IT Strategist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of rapid technological advancement, the role of IT Strategists is more crucial than ever before.

As technology evolves and continues its transformative trajectory, there’s an increasing demand for proficient minds who can shape, evolve and secure our technological strategy.

So let’s delve deeper: What exactly is expected of an IT Strategist?

Regardless of whether you are:

• A job aspirant seeking clarity about this role,
• A hiring manager aiming to define the ideal candidate,
• Or just curious to understand the intricacies of IT strategy,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a flexible IT Strategist job description template, created to facilitate effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

IT Strategist Duties and Responsibilities

IT Strategists play a crucial role in understanding and addressing the technological needs of a company, helping to align technology strategies with the organization’s business objectives.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing strategic IT initiatives to help businesses reach their objectives
• Identifying opportunities for new technological strategies and improvements
• Collaborating with the IT department and other business departments to ensure technology solutions are effective and align with business goals
• Keeping abreast of trends and advancements in technology to stay competitive
• Evaluating the risks, benefits, and costs of technology solutions and advancements
• Leading and managing IT projects and ensuring they are completed on time and within budget
• Providing guidance and direction to the IT department on strategic and operational issues
• Developing and enforcing IT policies and procedures to ensure security and efficiency
• Conducting technological analyses and research to guide decision-making processes
• Assessing and addressing the company’s technology training needs

 

IT Strategist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are in search of a visionary IT Strategist to join our team.

Your role will involve identifying and analyzing business needs, devising IT strategies to meet these requirements, and ensuring the successful implementation of these strategies.

The ideal candidate is a critical thinker with a keen understanding of the latest technology trends and the ability to anticipate the future direction of the industry.

You should be able to balance the strategic and operational needs of the organization and be able to translate complex technical concepts into easy-to-understand business language.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess the company’s strategic needs and develop IT strategies that align with business objectives.
• Identify opportunities for new technological solutions and improvements to existing ones.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define business and systems requirements for new technology implementations.
• Ensure IT systems and operations adhere to applicable laws and regulations.
• Develop and oversee IT budgets.
• Lead IT strategic and operational planning to achieve business goals.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of IT systems and infrastructure.
• Establish IT standards and policies.
• Monitor changes or advancements in technology to discover ways the company can gain competitive advantage.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an IT Strategist or in a similar strategic IT role.
• Knowledge of technological trends to build strategy.
• Understanding of budgets and business-planning.
• Ability to conduct technological analyses and research.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Leadership and organizational abilities.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving aptitude.
• BSc/BA in Computer Science, Engineering or a related field; MBA or other relevant graduate degree is a plus.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: IT Strategist
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Occasional travel may be required for industry events and conferences.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) or IT Director.
• Salary: Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $150,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an IT Strategist Do?

An IT Strategist, also known as an IT Architect or IT Specialist, typically works for businesses across various industries or IT companies.

They can also work as consultants or self-employed individuals.

They are responsible for designing and implementing information systems that support an enterprise’s short-term and long-term business goals.

They work closely with decision makers in other departments to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support cost-effective technology solutions.

Their job involves assessing the effectiveness of technology resources already in use or new systems that are being implemented.

They also determine the practicality of changes and modification of systems.

IT Strategists prepare analysis, reports, and presentation of trends to assist the management in decision making related to information technology strategy and implementation.

They may also be involved in system troubleshooting and problem solving, as well as strategic planning of upgrades and improvements.

IT Strategists play a crucial role in maintaining an updated understanding of business processes, strategy, and industry trends to drive organizational IT strategy.

They also have to ensure the company’s data remains secure and properly backed-up to prevent data loss or breaches.

 

IT Strategist Qualifications and Skills

An IT Strategist should possess a combination of technical knowledge, business acumen and strategic thinking skills to drive IT initiatives in alignment with the company’s goals.

The key qualifications and skills for this role include:

• Strategic thinking and planning skills to develop comprehensive IT strategies that support the company’s objectives and goals.
• Strong knowledge of the current IT trends and technologies, and the ability to leverage them to improve business processes and performance.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to identify IT issues and develop effective solutions.
• Exceptional communication skills to clearly convey IT strategies and plans to the team, stakeholders and non-technical audiences.
• Good project management skills to oversee the implementation of IT strategies, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
• Business acumen to understand the company’s operations and needs, and to align IT initiatives with business objectives.
• Leadership and team management skills to lead and motivate the IT team towards achieving the strategic goals.
• Ability to drive and manage change in the organization as it adopts new technologies and IT processes.

