Tennessee Society of Association Executives
Vice President, Information Technology
Tennessee Society of Association Executives, Olympia, Washington, United States
Position Summary
The Vice President of Information Technology (VP of IT) is a strategic, future-focused senior leader responsible for advancing Destinations International’s technology ecosystem, data strategy, and digital capabilities in support of both the internal organization and the global destination community. This role shapes and executes DI’s technology and data strategy, strengthens digital infrastructure, enhances member-facing tools, and ensures the integrity, usability, and strategic value of enterprise data. In close partnership with the Professional Development team and other internal stakeholders, the VP of IT helps position Destinations International as a thought leader in technology, data, and artificial intelligence by supporting education, learning experiences, and applied use cases that advance the destination industry. The VP of IT ensures the strategic advancement, market relevance, usability, and operational quality of DI’s digital platforms by working collaboratively with internal teams, external partners, technology vendors, and industry experts. While this role does not independently develop all tools, it provides leadership, governance, and technical partnership to ensure solutions are thoughtfully designed, tested, integrated, and continuously improved. This position leads a high-performing technology team, promotes innovation, accelerates digital transformation, and ensures DI remains secure, resilient, data-informed, and member-centered. Core Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year IT strategy aligned with DI’s organizational goals, global reach, and member value proposition. Ensure all DI digital tools and platforms remain market-relevant, strategically aligned, and impactful for members by partnering with internal teams, external vendors, and industry experts to support the design, testing, integration, and continuous improvement of solutions. Partner with cross-functional teams to understand business needs and implement technology solutions that enhance efficiency and member experience. Identify opportunities to leverage technology and AI to strengthen DI’s competitiveness, connectivity, and operational excellence. Lead continuous evaluation of emerging technologies to determine organizational and member-facing applications. Member Technology Experience, Enablement & Innovation
Serve as DI’s leader for member-facing technology experience, providing strategic guidance and technical partnership to ensure tools (CRM, AMS, CMS, portals, data products, communities, and learning systems) are intuitive, effective, well-supported, and aligned with member needs. Partner with members, committees, and industry stakeholders to understand needs and drive enhancements for digital tools. Develop onboarding resources, trainings, user guides, and best-practice toolkits to support member understanding and adoption of DI technology solutions. Foster a culture of continuous improvement by gathering member feedback, conducting usability testing, and analyzing digital platform performance. Act as an innovation partner to members, helping DMOs explore tools, integrations, and technologies that support their digital maturity. Represent DI as a thought leader on digital transformation, data, cybersecurity, AI, and innovation within the destination industry. Thought Leadership & Emerging Technology
Advance DI’s leadership in responsible AI adoption, including governance, ethics, workflows, and member use cases. Explore opportunities to maximize Microsoft Copilot, automation tools, and AI-driven enhancements for staff productivity and member experience. Identify and implement automation solutions that reduce manual processes and support scalable organizational growth. Monitor trends in digital ecosystems, association technology, and destination industry innovation to guide DI’s future vision. Cybersecurity
Develop and oversee DI’s Information Security Program (ISP) ensuring alignment with industry best practices. Monitor and respond to cybersecurity incidents; lead vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and mitigation plans. Ensure regulatory and contractual compliance across systems and third-party vendors. Implement data protection protocols and lead quarterly staff security training. IT Governance
Establish and enforce governance frameworks including:
Business Continuity Plan Vendor Management Policy Access Control Policy Disaster Recovery Plan Incident Response Plan
Drive compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. Data & Digital Ecosystem Management
Ensure high integrity, availability, and confidentiality of DI’s data systems. Oversee CRM/AMS, CMS, website infrastructure, and integrated systems to ensure seamless data flow and superior user experience. Lead data analytics initiatives that support insight-driven decision-making across the organization. Technology Infrastructure & Operations
Oversee DI’s IT infrastructure, networks, cloud environments, and enterprise systems ensuring reliability, security, and scalability. Lead technology procurement, budgeting, and vendor negotiations, ensuring high-quality and cost-effective solutions. Manage application lifecycle planning, updates, and modernization efforts. Team Leadership
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing IT team with clear goals, accountability, and professional growth. Oversee helpdesk operations, ensuring timely resolution of issues and adherence to service-level agreements. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, member-centricity, and continuous learning. Project Management
