Directs the IT department strategy, portfolio and operations at executive level.
Entry
Expert
Coding
Low
Key skills
Common progression
Career overview
The IT Director sets the IT department strategy: portfolio, budget, operations, governance and alignment with business strategy. They lead managers and report to the CIO/CTO. The role leads to VP Technology, CTO or CIO.
Main responsibilities
- Direct an IT department and its strategy
- Define strategy and steer long-term direction
- Coordinate the technical work of the team
- Mentor junior team members and review their work
- Manage budget, scope and risks
- Align stakeholders and report progress
- Prioritise work and manage competing demands
- Structure work, resources and governance
- Ensure delivery of products and programs
- Build and follow the project plan and milestones
Technical skills
Technologies
Education level
Education requirements vary depending on the company, country and experience. Professional experience, certifications and technical skills can sometimes compensate for formal education.
High School / Bac
Less common
Bac+2 (2-year degree)
Less common
Bac+3 (Bachelor)
Less common
Bac+5 (Master / Engineering)
Common entry point
Experience & coding level
Experience level
Coding level
Useful certifications
Certifications are never mandatory. They are one way among others to prove a skill.
- ITIL 4 Strategist
- TOGAF 9 Certified
- CISM
Where can this career take you?
Multiple paths are possible. Click a role to open its profile.
Direct progression
Where can you go next?
Realistic next career moves, with compatibility and a transition roadmap for each.
Overlap: 76% · Difficulty: Easy
Skills to learn: Architecture & platforms, Innovation
View roadmapOverlap: 61% · Difficulty: Medium
Skills to learn: Technology vision, Innovation, Architecture
View roadmapWhere can you go from here?
A typical progression built from real career relationships. Click any role to open its profile.
Soft skills
- Strategic thinking
- Leadership
- Clear communication
- Stakeholder management
- Decisiveness
- Mentoring
- Big-picture thinking
Common previous careers
Roles that frequently lead into this career.
Overlap: 37% · Difficulty: Hard
Skills to learn: IT leadership, Strategy, Governance
View roadmapRelated resources
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IT DirectorVP Technology
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