 

IT Strategist Experience Requirements

Typically, an IT Strategist requires at least 5 to 7 years of experience in IT or related fields.

This experience may come from roles such as System Analyst, IT Consultant, or IT Project Manager, where the individual has gained substantial knowledge about technology infrastructure, software development, and IT project implementation.

To excel in this role, the candidate should have proven experience in developing and implementing IT strategies that align with business objectives.

A significant part of this role is to understand the organization’s goals and translate these into technical requirements.

Thus, experience in business strategy or management can be a valuable asset.

Those with over 10 years of experience often have a strong background in strategic planning and project management, having overseen complex IT projects from conception to execution.

They may also have demonstrable leadership skills and the ability to influence key stakeholders.

Additional experience that is beneficial for an IT Strategist includes understanding of IT governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

Experience in these areas ensures that the IT strategy aligns with industry standards and legal requirements.

In some cases, a master’s degree in Business Administration or IT Management may substitute for a portion of the required experience, as it provides a solid foundation in strategic planning, leadership, and IT management.

 

IT Strategist Education and Training Requirements

An IT Strategist typically holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field.

Having a strong background in IT operations, systems analysis, and strategic planning is essential.

Knowledge in specific technologies such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and others may also be required depending on the organization’s needs.

In some instances, employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or a related field with a concentration in information technology.

This helps in understanding the integration of business processes with IT strategies.

Certifications, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or Project Management Professional (PMP) can be beneficial.

These show an IT Strategist’s competence in managing IT systems, auditing, and project management.

Furthermore, an IT Strategist should have several years of experience in the IT field, preferably in a management or strategic planning role.

Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest trends in technology, business processes, and IT management strategies is also important in this role.

 

IT Strategist Salary Expectations

An IT Strategist can expect to earn an average salary of $118,963 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can vary significantly depending on factors such as years of experience, specific skills, the size of the company, and geographical location.

 

IT Strategist Job Description FAQs

What skills does an IT Strategist need?

An IT Strategist should have strong analytical skills to identify the strengths and weaknesses of IT systems and propose effective solutions.

They should have excellent knowledge of IT systems and infrastructure.

Communication skills are key as they will need to explain complex issues to stakeholders.

Additionally, they should have strategic planning skills, project management experience, and a good understanding of business operations and processes.

 

Do IT Strategists need a degree?

Yes, IT Strategists typically hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or related fields.

Many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or a related field, as the role often requires a deep understanding of business strategy along with technology.

 

What should you look for in an IT Strategist’s resume?

A successful IT Strategist will have a solid background in IT infrastructure and systems, proven experience in strategic planning, and a strong understanding of business operations.

Look for evidence of successful IT project management, including planning, execution, and evaluation.

Certifications in IT management or related areas can also be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good IT Strategist?

A good IT Strategist is a forward-thinking individual who can anticipate future IT trends and incorporate them into strategic planning.

They should have excellent problem-solving abilities and a capacity to think outside the box.

Strong communication skills are essential for liaising with various stakeholders and explaining complex IT strategies in a clear and accessible manner.

 

How do IT Strategists contribute to a company’s success?

IT Strategists play a crucial role in aligning a company’s technology strategy with its overall business goals.

They assess the current IT infrastructure and identify areas for improvement, ensure optimal use of technological resources, and anticipate future IT needs.

By effectively managing and evolving the IT strategy, they can help the company stay competitive, improve efficiency, and drive innovation.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

We’ve just pulled back the curtains on the intricate world of an IT strategist.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about managing IT resources.

It’s about planning and developing strategies that steer the course of technological advancement.

With our definitive IT strategist job description template and real-life examples, you’re all geared up for the next step.

But why put a limit on the horizon?

Explore more with our job description generator. It’s your roadmap to meticulously designed job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every strategic plan contributes to the grand scheme of things.

Let’s shape the future of technology. Together.

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