How to hire a systems director

How to hire a systems director, step by step

Here's a step-by-step systems director hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a systems director job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new systems director
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a systems director do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The systems director hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A systems director's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, systems directors from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of systems directors.

   Type of Systems Director	Description	Hourly rate
   Systems Director	Computer and information systems managers, often called information technology (IT) managers or IT project managers, plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the information technology goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing computer systems to meet those goals.	$47-90
   Chief Information Officer	A chief information officer, also known as CIO, is responsible for the technological development within the company or organization. Primarily overseeing all information technology-related operations, a chief information officer takes the lead in setting the department's budget, developing strategies that will improve computer systems, and implementing policies to attain significant growth in profit and client base... Show more	$47-105
   Director Of Technology And Services	A director of technology and services is responsible for monitoring the operations in the technical side of an organization and managing the efficiency of network systems to ensure the stability and efficiency of business functions. Directors of technology and services oversee the safety and security of networks across the organization to prevent unauthorized access and leakage of data statistics... Show more	$44-83

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Patients
   • Oversight
   • Health System
   • Patient Care
   • Project Management
   • Process Improvement
   • Database
   • Patient Safety
   • Acute Care
   • Business Development
   • HR
   • Infection Control
   • Strategic Plan
   • Executive Leadership

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage installation and administration of HP-UX, AIX, Unix, and Linux servers.
   • Implement and manage a VoIP phone system to streamline communications between branch locations and reduce operating costs by $60k.
   • Manage budgets associate with payroll, equipment and other costs associate with examinations.
   • Lead projects with responsibilities for the architecture, implementation and administration of data warehouse and repository technical environments.
   • Ensure availability by installing SAN arrays replicating in real time.
   • Integrate multiple CRM applications into a single platform for access worldwide.

   More systems director duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your systems director job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A systems director salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for a systems director in Florida may be lower than in California, and an entry-level systems director usually earns less than a senior-level systems director. Additionally, a systems director with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average systems director salary

   $136,676yearly

   $65.71 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level systems director salary

   $98,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 22, 2026

   Average systems director salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$171,868	$83
   2	Washington	$159,244	$77
   3	Oregon	$150,623	$72
   4	New York	$142,189	$68
   5	New Jersey	$139,999	$67
   6	Massachusetts	$138,398	$67
   7	Georgia	$127,394	$61
   8	Arizona	$126,913	$61
   9	Pennsylvania	$126,400	$61
   10	Ohio	$124,985	$60
   11	Illinois	$124,449	$60
   12	Colorado	$122,211	$59
   13	District of Columbia	$121,740	$59
   14	Texas	$118,676	$57
   15	North Carolina	$117,700	$57
   16	Arkansas	$116,474	$56
   17	Nebraska	$116,411	$56
   18	Florida	$113,401	$55
   19	Louisiana	$110,722	$53
   20	Minnesota	$107,167	$52

   Average systems director salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Holland & Knight	$183,953	$88.44	4
   2	Fairview Health Services	$182,843	$87.91	3
   3	Mercy Corps	$175,894	$84.56
   4	Zoox	$166,025	$79.82	49
   5	Genentech	$164,122	$78.90	39
   6	Allegheny Health Network	$158,588	$76.24
   7	Riot Games	$158,058	$75.99
   8	PIH Health	$155,455	$74.74	4
   9	Lowell General Hospital	$155,380	$74.70
   10	UCI Health	$154,949	$74.49	4
   11	Radial	$154,881	$74.46
   12	Constellation Brands	$154,310	$74.19
   13	Intel	$153,040	$73.58	20
   14	Pwc	$152,788	$73.46	785
   15	Nikola Motor	$150,495	$72.35
   16	Naughty Dog	$150,175	$72.20	2
   17	Amazon	$149,849	$72.04	199
   18	Wickr	$148,546	$71.42
   19	ViacomCBS	$147,900	$71.11
   20	Arnot Health	$145,025	$69.72

4. Writing a systems director job description

   A systems director job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a systems director job description:

   Systems director job description example

   The Director of Employee Health coordinates and is responsible for developing comprehensive Employee Health programs that support the organizational philosophy and meet regulatory and compliance requirements. The incumbent works in close collaboration with Safety and Infection Control and other key stakeholders across the system to promote the health and wellbeing of employees. This includes establishing, meeting and continuously monitoring the goals and objectives of the department. The Director innovates through the development of system-wide policies, procedures, programs, and services to advance teammate wellbeing across the system. The incumbent serves as a content expert throughout the system providing counsel, guidance, and advice on Employee Health matters.
   