Lead complex IT projects from concept to completion using strong project management methodologies. Ensure clear communication, timelines, cross-functional collaboration, and successful delivery of outcomes. Desired Experience
7+ years of progressive leadership experience in information technology, digital transformation, or enterprise systems, with increasing scope and responsibility. Demonstrated experience serving in a senior or enterprise-level role with accountability for technology strategy, operational performance, financial management, and risk oversight. Track record of leading complex technology environments through change, modernization, or growth, including periods of system evolution or digital transformation. Experience working within matrixed or cross-functional organizations where collaboration, influence, and partnership are critical to success. Proven experience advising executive leaders and partnering with non-technical stakeholders to align technology decisions with organizational priorities. Experience providing strategic oversight and governance for a portfolio of enterprise and member-facing technology tools through collaboration with internal teams, external partners, and vendors. Background supporting technology-enabled services, products, or platforms that serve external audiences such as members, customers, or partners. Experience managing vendor relationships and third-party providers, including contract oversight, performance management, and cost optimization. Experience operating and leading within cloud-based technology environments, including cloud-hosted applications, infrastructure, and integrated platforms. Exposure to data-informed decision-making environments, including analytics, reporting, or insights-driven initiatives. Experience operating within mission-driven, nonprofit, association, or similarly complex organizations preferred. Education & Certifications
Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related technology-focused field required (or an equivalent combination of education and experience). Advanced degrees or continued professional education in technology, data, or business disciplines a plus. Relevant professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, PMP, ITIL, and/or cloud certifications (e.g., Azure, AWS) are preferred. Desired Skills
Strategic and future-oriented thinking with the ability to anticipate technology trends and connect them to organizational and industry impact. Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills, with a partnership-oriented leadership approach. Ability to balance innovation with operational stability, security, and risk management. Comfort and credibility in public speaking, facilitation, and presentation settings, including representing the organization with confidence to staff, members, partners, and industry audiences. Ability to clearly and compellingly communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences. Executive-level communication and interpersonal skills, with the presence to influence, advise, and build trust with senior leaders and stakeholders. Strong leadership and people-management skills, with experience mentoring and developing high-performing teams. Sound judgment and problem-solving skills in complex, evolving environments. Strong project and priority management skills, with the ability to lead multiple initiatives simultaneously. Experience leading and supporting teams in a remote or distributed work environment, with an understanding of collaboration tools, communication norms, and remote-first best practices. Strong financial acumen, including experience developing, managing, and optimizing technology budgets, evaluating return on investment, and making data-informed investment decisions. High level of integrity and accountability related to data stewardship, security, and ethical technology use. Curiosity, adaptability, and a continuous-learning mindset. Culture Fit & Values
As a member of the DI team, you must thrive in a remote-first work environment and be open to travel as needed for business-related events. You understand your critical role in maintaining our welcoming atmosphere while remaining authentically yourself and valuing collaboration at every level of the organization. You must be committed to continuous cultural improvement, fostering positivity, respecting and trusting others, and demonstrating a strong drive for success. Our Benefits
We take great pride in offering a benefits package that reflects how much we value our team. Our total investment package is thoughtfully designed to promote well-being, foster growth, and provide flexibility to balance professional and personal life. Employee Paid Health Coverage: Ensuring you and your loved ones are well cared for. Financial Wellness Programs: Including retirement plans with employer contributions to secure your future. Flexible Work Environment: Embracing a remote-first approach with the necessary tools and support. Generous Time Off: Recognizing the importance of rest and rejuvenation. Continuous Learning Opportunities: Encouraging professional development and growth. We view our total investment package as more than just perks it’s a reflection of our commitment to supporting our team as people, not just employees. This position is officially open and we’d love to have you apply! With the holidays quickly approaching, we’re pressing pause on application reviews and updates until after the New Year so no need to check in, we’ll reach out once we’re back and rolling.
