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What is an information systems director and how to become one
An Information system director ensures the smooth running of information technology systems in an organization. He/She has valuable IT skills needed to manage a company's information technology in various areas including solving multi-server problems, managing software systems or applications, and ensuring that all the company's technological resources work properly to meet production and productivity goals. The information systems director also makes strategic plans for an organization based on technology and industry trends. You are also in charge of organizing IT teams to work together for a productive operation. Your role as an ISD may also involve monitoring the computer systems and company data to keep them safe from hackers and data breaches.
To be an information systems director you must have at least a bachelor's degree in strategic technology and innovation management; information systems management; database management technology and managerial economics; technology and business and other related fields with years of experience in these fields. A master's degree will be an added advantage. You can also prove yourself worthy by earning an MBA in Information Technology Management. An Information System Director should possess analytical thinking and communication skills for business profitability. The average salary of an Information Systems Director is between $143,590 and $166,400 annually.
What general advice would you give to an information systems director?
Matthew Liotine Ph.D.
Clinical Professor and Director of Master of Science in Supply Chain and Operations Management, University of Illinois at Chicago
Avg. Salary $130,822
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 16%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.21%
Asian 12.66%
Black or African American 6.68%
Hispanic or Latino 10.02%
Unknown 5.20%
White 65.23%
Genderfemale 18.72%
male 81.28%
Age - 47American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 47Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Information systems director career paths
Key steps to become an information systems director
Explore information systems director education requirements
Start to develop specific information systems director skills
Skills Percentages Customer Service 8.37% Project Management 8.32% Network Infrastructure 6.99% Windows Server 4.37% SQL Server 3.94% Complete relevant information systems director training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New information systems directors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an information systems director based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real information systems director resumes.Gain additional information systems director certifications
More About CertificationsInformation systems director certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific information systems director certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for information systems directors include IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL) and Project Management Professional (PMP).
Research information systems director duties and responsibilities
- Lead a technology expansion to deliver an internal portal using Microsoft .NET and SharePoint platforms.
- Manage SDLC of custom application and relate web and data services, consultants and support contracts.
- Establish team of security /compliance experts to effectively manage PCI and SOX compliance and formal change control processes.
- Manage multiple large scale projects including infrastructure installations of wire and wireless networks and replace PBX system creating efficiencies and savings.
Get information systems director experience
Generally, it takes 6-8 years to become an information systems director. The most common roles before becoming an information systems director include information systems manager, programmer analyst team lead and project manager.Prepare your information systems director resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your information systems director resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an information systems director resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable information systems director resume templates
Build a professional information systems director resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your information systems director resume.
Apply for information systems director jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an information systems director job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first information systems director job
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Average information systems director salary
The average information systems director salary in the United States is $130,822 per year or $63 per hour. Information systems director salaries range between $86,000 and $198,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do information systems directors rate their job?
Information systems director reviews
Staying abreast of technology and helping an organization define Technology strategy.
Work Life Balance can be difficult based on size of team and infrastructure.
The opportunity to render services to client, and managing technology by giving key information to customers.
Not meeting up to expectation of a client.
Updated January 8, 2025
