Director of Information Technology

AREA15 is an immersive entertainment and event destination that blends art and music in a dynamic environment. We are a hub for creativity, innovation, and unique experiences. Join us and be part of a team that thrives on imagination and passion.

AREA15’s parent company, Fisher Brothers is seeking an experienced and hands-on Director of Information Technology to lead and manage all aspects of IT operations across our New York City portfolio. This individual will oversee a small team consisting of two Help Desk Support Technicians and a Network Administrator, while serving as the senior technical authority for all systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and technology initiatives. The Director of IT will be a key driver in the planning and execution of a strategic network upgrade across Fisher Brothers' core building assets in New York City, working in close coordination with multiple third-party networking vendors.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who is equally comfortable operating at a strategic level and rolling up their sleeves to support end users directly. They will bring deep networking and cybersecurity expertise — including Cisco certification, hands-on Meraki experience, and a working knowledge of modern security frameworks — alongside a strong background in Microsoft 365 and end-user systems support for an office environment of approximately 80 employees and hourly staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Directly manage, mentor, and develop two Help Desk Support Technicians and one Network Administrator, fostering a collaborative and service-oriented team culture.
• Set team priorities, manage workloads, and conduct regular performance reviews aligned with company objectives.
• Establish and maintain IT policies, procedures, documentation, and service level standards.
• Serve as the primary internal point of contact and technical authority for all networking matters, working alongside multiple external networking vendors and support partners.
• Design, implement, and maintain Cisco- and Meraki-based networking infrastructure across office and building environments.
• Manage vendor relationships, service agreements, and escalations; evaluate vendor performance and ensure SLAs are met.
• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of a large-scale network upgrade project spanning Fisher Brothers' core NYC real estate portfolio, including project timelines, budgets, stakeholder communication, and vendor oversight.
• Oversee (with Tech Management and vCISO) the organization's cybersecurity posture, serving as the internal subject matter expert and primary point of accountability for all security-related matters.
• Develop, implement, and enforce IT security policies and standards covering endpoint protection, network security, email security, access controls, and data handling.
• Conduct and oversee regular risk assessments, vulnerability scans, and penetration testing coordination; ensure timely remediation of identified issues.
• Manage and monitor security tools including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, SIEM platforms, and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions.
• Lead incident response planning and execution; serve as the primary point of contact during security events and coordinate with external resources as needed.
• Administer and enforce identity and access management controls, including least-privilege principles, role-based access, MFA, and privileged access management.
• Oversee data backup, disaster recovery planning, and business continuity measures to ensure organizational resilience.
• Manage and coordinate cybersecurity awareness training for all staff, promoting a culture of security consciousness across the organization.
• Stay current with evolving threat landscapes, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices; report cybersecurity risk posture to senior leadership.
• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the Help Desk, ensuring prompt and high-quality support for approximately 80 office employees and hourly staff.
• Provide senior-level escalation support for complex technical issues across desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and peripherals.
• Manage and support all end-user hardware and software, including Windows desktop environments, printers, and A/V systems.
• Administer and support time clock systems, ensuring seamless integration with HR and payroll workflows.
• Administer and optimize the Microsoft 365 environment, including Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint Online, OneDrive, and Intune/Endpoint Manager.
• Manage SharePoint Online sites, permissions, document libraries, and intranet resources.
• Oversee identity and access management via Azure Active Directory, including MFA, conditional access policies, and user lifecycle management.
• Ensure licensing compliance and optimize Microsoft 365 subscription utilization.
• Develop and manage the annual IT budget, including hardware, software, licensing, security tools, and vendor costs.
• Present technology and cybersecurity recommendations and project proposals to senior leadership.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends relevant to real estate and property management environments.
• Respond to time sensitive matters.
• Demonstrate ART! (AREA15's service standards) in every guest interaction.
• Adhere to department and company policies and procedures.
• Maintain a professional, polished appearance in line with AREA15 standards.
• Work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS \& SKILLS

• Applicants must be 21 years of age or older
• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States
• Comfortable working in a creative, entrepreneurial start-up environment, introducing new concepts and innovations.
• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 10\+ years of progressive IT experience, including at least 4 years in a management or leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience supporting an office environment, including both knowledge workers and hourly staff.
• Deep expertise in Cisco networking technologies; active Cisco certification required (CCNA minimum; CCNP preferred).
• Hands-on experience with Cisco Meraki — including wireless access points, switching, and security appliances.
• Solid cybersecurity experience, including hands-on work with firewalls, EDR/antivirus platforms, SIEM tools, vulnerability management, and incident response.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST CSF, CIS Controls, or ISO 27001; ability to apply framework principles in a practical environment.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft 365 administration, including SharePoint Online, Exchange Online, Teams, and Azure AD.
• Experience managing Help Desk operations and teams, including ticketing systems and SLA management.
• Proven ability to manage multiple third-party technology vendors and hold them accountable to deliverables.
• Experience leading or managing network infrastructure upgrade or refresh projects.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain technical and security concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
• Must be across emerging AI platforms and their impact on improved IT administration.
• Cybersecurity certification such as CompTIA Security\+, CISSP, CISM, or CEH.
• Experience in real estate, property management, or a similarly multi-site or multi-building operational environment.
• Familiarity with building systems integration (e.g., access control, IP cameras, or building management system networking). Microsoft 365 certifications.
• Exposure to analytics, reporting, or business operations support is a plus.
• Ability to understand, speak, read, and write the English language.
• Computer skills in Microsoft applications. (Excel, Outlook, Word, etc.)
• Availability for varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work in an environment subject to varying levels of noise, crowds, flashing lights, and smoke.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions including but not limited to extreme heat, sun exposure, wind, rain, extreme cold.