   Contribute to the success of NMHS by providing leadership, direction and coordination of operations, finances, and human resources for area of responsibility.
   
   Directs, coordinates, implements, and evaluates Employee Health Program for all NMHS employees. Manage and direct all activities within area of responsibility.
   
   Continually assesses all services, identifies problems, utilizes data to analyze and propose innovative approaches for solutions.
   
   Maintain records related to operations and services that are complete, accurate, available, and in compliance with all legal, regulatory, and policy requirements.
   
   Engages staff and other stakeholders in continuous improvement of systems and processes; manages resources for staff participation in improvement work activities.
   
   Ensures effective facilitation of improvement teams and development of leadership skills to ensure overall effectiveness of the meetings.
   Organizes and prioritizes time and resources to manage efficiency. Remains current of new trends and best practices and incorporates into Employee Health practices and programs. Articulates and enforces standards for quality and safety. Develops and implements innovative systems and processes that improve employee quality and safety. Demonstrates achievable and measurable results and develop action plans for improvement. Initiates, monitors, and enforces regulatory requirements. Develops and implements outcome measures for quality improvement, cost and complication reduction, and the implementation of evidence-based practice. Incorporates the use of evidence-based practice and appreciative inquiry into program development and improvement activities. Actively listens to staff ideas and concerns, assesses others communication styles and adapts to them. Articulates and presents data, information, and ideas in a clear and concise manner. Communicates opinions and ideas in a nonthreatening and nonjudgmental manner to staff, peers, and others. Manages the complex interdepartmental and interdisciplinary relationships to assure collaboration and effective/efficient operations within Employee Health. Creates an environment that encourages diverse opinion, recognizes differences, and incorporates into process and services. Exhibits awareness of personal attitudes and beliefs, recognizing its effect on response to others. Creates a culture and systems for recognizing and rewarding staff. Serves on the Safety Committee and provides Employee Health presence on the Environment of Care Rounds. Provides oversight and direction to community hospital employee health nurses and makes complex decisions based on usual practices at a System Level. Budget: Actively seeks opportunities to improve financial outcomes, engaging staff in the process. Establishes annual financial goals and actively uses benchmarking to high performing systems in similar area of expertise to set annual targets. Monitors and analyzes financial data and utilizes for decisions regarding FTE's, staffing and operational budget. Establishes an annual operating and capital budget, demonstrating fiscal responsibility through meeting budget targets. Creates business plan(s), justifying variances and analyzing cost benefit of programs. Articulates to staff the budget and the context within the organizational financials. Responsible for preparation of yearly budget, including submitting, implementing, and controlling personnel, expense, and capital budget for the department. Prepares and presents operational and financial reports/projects as required Regulation : NMHS Policies/Procedures/Guidelines Remains Current on Regulatory standards to include: ADA, MSDH, OSHA, DNV, NHSN, and CDC Job Knowledge: Bachelor's Degree in Nursing required; Master's Degree preferred Licensed by the Mississippi Board of Nursing 3 years of supervisory experience; required Must be able to demonstrate working knowledge of worker's compensation laws and applicable government regulation including ADA, NHSN reporting and OSHA Effective communication skills both in written and verbal presentation with a communication style that is open and foster trust, credibility and understanding. Demonstrated creativity and flexibility. Ability to operate in high-pressure situations. Effective organizational, planning and project management abilities. Ability to demonstrate a commitment to quality and excellence. Ability to function independently and deal with multiple, simultaneous projects. Self-starter with a willingness to try new ideas. Must possess the knowledge to evaluate jobs for modified duty capabilities, assessment of the workplace and make appropriate recommendations. Must have the ability to analyze work injury trends and suggest appropriate corrections.
   
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   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right systems director for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your systems director job on Zippia to find and recruit systems director candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit systems directors, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new systems director

   Once you've found the systems director candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new systems director. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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