Description:
CREA, LLC is a full-service low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) syndicator forming long-term relationships with investors and developers that cultivate success and improve lives. With nearly 25 years in affordable housing, CREA has raised $12.025 billion - resulting in the formation of over 88,000 homes within 958 communities across the country. Thanks to the contribution of over 130 employees, CREA continues to look for talented and passionate individuals who are excited about opportunities to grow with us into the future. We are seeking a talented Managing Director of Information Technology to join CREA, based in our Boston, MA, Portland, OR, or Indianapolis, IN office.
Physical Presence: In-Office | Tue – Thu; Flexible | Mon & Fri
Open to: Portland, OR| Indianapolis, IN | Boston, MA
Reports to: CEO

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Managing Director of IT reports directly to the CEO. He serves as both a strategic and operational leader, responsible for aligning CREA’s enterprise technology vision with its broader business objectives. Primary functions of this role are to ensure that CREA’s investments in technology deliver measurable value, enhance service delivery, and help enable CREA to maintain a competitive edge in the LIHTC sector.

The Managing Director of IT defines and executes CREA’s strategic plan and technology roadmap, deploying modern, scalable, and secure solutions that drive operational efficiency, mitigate risk, and enable sustainable growth. Key spheres of oversight include:

• Strategic IT projects and digital transformation initiatives spanning areas such as artificial intelligence, process automation, infrastructure modernization, data governance, and cybersecurity.
• Full lifecycle management of IT operations—including budgeting, contract negotiation, vendor oversight, workforce planning, talent acquisition, and staff development.

Requirements:

• A Bachelor of Computer Science, Business, or a related degree is required, and a Master of Business Administration or Information Systems Management is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in technical roles, with a strong foundation in areas such as network infrastructure, information security, software and data engineering, business intelligence, financial analytics, and project management.
• At least 7 years of experience in a leadership role, managing teams and implementing new technologies within the financial services sector. Experience in the LIHTC or real estate industry is highly preferred.
• Proven ability to serve as a strategic liaison between technical teams and non-technical stakeholders, translating complex concepts into actionable insights.
• Exceptional communication skills—both written and verbal, in-person and virtual.
• Demonstrated strengths in operational planning, execution, team development, and relationship-building.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 10% as needed, especially to CREA’s main offices
• Knowledge of the LIHTC Syndication business is desired and considered an advantage

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive IT strategy that aligns with CREA’s mission, values, and long-term vision—incorporating team and senior leadership feedback, industry trends, and resource availability.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and department heads to create and implement IT policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
• Lead, mentor, and develop IT staff across all functional areas, fostering a high-performance culture grounded in continuous learning and innovation.
• Oversee the development and management of the annual IT budget, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and operational needs.
• Allocate resources to optimize data collection, integration, and efficiency in support of organizational goals.
• Stay informed on emerging technologies, industry benchmarks, and competitor advancements to guide strategic decision-making.
• Balance immediate user needs with long-term digital transformation objectives.
• Manage vendor and consultant relationships, including contract negotiation, performance monitoring, and compliance.
• Define and track departmental goals, priorities, and performance metrics.
• Ensure the development, implementation, and enforcement of IT security policies, infrastructure, and telecommunications systems.
• Lead the evaluation and modernization of IT systems, including re-engineering or replacing legacy applications.
• Provide strategic leadership for the implementation and maintenance of enterprise software and information systems.
• Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization, translating technical concepts into actionable business insights.
• Partner regularly with CREA Directors, Senior Management, and department leaders to ensure IT initiatives are aligned with business priorities.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive set of IT governance, compliance, and corporate policies.

Requirements:

• A Bachelor of Computer Science, Business, or a related degree is required, and a Master of Business Administration or Information Systems Management is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in technical roles, with a strong foundation in areas such as network infrastructure, information security, software and data engineering, business intelligence, financial analytics, and project management.
• At least 7 years of experience in a leadership role, managing teams and implementing new technologies within the financial services sector. Experience in the LIHTC or real estate industry is highly preferred.
• Proven ability to serve as a strategic liaison between technical teams and non-technical stakeholders, translating complex concepts into actionable insights.
• Exceptional communication skills—both written and verbal, in-person and virtual.
• Demonstrated strengths in operational planning, execution, team development, and relationship-building.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 10% as needed, especially to CREA’s main offices
• Knowledge of the LIHTC Syndication business is desired and considered an advantage.