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The Vice President of Information Technology (VP of IT) is a strategic, future-focused senior leader responsible for advancing Destinations International’s technology ecosystem, data strategy, and digital capabilities in support of both the internal organization and the global destination community. This role shapes and executes DI’s technology and data strategy, strengthens digital infrastructure, enhances member-facing tools, and ensures the integrity, usability, and strategic value of enterprise data. In close partnership with the Professional Development team and other internal stakeholders, the VP of IT helps position Destinations International as a thought leader in technology, data, and artificial intelligence by supporting education, learning experiences, and applied use cases that advance the destination industry. The VP of IT ensures the strategic advancement, market relevance, usability, and operational quality of DI’s digital platforms by working collaboratively with internal teams, external partners, technology vendors, and industry experts. While this role does not independently develop all tools, it provides leadership, governance, and technical partnership to ensure solutions are thoughtfully designed, tested, integrated, and continuously improved. This position leads a high-performing technology team, promotes innovation, accelerates digital transformation, and ensures DI remains secure, resilient, data-informed, and member-centered. Core Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year IT strategy aligned with DI’s organizational goals, global reach, and member value proposition. Ensure all DI digital tools and platforms remain market-relevant, strategically aligned, and impactful for members by partnering with internal teams, external vendors, and industry experts to support the design, testing, integration, and continuous improvement of solutions. Partner with cross-functional teams to understand business needs and implement technology solutions that enhance efficiency and member experience. Identify opportunities to leverage technology and AI to strengthen DI’s competitiveness, connectivity, and operational excellence. Lead continuous evaluation of emerging technologies to determine organizational and member-facing applications. Member Technology Experience, Enablement & Innovation
Serve as DI’s leader for member-facing technology experience, providing strategic guidance and technical partnership to ensure tools (CRM, AMS, CMS, portals, data products, communities, and learning systems) are intuitive, effective, well-supported, and aligned with member needs. Partner with members, committees, and industry stakeholders to understand needs and drive enhancements for digital tools. Develop onboarding resources, trainings, user guides, and best-practice toolkits to support member understanding and adoption of DI technology solutions. Foster a culture of continuous improvement by gathering member feedback, conducting usability testing, and analyzing digital platform performance. Act as an innovation partner to members, helping DMOs explore tools, integrations, and technologies that support their digital maturity. Represent DI as a thought leader on digital transformation, data, cybersecurity, AI, and innovation within the destination industry. Thought Leadership & Emerging Technology
Advance DI’s leadership in responsible AI adoption, including governance, ethics, workflows, and member use cases. Explore opportunities to maximize Microsoft Copilot, automation tools, and AI-driven enhancements for staff productivity and member experience. Identify and implement automation solutions that reduce manual processes and support scalable organizational growth. Monitor trends in digital ecosystems, association technology, and destination industry innovation to guide DI’s future vision. Cybersecurity
Develop and oversee DI’s Information Security Program (ISP) ensuring alignment with industry best practices. Monitor and respond to cybersecurity incidents; lead vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and mitigation plans. Ensure regulatory and contractual compliance across systems and third-party vendors. Implement data protection protocols and lead quarterly staff security training. IT Governance
Establish and enforce governance frameworks including:
Business Continuity Plan Vendor Management Policy Access Control Policy Disaster Recovery Plan Incident Response Plan
Drive compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. Data & Digital Ecosystem Management
Ensure high integrity, availability, and confidentiality of DI’s data systems. Oversee CRM/AMS, CMS, website infrastructure, and integrated systems to ensure seamless data flow and superior user experience. Lead data analytics initiatives that support insight-driven decision-making across the organization. Technology Infrastructure & Operations
Oversee DI’s IT infrastructure, networks, cloud environments, and enterprise systems ensuring reliability, security, and scalability. Lead technology procurement, budgeting, and vendor negotiations, ensuring high-quality and cost-effective solutions. Manage application lifecycle planning, updates, and modernization efforts. Team Leadership
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing IT team with clear goals, accountability, and professional growth. Oversee helpdesk operations, ensuring timely resolution of issues and adherence to service-level agreements. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, member-centricity, and continuous learning. Project Management
