IT Specialist in Rosemont, Illinois at ISSA

The IT Specialist at ISSA is a operational technology role responsible for executing the organization’s technology vision, digital roadmap, and IT operations. This role ensures that technology investments directly support ISSA’s strategic goals, member experience, operational efficiency, and long-term growth.

The position provides IT operational execution across systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity, data, and vendor partnerships. It emphasizes IT project planning and management, strong communication skills, fiscal responsibility, risk management, hands-on technical project management, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Technology Strategy & Digital Roadmap

Translate organizational goals into scalable, sustainable technology solutions that improve operations, member engagement, and data visibility.Evaluate and prioritize initiatives across enterprise systems to maximize value and minimize complexity.Present technology solutions, challenges, and project progress to executive leadership in clear, business-focused terms.

IT Projects & Operations

Establish standards and best practices for systems, integrations, access management, and change control.Manage MSP to oversee infrastructure, cloud services, applications, integrations, and end-user technology support.Provide project management structure, oversight, process, documentation, and support for ISSA technology and MSP activitiesEnsure appropriate documentation, operational maturity, and service continuity across all IT functions.

Cybersecurity, Risk & Compliance

Coordinate with ISSA's managed security and IT service providers to support day-to-day cybersecurity operations, including monitoring, vulnerability remediation, and incident response. Help implement and maintain security policies, user access controls, security awareness training, and other cybersecurity best practices. Coordinate security assessments, audits, incident response activities, and remediation efforts with external partners, while ensuring issues are tracked through resolution. Oversee backup operations and participate in disaster recovery and business continuity planning and testing, working with the MSP to ensure processes are documented, tested, and effective.

Data, Systems & Digital Enablement

Champion strong data governance, data integrity, and responsible data use across the organization.Partner with business leaders to improve reporting, analytics, and data-driven decision-making.Ensure enterprise systems are integrated effectively to reduce manual work and operational risk.Support digital transformation initiatives that streamline workflows and enhance the member experience.

Vendor & Partner Management

Manage strategic relationships with technology vendors, consultants, and service providers.Support vendor evaluation, selection, and performance management.Ensure vendors align with ISSA’s security, financial, and service expectations.Balance internal capabilities versus external services to optimize cost, quality, and long-term sustainability.

Budget & Financial Support

Manage technology spend, aligning it with organizational priorities.Identify cost-saving opportunities, contract optimizations, and efficiencies without compromising security or service quality.Support transparent reporting on technology costs, risks, and return on investment.

Cross-Functional & Executive Collaboration

Serve as a project partner to senior leadership, department heads, and business stakeholders.Collaborate closely with marketing, membership, finance, customer service, and operations teams to ensure technology enables—not hinders—business outcomes.Communicate complex technology topics in clear, non-technical language appropriate for diverse audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities

Communicate regularly with IT and executive leadership on status, risks, and opportunities.Manage vendor relationships, contracts, renewals, and performance reviews.Ensure organizational readiness for new technologies, system upgrades, and process changes.Champion continuous improvement, modernization, and responsible innovation.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field required.Advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred.

Experience

Demonstrated experience in IT project management roles with responsibility for technology operations, cybersecurity, and project management.Proven track record supporting enterprise systems, vendor partnerships, and multi-year technology roadmaps.Experience supporting budget activity, contracts, and cross-functional initiatives.

Skills & Competencies

Strong project management skills with an emphasis on prioritization and execution.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Deep understanding of enterprise IT environments, cybersecurity, cloud platforms, and governance.Proven ability to manage projects, vendors, and complex initiatives simultaneously.Business-oriented mindset with a focus on outcomes, risk management, and value creation.