Director of IT

ABOUT GSTGrand Slam Track is a premier global professional track league featuring matchups between the fastest stars in the sport. Founded by track legend Michael Johnson, the league will host four annual Slams taking place between April and September, with eight Racers competing in one of 12 event groups. At the beginning of each season, four Racers per group make the starting roster to contest each Slam. The next four Racers in each group are the Challengers, whose recent performances unlock a lane to the most compelling head-to-head clashes on earth. Each athlete will compete twice over the course of the weekend with the best combined placing determining the Slam champion.
For news, stories, highlights and more, run over to our official website grandslamtrack.com.

SUMMARYGrand Slam Track is seeking an experienced Director of IT Operations and Services responsible for leading and managing all aspects of technology, including infrastructure, cybersecurity, venue technology, and applications management. This role ensures seamless technology operations for both internal staff and public-facing events, fostering innovation while maintaining secure and efficient systems. The IT Director will work closely with executive leadership and key stakeholders to support the league's strategic goals, ensuring that the digital and physical technology environments enhance both athlete performance and fan experience

This position requires coordination between leaders of other departments, and outside vendors for the planning and execution of technical initiatives. As the team leader and staff manager the director is responsible for the deliverables and detailed execution in the areas of network, infrastructure, facility services, hardware management, client software, service and support, digital asset management, and consultation on enterprise software integrations. The director is responsible for the implementation, monitoring, and performance of business-critical infrastructure and systems supporting our offices, practice facility, and training camp including consultation on stadium technology projects. The successful candidate will be a strong leader establishing team processes and procedures to deliver expected outcomes within aggressive timelines and budgets. This is a full-time hybrid (3 days per week onsite) position with travel to several onsite locations. The position can be based out of the Greater NYC or LA area with approximately 70-100 days of domestic and/or international travel. The successful candidate will embody GST's core values in support of the team's mission to entertain, inspire and unite by winning the right way.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Infrastructure Management:

• Design, and manage implementation of the organization's IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, cloud environments, and telecommunications systems leveraging best in class 3rd party partners.
• Ensure reliable and scalable technology systems to support day-to-day operations and event-specific needs.
• Responsible for optimizing network performance, security, and scalability for both on-site and remote operations.
• Develop device policies for organization while managing the onboarding / offboarding of all corporate users, athletes and consultants.

Cybersecurity:

• Develop and enforce security policies, protocols, and best practices to safeguard sensitive data, including athlete, fan, and business information.
• Lead efforts to protect the organization from cyber threats, including intrusion detection, malware protection, and incident response.
• Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.
• Oversee compliance with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) and other relevant standards.

Venue Technology:

• Manage technology infrastructure for track venues, including Wi-Fi networks, timing systems, video boards, public address systems, and live streaming services.
• Collaborate with venue operators and event organizers to ensure smooth technology operations during competitions and events.Support broadcast, video replay, and data analysis technology to elevate competition quality.

Applications Management:

• Oversee the development, integration, and maintenance of enterprise software applications, including CRM systems, ticketing platforms, athlete management tools, and league-specific apps.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to evaluate and implement new applications that drive innovation and improve operational efficiency.
• Provide technical support for staff and partners using league-specific applications.

Team Leadership:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including marketing, operations, and finance to understand their technology needs and provide solutions.
• Develop and manage IT budgets, vendor relationships, and service contracts.
• Maintain inventory and licensing for hardware and software
• Oversee and guide resolution of service desk escalations
• Lead staff under aggressive timelines and high expectations
• Maintain compliance with information security and privacy standards
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 10-15 years of IT Operations experience, required
• Experience running live events in the sports industry, required
• 5+ years IT management experience
• Bachelor's degree in information technology, Computer Science, or Information Systems Management or a combination of related education and experience may be considered
• Ability to analyze, design, and implement solutions utilizing current and context appropriate technologies
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity practices, including security architecture, risk management, and compliance.
• Experience with venue or stadium technology, including live event support and broadcast systems.
• Familiarity with applications management, including software development, integration, and cloud-based solutions.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

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