We are seeking a business-forward, technology leader to step into the role of Vice President, IT & Enterprise Architecture, and drive execution of our next chapter of transformation. With exciting initiatives ahead of us at the Chicago White Sox, we need a hands-on leader who thrives at the intersection of operations and innovation. The right candidate will bring experience developing a proactive IT organization, operational rigor to processes and capabilities, outstanding collaboration and communication skills, and financial discipline to modernize our technology ecosystem while ensuring flawless performance!
Position Summary
The Vice President, IT & Enterprise Architecture is responsible for overseeing all enterprise IT operations, infrastructure, service delivery, and mission-critical enterprise-venue technology, while simultaneously driving comprehensive IT transformation for proactive and collaborative service. This leader will be accountable for the design, delivery, and ongoing performance of a scalable, resilient enterprise architecture, inclusive of hybrid cloud infrastructure, for driving critical systems decisions with business leaders, and for resolving critical systems gaps and inefficiencies. This role requires an experienced technology leader who can balance the demand for operational excellence and reliability with the strategic necessity of modernizing the organization's technology stack.
Key Responsibilities
I. Operational Leadership & Transformation
● Technology Transformation & Modernization: Lead the planning and execution of major technology transformation initiatives, specifically focusing on cloud adoption (minimizing on-premise footprint), enterprise system integration, and leveraging emerging technologies like AI/ML to create value.
● Driving Service-Orientation/Balance: Lead the team to rebalance its focus from a purely tactical/reactive approach to one that incorporates planning and proactive problem-solving to meet organizational growth.
● IT Financial Management: Manage the enterprise IT and technology budget; collaborate with business leaders about department-specific software and hardware needs.
II. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
● Cross-Functional Leadership: Establish highly collaborative and consultative relationships with the leaders across the business to understand their specific technological requirements and priorities. Serve as a core member of the Technology Governance Committee, ensuring that IT operations, project prioritization, and architecture decisions are aligned with the strategic needs business.
● Business Technology Adoption: Lead the adoption of a Business Technology Model, ensuring IT operations supports the enterprise-wide need for business understanding and critical system support.
● Enterprise Integration and Standards: Maintain visibility into enterprise system interdependencies and ensure seamless, secure connectivity and system reconciliation across the organization to decrease support costs and increase efficiency.
● Communication & Transparency: Institute disciplined project management practices and consistent communication for all updates, ensuring clear ownership and decision-making across IT functions.
III. IT Operations, Infrastructure, and Service Delivery
● Operational Excellence: Lead and manage enterprise IT operations, including infrastructure, network, communications, and user support, ensuring the reliable delivery and high performance of core systems across corporate offices and venue environments.
● Hybrid Cloud Management: Own the support of the hybrid cloud environment to ensure secure, scalable, and resilient infrastructure and service.
● Cybersecurity & Compliance: Uphold compliance frameworks and proactively mitigate security and data risks; develop and distribute technology training programs for staff to increase awareness and decrease risks.
IV. Team Leadership and Talent Development
● Talent Development: Mentor and develop the IT team, including a team of six, including a senior manager.
● Process Improvement: Drive continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and risk reduction by increasing IT Service Management (ITSM) maturity and maintaining IT best practices across incident response, change management, and problem resolution.
Qualifications
● Minimum of 15+ years of progressive technology leadership experience including large-scale operations, hybrid cloud environments, and enterprise-wide technology delivery.
● Experience in sports, live events, or similarly dynamic technology environments preferred.
● Strong presence with strong business acumen and the ability to influence at all levels. Strong communicator for both technical and non-technical leaders and users to align on priorities and create business value.
● Proven success leading cross-functional teams, operational planning, and complex problem-solving in technical environments.
● Deep understanding of hybrid cloud, networking, cybersecurity, enterprise monitoring, and infrastructure management.
● Experience with compliance frameworks, IT governance, and operational performance systems.
● Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business, or related field preferred.
Working Conditions
This is a full-time position with the expectation of 5-days in the office. This role may require extended hours during event operations, technology deployments, and incident response.
Compensation:
· $200,000 - $230,000
Benefits include:
· Health
· Dental
· Life
· AD&D
· LTD
· Voluntary Supplemental Life
· Voluntary Supplemental AD&D
· Voluntary Vision
· Voluntary Pet Insurance
· Voluntary 401(k)
· Voluntary Flex Benefits (FSA, Transportation, Dependent Care)
· Complimentary White Sox Tickets
· Complimentary Lunch
· Holiday Break
· Promotional Items
Chicago White Sox is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
