Director of IT Advertising Operations

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Iowa.

📋 Description

• Direct the IT operations supporting Lee Enterprises’ advertising sector.

• Own the IT strategy and operational efficacy of advertising order management, CRM and sales processes, creative and production systems, digital advertising, payment processing, reporting, and associated third-party platforms.

• Oversee and nurture platform support analysts and designated technical personnel; establish priorities, distribute workloads, manage performance, plan for coverage and succession, and facilitate staff development.

• Convert business needs into technology roadmaps and a prioritized Jira backlog.

• Supervise application support, incident escalation, problem resolution, upgrades, change management, and operational readiness.

• Manage technical and operational facets of platform implementations and migrations, which include requirements gathering, testing, cutover, stabilization, and the transition or retirement of legacy systems.

• Oversee integrations and data flows among order management, CRM, digital fulfillment, creative and pagination systems, billing, payments, and reporting.

• Ensure that system modifications are tested across interconnected workflows and validated with business users, which includes production checks and financial reconciliation.

• Collaborate with Finance on advertising billing, accounts receivable, payments, reconciliation, and controls.

• Coordinate with development, architecture, infrastructure, security, and service management teams.

• Manage relationships with advertising technology vendors, including escalations, implementation commitments, service performance, technical needs, and product direction.

• Maintain operational documentation, access governance, audit support, business continuity, and disaster recovery protocols.

• Utilize Jira and Agile planning methodologies to monitor commitments, blockers, dependencies, delivery progress, system health, risks, and resource requirements.

• Ensure timely resolutions to critical issues, including after-hours escalation when necessary.

⛳️ Requirements

• Proven experience in leading enterprise applications and technical teams within a complex, integrated operating environment.

• Capability to direct activities across application support, systems analysis, integrations, production technology, and software development disciplines.

• Proficient understanding of APIs, data exchanges, automation, vendor-hosted platforms, and controls that support reliable cross-system processes.

• Experience in managing significant implementations, migrations, upgrades, and vendor relationships while balancing ongoing support requirements.

• Ability to leverage Agile methodologies and Jira for managing a transparent backlog, guiding planning and delivery reviews, and communicating progress and technical risks.

• Preferred experience in advertising, media, order management, CRM, digital fulfillment, payment, or production systems.

• Familiarity with Naviga Ad, Adbase, HubSpot, Google Ad Manager, or similar platforms is a plus.

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, business, or a related field is preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be accepted.

• A minimum of eight years of progressive experience in IT, enterprise applications, business systems, or a related field.

• At least three years of experience leading technical teams or substantial technology programs.

• Experience supporting integrated systems in a multi-location or enterprise environment is preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.

• Comprehensive health and wellness programs.

• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

• Flexible work arrangements and a supportive team environment.