Director of Technology

The North Carolina Aquarium Society is seeking experienced applicants for the position of Director of Technology.This position is based in the Aquarium Society’s Raleigh, N.C. office.

The NC Aquarium Society is the nonprofit support arm for the state-owned NC Aquariums. Based in Raleigh, the 501(c)3 nonprofit Society supports the NC Aquariums by generating funds for conservation, education and research through membership, retail sales, advocacy, and philanthropic engagement.

This is an exciting time to join the NC Aquarium Society in Raleigh as we grow the team to nimbly respond to the needs of the NC Aquariums and our shared mission to inspire appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments. In 2025, we will launch the public phase of the Campaign for the NC Aquariums with gifts of more than $57.5 million. In 2026, the NC Aquariums will celebrate 50 years of service to our state with plans to open new exhibits at the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island while major renovations take place at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

The Director of Technology is a leadership role for the organization focused on overseeing technological infrastructure and providing direction for the Society’s technology strategy, security and operations. This includes managing software systems and integrations for transaction processing, information storage and communication.   This is a new role that will support technology operations for the Society’s Raleigh office and coastal Gifts Shops with a goal of seamless integration and collaboration with the four NC Aquarium sites in Manteo, Nags Head, Pine Knoll Shores and Kure Beach.

The Society works in partnership with the NC Aquariums and does not provide administrative or programmatic oversight for the four locations that cover the coast of North Carolina. Employees of the NC Aquarium Society are not state employees.

Opportunity:

The Director of Technology is a recently created position that is central to the Society’s evolving technology needs with membership, philanthropy, and gift shop operations. This position will work with the Society, NC Aquariums, DNCR IT and DNCR business solutions to support all technology and database functions of the Society.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain the Society’s current technology infrastructure to ensure no interruption in service and a smooth customer and member experience.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive technology plan for the Society including identifying specific hardware and software application needs and providing continuity of systems across all departments.
• Develop and implement cybersecurity policies, plans and procedures.
• Serve as a member of the NCAS Leadership Team; working with other members of the Leadership Team to determine and implement short-term and long-range planning strategies for the operation of the Society.
• Manage all financial aspects of Information Technology projects and activities, including preparation of the annual operating budget, ongoing review of financial operations, purchasing and disposal of technology assets and resources, maintenance of technology inventories, and long-term financial planning for technology replacement, repair and maintenance.
• Partner with the Director of Systems Operations to develop and implement strategies for database integration to ensure data for memberships, donations, and gift shop sales are seamlessly integrated into cash management and accounting platforms
• Serve on the combined Society and NC Aquariums task force assigned to research and recommend an integrated software solution that combines ticketing point of sale, donor and member management, gift shops and special programs for an integrated customer experience.
• Work with NCDR-IT with developing and maintaining the organizations internal and external networks and maintaining network security policies. Ensuring technology security by implementing security measures, monitoring potential threats and responding to security incidents.
• Oversee PCI Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS compliance by developing and implementing policies and procedures that adhere to PCI-DSS requirements.
• Work closely with point-of-sale systems (POS), POS users and vendors to support function and operational needs.
• Provide support for hardware and software applications by diagnosing and resolving visitor and employee problems.
• Assist with selection, maintenance, and troubleshooting of website and digital media platforms, software and protocols for personnel and the general public.
• Provide leadership and support for the systems operations team.

Required Qualification/Experience:

• An affinity for the goals and mission of NC Aquarium Society.
• Bachelor’s or advanced degree from four-year college or university in computer science, information technology or a related field; or five to seven years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to provide 24/7 maintenance and support to keep operations functioning at all facilities when needed as well as willingness to travel regularly and respond to technology problems after regular business hours when needed.
• Must have a strong understanding of technology, including hardware, software database integration
• Ability to effectively manage technology related projects, including timelines, budgets and resources.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated record of completing assignments.
• Strong strategic and analytic skills demonstrated problem-solving ability.
• Must be articulate, assertive and have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written to clearly communicate technology information to non-technical users.
• Able to identify and solve complex technical problems.
• Ability to think creatively and be open to new ideas and technologies to improve the organization’s performance
• Collaborative self-starter who is adept at outreaching to constituents and relationship building.
• Act in a lawful, ethical, and professional manner in carrying out the duties of this position and in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Experience working on the nonprofit or government IT team in a public-private partnership
• Documented experience with the following:

Windows, Window Server, Microsoft Office 365 and SharePoint

Point-of-Sale (POS) systems

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems

Payment Card Industry Data Security (PCI-DSS)

Payment gateway, merchant processing, and cash management solutions

Setting up desktop computers, Laptops, Printers (standalone and networked)

• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Pass a criminal background check.