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How to Become An It Director

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What is a IT Director

An IT Director is in charge of technology across an entire business. They plan where IT is heading, lead tech teams, and keep systems running safely. It is a great career if you love both tech and leadership.

The day-to-day is varied. You might review a cybersecurity plan in the morning. By afternoon, you could be pitching a cloud upgrade to the board. IT Directors juggle big projects, budgets, vendor deals, and team growth.

IT Directors are in high demand across Australia. Finance, government, health, and tech firms all need skilled leaders like this. Future demand is rated ‘very strong’ by yourcareer.gov.au (2025).

The path usually starts with a tech degree and hands-on IT work. Over time, you build management skills and move into senior roles. IT Director or Chief Information Officer (CIO) are common titles at the top of this path.

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Career Outlook for IT Director

IT Director is a high-demand career in Australia. Around 7,300 people work in this role across the country (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Future demand is rated ‘very strong’, meaning the number of IT Director roles is expected to grow.

Most IT Directors work full-time, with about 96% in permanent roles (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). The average working week is 47 hours. The median age is 45, which reflects the years of experience this role needs.

Pay is very good. The average salary is around $184,000 a year (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). This is based on weekly earnings of $3,534. PayScale puts the range at $148,000 to $263,000, depending on your experience and employer (PayScale, 2026).

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become an IT Director

Step 1: Complete a bachelor’s degree in information technology or computer science

Start with a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or software engineering. This takes three to four years full-time at an Australian university. The degree gives you a strong base in systems, networks, programming, and problem-solving. Many IT Directors also go on to complete postgraduate study later in their careers.

Step 2: Build hands-on experience in IT roles

After graduating, take entry-level IT roles such as systems administrator, IT support analyst, or network engineer. Aim to spend at least five years building your technical skills across real projects. This hands-on experience is essential before moving into management. IT Directors need to understand the systems they will later lead.

Step 3: Earn professional certifications

Certifications show employers you have skills beyond your degree. Consider the ITIL 4 Foundation certification for IT service management. The ACS Certified Professional (CP) credential, from the Australian Computer Society, is also highly regarded. The Project Management Professional (PMP) is another strong option for IT leaders. These can be completed online or through short courses.

Step 4: Move into IT management roles

Aim for roles such as IT Manager, IT Project Manager, or Systems Architect. These positions build your leadership, budget, and people management skills. Spend three to five years in management before targeting a director-level position. Look for chances to lead large projects and cross-functional teams.

Step 5: Join the Australian Computer Society and build your network

Membership of the Australian Computer Society (ACS) connects you with peers, career events, and industry news. ACS offers a formal pathway from Certified Professional (CP) to Fellow (FACS). Active membership helps you stay current and build the network needed for director-level roles.

Step 6: Apply for IT Director or CIO positions

By this stage, you have the degree and leadership experience needed. Start applying for IT Director or Chief Information Officer (CIO) positions. Tailor your resume to show strategic results, not just technical work. Be ready to discuss how you have aligned IT with business outcomes. Roles exist across finance, government, health, and tech sectors.

What does an IT Director do?

An IT Director runs the technology side of a business. They set IT plans, manage budgets, and lead tech teams. Daily tasks include checking project progress, reviewing system security, and meeting with department heads. IT Directors also check new tools, manage vendor contracts, and make sure the business follows relevant laws and rules. Keeping the board up to date on IT results and plans is another key part of the job.

Tasks

An IT Director is the technology leader of an organisation. They connect business strategy to technology, ensuring IT systems support company goals. The role blends strategic vision with day-to-day operational oversight.

  • Strategic planning: develop and execute IT strategies that align with business objectives.
  • Team leadership: lead and coach IT teams to achieve performance goals.
  • Budget management: oversee IT spending and find cost-effective solutions.
  • Vendor management: build and maintain relationships with technology partners and suppliers.
  • Project oversight: guide IT projects from start to finish, on time and within budget.
  • System evaluation: check new technologies to see if they can improve efficiency.
  • Risk management: find IT risks and put strategies in place to reduce them.
  • Compliance: make sure IT practices meet relevant laws, rules, and industry standards.
  • Stakeholder communication: work with other departments to understand and meet their technology needs.
  • Performance monitoring: track IT system performance and make improvements as needed.

Skills for Success

To become an IT Director, you need both tech skills and leadership. Key technical areas are IT security, systems, and project management. You also need to know how to manage budgets and vendor deals.

Soft skills matter just as much. IT Directors spend a lot of time talking with executives, coaching team members, and solving problems across departments. Strong communication, clear thinking, and the ability to adapt will help you grow in this role.

Skills & Attributes

  • Leadership
  • Strategic Planning
  • IT Management
  • Project Management
  • People Management
  • IT Security and Infrastructure
  • Operations Management
  • Network Management and Administration
  • Communication Skills
  • Problem-Solving
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Vendor Management
  • Budgeting and Financial Acumen
  • Adaptability to Technology Change
  • Team Building and Development

Average Salaries

The average yearly pay for an IT Director in Australia is around $184,000 (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). This is based on weekly earnings of $3,534. PayScale puts the range at $148,000 to $263,000, based on experience and employer size (PayScale, 2026). Pay is usually highest in finance, tech, and government.

min $148 K

max $263 K

av $184 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.