What Are the Different Types of Executive IT Jobs?

People who have information technology (IT) jobs work with computer software, hardware, and telecommunication systems. Professionals who have executive IT jobs tend to be those who have been in the industry for a number of years and who have proven proficiency in skills and strong grasp of knowledge required to develop and implement computer and telecommunication solutions. They also tend to be strong leaders who can manage employees and help to guide the direction a company takes in terms of financial growth and public image. Some common executive IT jobs are IT director, chief information officer (CIO), and director of software development.

Professionals who have executive IT jobs as IT directors are responsible for guiding the ways in which organizations store, share, and gather information. These professionals often have spent years working in IT departments, usually within particular industries. An individual who acts as an IT director at a financial services firm, for example, is experienced at choosing software that enables professionals to track market data, analyze intelligence, and make informed financial projections. Individuals with these kinds of executive IT jobs commonly are familiar with software markets relevant to industries in which they work and are able to create network architecture that results in smoothly running business intelligence and communication systems.

CIOs have executive IT jobs that place them at the tops of their organizations. Individuals who have these kinds of positions often are responsible for meeting with executives and decision makers from other departments, such as finance and marketing. Together these executives form strategies that help an organization to remain sustainable and grow over the long term. Professionals with these executive IT jobs often find out what other departments need to succeed and develop network architecture that improves streamlining so that an organization can complete work within desired time frames.

People who have executive IT jobs as directors of software development often work in the software industry. These professionals oversee design and manufacturing of programs that are sold to retailers and consumers. In some cases, a director of software development creates software for individual companies. A large manufacturing company with specific needs, for instance, might hire this kind of executive IT professional to project manage the development of customized software solutions.

In all cases, people with executive IT jobs are both IT experts and strong leaders. Aside from having a strong grasp of technological concepts and practices, they are also able to manage workers and create and uphold guidelines and standards that lead to best practices and quality products. They are usually knowledgeable about their industries and are able to make big picture decisions based on firsthand knowledge of market trends.