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Computer Information Systems Managers are the supervisors for Information Technology departments and coordinate IT operations. They oversee both help desk and network operations and plan future IT development for an organization.  They develop both long and short term goals for an organization and propose the benefits to upper level or executive management. There are several levels of Information Systems Managers at various levels and roles, from networking, to security to the Chief Information or Chief Technology Officers who run the entire Information Technology organization.

Salary: 
The average Computer Information Systems Manager makes between $74,940 and $187,200 annually. 

Average Starting Salary:
Entry-level Computer Information Systems Managers should expect to make approximately $48,360 annually.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Determine organization’s computer needs and recommend upgrades to upper management
  • Plan and oversee both hardware and software upgrades
  • Maintain organization network and file security
  • Analyze costs and benefits of upgrades and other projects and justify them to executive leadership
  • Research new technologies and research ways to upgrade the organization’s information systems
  • Determine staffing needs for both the short-term and the long-term
  • Plan and supervise the work of other technology professionals including: systems analysts, developers, security analysis’s and support specialists
  • Communicate with vendors to get the best level of service for the organization’s needs

Necessary Skills:

  • Management
  • