Information Technology/Information Management Director

We are seeking an IT/IM Director.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Executive Director, the IT/IM (Information Technology/Information Management) Director provides leadership for the organization’s core information management and technology operations, including infrastructure, cloud platforms, cybersecurity, end-user support, and vendor-managed services. This hands-on role ensures that technology services are secure, reliable, scalable, well-governed, and aligned with organizational priorities. The IT/IM Director works with the organization’s IT/IM service partners to deliver responsive services, resilient operations, effective risk mitigation, and continuous improvement at all locations.

Compensation: This position supports the evolution of IT Infrastructure at VHA Health & Home Support and offers a competitive hiring range of $115,000 - $140,000. VHA is invested in our staff’s health, wellness and career growth. As part of the total compensation package for this role, we offer a comprehensive benefits package as well as a Group RRSP that transitions to an employer-sponsored Pension Plan.

VHA’s Mission & Values:

• Our Mission: Advancing compassionate, safe community-based health care - people live with independence and dignity.
• We Value: Client-centred care, Safety, Accessibility, Quality, Collaboration, Learning and growing, Innovation, Accountability.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Executive Director, the IT/IM Director is a strategic thinker and hands-on leader who strengthens the technology and data environment of VHA and its subsidiary entities as they evolve to meet growing operational, programmatic and reporting needs. Specifically, the IT/IM Director is responsible for developing, delivering, and enhancing business-driven IT/IM services including Information Technology, Information Management, IT/IM Strategy, Support Services, and related project/portfolio management that support the organizations’ goals and strategies. This position ensures that technology and data practices effectively support the organization’s mission and long-term strategic goals. The incumbent will lead IT operations, explore hardware/software options for growth and efficiency, guide data governance, and promote a culture of data informed decision-making across the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Organizational Responsibilities: Work positively, according to our Values, to help the organization fulfill our Mission. Comply with and fulfill VHA obligations, policies and procedures, including Occupational Health & Safety. Carry out all duties in accordance with company policies, procedures and standards. Be responsible for self-development and participate in VHA’s development opportunities. Actively participate in supervisory meetings. Participate in relevant meetings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Information Technology IT Compliance, Budget, Operations, Procurement, and Service Management: Ensure compliance with internal and external regulations regarding IT/IM procurement, security/privacy, and support organizational compliance as applicable outside of IT/IM. Work with the management team to develop and manage an annual IT budget that adheres to ministerial guidelines for the organization. Develop and implement strategies to improve the function and value of IT at VHA and its subsidiary corporations. Develop risk reduction strategies that anticipate and balance the needs of the organization and the external threat landscape. Lead/coordinate the response to urgent situations (for example, security incidents & threats). Procure external consultants to meet VHA’s business technology needs in compliance with procurement rules. Ensure IT-related vendor/supplier relationships are managed for risk and compliance. Support and manage IT/IM issues, including but not limited to: Paper and e-files management, Voicemail, phone (landlines and cell phones), hand/face scanners, interRAI and IAR uploads, and access to generate reports, database management, including client/staff access (‘portal’ access), Software (ie M365, GoldCare, interRAI & related, OCEAN, CareDove, etc), security systems, website structure, including staff access for information (‘portal’ access), computers, laptops and related office equipment, photo identification software, inventory, data management, e-interoperability with partner organizations. Assist to resolve escalated support tickets. Work with IT Service Providers (including Ontario Health) for support/troubleshooting. Ensure IT/IM related training including security training is delivered to VHA and its subsidiary corporations. Work with IT Service Providers to develop and maintain procurement and asset management plans. Identify software and hardware gaps and collaborate with vendors and external consultants to define solutions. Configure, deploy, and support hardware. Ensure the collection, cleaning, re-purposing/disposal of hardware including archiving and/or destruction is completed in compliance with legislation, regulations and best practices.
• Systems Reviews & Recommendations: Advise where software, hardware, and broader IT system changes are recommended to provide greater value and/or ensure continued fit. Collaborate with other departments to prepare requirements for new systems and lead the tool review and selection process. Lead/coordinate with IT Service Providers and other stakeholders to implement and monitor new systems and system changes. Manage the integrity and compatibility between systems with a goal of increased integration and automation for data-driven business processes.
• Information Management Information & Data Governance: Identify and support information and data governance frameworks suited to the sensitivity of VHA’s data. Provide advice regarding data-related risks and provide risk mitigation strategies. Provide solutions to data-related requirements and ensure that data uses are aligned to applicable frameworks advising the organization on data uses where applicable. Develop and implement data management and loss prevention solutions to ensure the security of data across platforms and mediums. Lead development of and changes to existing applications to ensure changes deliver the proposed business value and do not conflict with data management requirements and frameworks. Cleanse and maintain data to ensure integrity, accuracy, and availability.
• Analytics and Reporting: Guide the design and development of business metrics including the design and development of dashboards and balanced scorecard. Support the organization in determining requirements for reporting and analytics. Recommend solutions to the business on approaches to reporting and analytics to meet business needs. Work within the organization to prepare and develop dashboards and reports addressing business needs. Provide solutions across different reporting tools, platforms and technologies to enable effective planning and profiling (e.g. GoldCare, Excel, Zoom/Teams, voicemail, Owl technology and similar) that meet the end user requirements. Optimize analytics and reporting tools utilized within the organization (ie interRAI assessments & the Integrated Assessment Record (IAR), database information, and similar) and advise on integration of tools to support reporting and data integration. Assist in the design and development of reports and dashboards.
• Strategy and Project Management IT/IM Strategy and Governance: Define and manage the role and value of IT/IM within the organization. Identify, define, develop and prioritize projects to support business strategy and support other business leaders in the implementation of applicable initiatives. Provide solutions to the business for IT/IM related projects or projects which could benefit from new technical solutions. Represent IT/IM within organizational leaders. Explore and assess AI capacity, inter-operability, risks and rewards. Act as Privacy Officer by ensuring data and uses adhere to applicable guidelines and audit requirements and that Privacy and Security controls are balanced to avoid conflicts.
• Project and Portfolio Management: Oversee a portfolio encompassing multiple IT/IM-related projects (ie MIS, telephony, facial scanning technology, M360, and related). Lead projects with high levels of complexity. Assume responsibility for the successful planning, initiation, design, execution, monitoring, controlling and closure of IM/IT related projects.
• Business Continuity Planning: Ensure regular e-updates, patches and back-ups are installed and functioning. Develop, oversee, and manage the IT/IM-related aspects of the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) for the organization. Coordinate and manage the IT-related aspects of crisis management and disaster recovery programs within the organization to maintain the BCP. Prepare and manage cybersecurity Incident Response and enterprise Disaster Recovery plans. Ensure the organization is positioned to mitigate and respond to technology-related (including cyber) risks in a manner that meets internal and external requirements, aligns to best practice frameworks, and demonstrates a balanced cost and risk reduction value.

Qualifications:

• Skills and Competencies: Familiar with the requirements and constraints of delivering IT/IM services in a public sector organization. Knowledge of the impact and application of regulatory frameworks on information systems, data management, and reporting. Experience managing systems, data, and vendors in accordance with internal and external governance and compliance regulations. Knowledgeable of and able to advise the organization on the application of IT security practices to mitigate digital risk. Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations as they relate to IT and IM. Able to provide governing solutions for a data environment spanning multiple systems. Strong understanding of the value of IT/IM in achieving business goals. Knowledgeable of the M365 environment for access and data management. Demonstrable experience working with structured and unstructured data and able to advise on the advantages of data models when designing solutions. Able to guide IT Support and vendors in the organization’s system configuration in a secure, compliant, and cost-effective manner. Able to guide the department and broader business in defining KPIs, collecting data, and preparing reports and dashboards. Project Management experience to lead medium to large projects. Able to effectively identify gaps and improvements in business processes and design solutions that meet business requirements. Demonstrated leadership ability in a collaborative, client-oriented environment. Must possess and maintain a valid and permanent Canadian driver’s license for the duration of their employment in this position. Some travel to operational sites is required. Familiarity with GoldCare, interRAI, OHRS platforms is an asset. English/French bilingualism is an asset.
• Attitude, Actions & Behaviours: Strong understanding of business goals and the strategic planning process. Understands the value of the IT/IM department in meeting strategic objectives and able to develop departmental goals that support or enhance broader business initiatives. Able to work with stakeholders from different groups within VHA and the corporate suite to understand their needs and requirements.
• Education and Qualification Requirements: Post-Secondary education and/or recognized certifications plus 5 or more years related professional management experience in the field of information technology, IT/IM leadership, and/or information systems.

Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.