Lead complex IT projects from concept to completion using strong project management methodologies. Ensure clear communication, timelines, cross-functional collaboration, and successful delivery of outcomes. Desired Experience
7+ years of progressive leadership experience in information technology, digital transformation, or enterprise systems, with increasing scope and responsibility. Demonstrated experience serving in a senior or enterprise-level role with accountability for technology strategy, operational performance, financial management, and risk oversight. Track record of leading complex technology environments through change, modernization, or growth, including periods of system evolution or digital transformation. Experience working within matrixed or cross-functional organizations where collaboration, influence, and partnership are critical to success. Proven experience advising executive leaders and partnering with non-technical stakeholders to align technology decisions with organizational priorities. Experience providing strategic oversight and governance for a portfolio of enterprise and member-facing technology tools through collaboration with internal teams, external partners, and vendors. Background supporting technology-enabled services, products, or platforms that serve external audiences such as members, customers, or partners. Experience managing vendor relationships and third-party providers, including contract oversight, performance management, and cost optimization. Experience operating and leading within cloud-based technology environments, including cloud-hosted applications, infrastructure, and integrated platforms. Exposure to data-informed decision-making environments, including analytics, reporting, or insights-driven initiatives. Experience operating within mission-driven, nonprofit, association, or similarly complex organizations preferred. Education & Certifications
Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related technology-focused field required (or an equivalent combination of education and experience). Advanced degrees or continued professional education in technology, data, or business disciplines a plus. Relevant professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, PMP, ITIL, and/or cloud certifications (e.g., Azure, AWS) are preferred. Desired Skills
Strategic and future-oriented thinking with the ability to anticipate technology trends and connect them to organizational and industry impact. Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills, with a partnership-oriented leadership approach. Ability to balance innovation with operational stability, security, and risk management. Comfort and credibility in public speaking, facilitation, and presentation settings, including representing the organization with confidence to staff, members, partners, and industry audiences. Ability to clearly and compellingly communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences. Executive-level communication and interpersonal skills, with the presence to influence, advise, and build trust with senior leaders and stakeholders. Strong leadership and people-management skills, with experience mentoring and developing high-performing teams. Sound judgment and problem-solving skills in complex, evolving environments. Strong project and priority management skills, with the ability to lead multiple initiatives simultaneously. Experience leading and supporting teams in a remote or distributed work environment, with an understanding of collaboration tools, communication norms, and remote-first best practices. Strong financial acumen, including experience developing, managing, and optimizing technology budgets, evaluating return on investment, and making data-informed investment decisions. High level of integrity and accountability related to data stewardship, security, and ethical technology use. Curiosity, adaptability, and a continuous-learning mindset. Culture Fit & Values
As a member of the DI team, you must thrive in a remote-first work environment and be open to travel as needed for business-related events. You understand your critical role in maintaining our welcoming atmosphere while remaining authentically yourself and valuing collaboration at every level of the organization. You must be committed to continuous cultural improvement, fostering positivity, respecting and trusting others, and demonstrating a strong drive for success. Our Benefits
We take great pride in offering a benefits package that reflects how much we value our team. Our total investment package is thoughtfully designed to promote well-being, foster growth, and provide flexibility to balance professional and personal life. Employee Paid Health Coverage: Ensuring you and your loved ones are well cared for. Financial Wellness Programs: Including retirement plans with employer contributions to secure your future. Flexible Work Environment: Embracing a remote-first approach with the necessary tools and support. Generous Time Off: Recognizing the importance of rest and rejuvenation. Continuous Learning Opportunities: Encouraging professional development and growth. We view our total investment package as more than just perks it’s a reflection of our commitment to supporting our team as people, not just employees. This position is officially open and we’d love to have you apply! With the holidays quickly approaching, we’re pressing pause on application reviews and updates until after the New Year so no need to check in, we’ll reach out once we’re back and rolling.
#J-18808-Ljbffr