Hiring for: Director of IT  About CATA  Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) is a joint municipal authority established in 1974, serving portions of Centre County, including Penn State’s University Park Campus. CATA facilitates over 5 million annual rides through its fixed-route, microtransit, paratransit, and commuter services. CATA is recognized for its innovative approaches to sustainable transportation, operating the first compressed natural gas (CNG) fixed-route fleet on the East Coast and achieving the highest farebox recovery ratio (nearly 40%) in Pennsylvania.  Position Summary  CATA is seeking a Director of Information Technology (IT) to lead, plan, and manage the development, production, and implementation of CATA's technology systems, ensuring the stability and efficiency of the organization’s technology infrastructure. This role will involve both short- and long-term strategies, focusing on enhancing CATA's operational efficiency and supporting the authority’s mission of providing reliable, innovative public transportation solutions.  Key Responsibilities  Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with CATA's management and board of directors to set the strategic direction for IT systems, budget development, and performance metrics to ensure the alignment of technology solutions with organizational priorities.  Technology Infrastructure: Oversee the evaluation, purchase, installation, and performance of technology across all CATA departments, minimizing redundancy and maximizing resource utilization.  Innovation & Development: Define and manage IT architecture, implementing technical solutions and strategies that foster innovation and improve customer experience across CATA's public-facing technologies such as passenger displays, real-time systems, and kiosks.  Project & Program Management: Develop and manage complex IT project plans, including defining goals, allocating resources, and overseeing project execution to ensure they are completed on time and within budget.  Team Leadership: Prepare and make presentations to the board of directors as a member of the management team. Lead and supervise IT staff, ensuring the effective delivery of IT services with a high level of customer satisfaction to both internal and external stakeholders.  Security & Risk Management: Ensure the protection of CATA’s IT assets through industry best practices in security management and continuity planning.  Collaboration: Work closely with all departments to support technological innovation and develop performance-based measures that support business goals.  Essential Qualifications + Proven experience in IT management, including strategic planning, system architecture, and project management. + Expertise in SQL, MS SQL Server, Microsoft Windows Server infrastructure, and Office 365 (0365) suite. + Knowledge of IT security management, IT strategy, and best practices for continuity management.  + Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences, including the board of directors, elected officials, staff, and external clients. + Strong skills in managing IT staff and overseeing complex projects from inception to closeout.  + Experience in transit technology platforms or similar public-facing technologies is preferred.  + Knowledge of GIS mapping software and data structure is a plus.  Education & Experience  + A bachelor’s degree in IT or a related field from an accredited college or university, substantial relevant experience in a leadership role may be considered in lieu of a degree + 5-7 years relevant senior management experience is required + Experience with system implementation and system conversions is required  Benefits  CATA offers paid time off (vacation, sick, holiday, etc.), health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), 401(a), 457, Roth IRA, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, life insurance, long-term disability, short-term disability, employee assistance program (EAP), free gym membership, and free transit pass. CATA employees may qualify to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.  Starting salary (dependent upon experience and qualifications): $102,198 – $115,751  Applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing and criminal background check. Interested candidates can apply by going to the Careers at CATA website, https://catabus.com/careers/  CATA participates in E-Verify. For more information on E-Verify, please contact DHS at 888-897-7787 or dhs.gov/e-verify.  CATA is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business needs.  Powered by JazzHR