Director, IT Operations & Security

WHO WE ARE

Lindblad Expeditions is a true pioneer in Expedition Travel. From taking the first citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, opening the Galapagos and Easter Island to tourism in 1967, leading the first tourist expedition through the Northwest Passage in 1984, and launching our innovative partnership with National Geographic in 2004, we're now taking almost 30,000 guests a year to some of the world’s most remote and pristine locations on our fleet of 21 ships, and are committed to ensuring our guests experience the “Exhilaration of Discovery”.

ROLE OVERVIEW

Our Director of IT Operations & Security is a senior technology leader who plays a pivotal role in shaping and safeguarding our organization's technological landscape. This role encompasses a broad spectrum of responsibilities, including:

The Director will provide visionary leadership in the realm of IT operations and security. This includes developing and implementing a comprehensive IT strategy that aligns with the organization's overall business objectives. They will need to stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends, and proactively identify opportunities to leverage technology for competitive advantage while ensuring the seamless and efficient operation of the organization's IT infrastructure, systems, and services, providing oversight of the day-to-day management of IT operations.

The Director will also play a critical role in protecting the organization's sensitive data and systems from cyber threats. This includes implementing robust security measures, monitoring for potential vulnerabilities, and responding swiftly to security incidents.

They will lead a team of IT professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and high performance, and build strong relationships with key stakeholders across the organization, including senior executives, business leaders, and technology partners to ensure that our technology investments are aligned with business priorities.

A demanding but rewarding role, this position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on Lindblad's overall success.

• Strategic Oversight & Leadership / Direct all aspects of IT operations and security, including analysis, design, planning, implementation, and maintenance. / Develop, implement, and assess IT projects to achieve organizational goals. / Shape and execute cybersecurity policies and governance. / Lead and inspire cross-functional teams, providing training to diverse users. / Manage relationships with IT vendors and service providers.
• Operational Management / Oversee IT infrastructure and system maintenance. / Manage Cloud, Network, Cybersecurity, and Helpdesk teams, ensuring policy compliance and effective security protocols. / Hire, train, and motivate skilled IT personnel.
• Innovation & Optimization / Make strategic technology investments that support business growth and cost savings. / Identify and implement innovative solutions and emerging technologies to enhance operations and create commercial opportunities. / Manage complex technology lifecycles, collaborating with vendors on development, implementation, and updates.
• Security & Compliance / Develop and implement robust data governance, IT policies, disaster recovery plans, and user awareness training. / Ensure security and compliance within enterprise environments. / Establish business continuity protocols to minimize operational disruptions. / Facilitate IT security audits and investigations.
• Essential Skills / Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. / Strong project management and communication skills. / Expertise in security, compliance, and governance. / Proven leadership and interpersonal skills.

• BS in Computer Science/Information Systems, or equivalent industry experience
• 3+ years as IT Operations Director
• Proven leadership in IT systems and security regulations
• Experience with data governance and compliance
• Strong time management, budgeting, and contract negotiation skills
• Availability outside of standard working hours in case of emergencies and upgrades, with the ability to be reached by cell phone at all times.

• Master’s degree or MBA
• Experience with AWS and Azure
• Expertise in data design, data architecture, data governance, and reporting
• Experience in cruise or travel industry

OUR BENEFITS

• Travel benefits for employees and their family 

• Health insurance including Medical, Dental, Vision  

• 401(k) plan with employer match  

• Long-Term Disability, Life & AD&D Insurance

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to be used for out-of-pocket medical and dependent care  

• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit  

• 7-8 Paid Holidays

• 2-3 Floating Holiday Options (pro-rated per start date)

• Up to 15 days of vacation (pro-rated per anniversary year)

• Parental Leave

• Sick/personal days per city & state ordinance

• Pet Insurance discount

COMMUNICATION SKILLS 

Using the English language, this person must have the ability to read, write, and comprehend policies, legal guidelines, correspondence, and memos.   Must also possess the ability to effectively communicate--both in writing and orally--with a professional demeanor. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear.  The employee will also be required to write and type.  The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.  

COMPENSATION STATEMENT

Lindblad Expeditions determines the pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data. We evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company. Our posted salary range is based on national data and may be refined for a candidate's region/town/cost of living.

For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant’s location, level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. An employee/candidate with a stronger skill set will receive higher pay.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT

At Lindblad Expeditions, we simply could not do our work without the diverse kaleidoscope of humanity that creates and delivers our remarkable offerings across the planet. As a Company that respects and celebrates the inherent diversity in the places we explore, we recognize the need to mirror that same diversity and all the interconnected perspectives within our organization. We are committed to building a community of different genders, races, ages, sexual orientations, chosen identities, and countries of origin where every person brings their whole self to work and whose skills, talents, and abilities are valued. We believe we can explore further and in a more meaningful way by actively creating a more diverse and inclusive organization where everyone feels they belong.

Lindblad Expeditions is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment at Lindblad Expeditions are considered without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, pregnancy, unemployment status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or veteran status.