working groups, and vendor engagements to advance best practices and position the organization as a leader in innovative and mission-aligned technology use
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field
At least 10 years of professional experience in IT, including leadership roles within complex or enterprise-scale environments
A proven track record of success overseeing technology teams, managing large-scale projects, and implementing enterprise systems
Demonstrated experience leading cybersecurity initiatives, infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation projects, or similar mission-critical technology efforts
Experience collaborating with executive leadership and cross-departmental teams to align technology investments with organizational priorities
Strong commitment to leveraging technology to advance mission-driven organizational goals and enhance the staff and visitor experience
Expertise in managing enterprise IT environments, including infrastructure, networks, cybersecurity, and large-scale system implementations
Comprehensive understanding of software platforms, hardware systems, data management, and analytics to support operational efficiency and strategic decision-making
Knowledge of best practices in enterprise architecture, cybersecurity frameworks, and technology governance
Proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate a diverse IT team, fostering collaboration and cross-functional partnership across departments
Skilled in balancing strategic planning with hands-on technical problem solving and solution delivery
Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, setting priorities and meeting deadlines in a dynamic environment
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences and collaborate effectively at all organizational levels
Demonstrated capacity to work independently with minimal oversight while making sound, timely, and informed decisions
Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with staff, leadership, vendors, and external partners
Proficiency in data analysis and the use of analytics tools to drive technology improvements and organizational insights
Skilled in vendor management, contract negotiation, and evaluating technology partners to ensure favorable terms and long-term value
Advanced technical literacy, including the ability to read technical documentation, evaluate system requirements, and navigate enterprise-level platforms
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as common enterprise IT tools and systems
Candidates might be (depending on position) required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative skin tuberculosis test, and possess a valid driver's license with a good history
Company
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Consistently ranked as one of the world's top five zoos, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is an independent not-for-profit organization accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Luis R. Padilla
President & CEO
Allison Hecker
Senior Executive Assistant to the President & CEO, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
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