What is an Information Technology Strategy Manager Job?
An information technology strategy manager is a professional responsible for developing and implementing strategies and plans that align with an organization's IT goals and objectives. They work closely with other departments and stakeholders to ensure that the company's IT infrastructure and systems are effective, efficient, and secure. In short, their job is to ensure that the company's technology is optimized to support the overall business strategy and objectives.
What Usually Do in This Position?
An information technology strategy manager's job involves a wide range of responsibilities, including:
1. Developing and implementing IT strategies and plans that align with the organization's overall business strategy.
2. Identifying new and emerging technologies that can help the company achieve its goals and objectives.
3. Managing IT budgets and resources to ensure that technology investments are aligned with the organization's priorities.
4. Overseeing the development and implementation of IT policies and procedures that ensure the security and integrity of the company's data and systems.
5. Leading and managing teams of IT professionals to ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
Top 5 Skills for Position
Here are the top 5 skills required for a successful career as an information technology strategy manager:
1. Strategic thinking: A successful IT strategy manager must be able to think strategically and develop IT plans and strategies that support the organization's overall business goals and objectives.
2. Leadership: Leading and managing teams of IT professionals requires strong leadership skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate others to achieve their goals.
3. Communication: Effective communication skills are essential for IT strategy managers, as they need to be able to communicate complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
4. Technical expertise: While IT strategy managers do not need to be experts in every area of technology, they need to have a good understanding of the latest trends and developments in IT to make informed decisions.
5. Business acumen: IT strategy managers need to have a good understanding of the business and industry in which they operate to develop effective IT strategies and plans.
How to Become This Type of Specialist
To become an information technology strategy manager, you will typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Many IT strategy managers also have an MBA or other advanced business degree. In addition to formal education, it is important to gain experience in IT management and leadership roles. This can be done through internships, entry-level IT positions, and by taking on progressively more responsible roles within an organization.
Average Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for computer and information systems managers, which includes IT strategy managers, was $146,360 in May 2020. The top 10 percent of earners in this field made more than $208,000 per year.
Roles and Types
Information technology strategy managers can work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and retail. Some of the common roles in this field include:
1. Chief Information Officer (CIO): The CIO is the top IT executive in an organization and is responsible for developing and implementing the company's overall IT strategy.
2. IT Director: The IT director is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the IT department and ensuring that IT systems and infrastructure are effective and efficient.
3. IT Project Manager: The IT project manager is responsible for overseeing specific IT projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in USA
Information technology strategy manager jobs are in demand across the United States, but some of the top locations for these jobs include:
1. San Francisco, CA
2. New York, NY
3. Washington, DC
4. Chicago, IL
5. Atlanta, GA
What Are the Typical Tools
Information technology strategy managers use a variety of tools and technologies to perform their jobs, including:
1. Project management software, such as Microsoft Project or Asana, to manage IT projects and teams.
2. Business intelligence and analytics tools, such as Tableau or Power BI, to analyze data and make informed decisions.
3. Cloud computing platforms, such as Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure, to manage and deploy IT infrastructure and applications.
4. IT security tools, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, to protect the company's data and systems from cyber threats.
In Conclusion
Information technology strategy managers play a critical role in ensuring that an organization's IT infrastructure and systems are optimized to support the overall business strategy and objectives. To succeed in this field, it is essential to have a strong combination of technical expertise, business acumen, leadership skills, and strategic thinking abilities. With the right education, experience, and skills, a career as an IT strategy manager can be both challenging and rewarding.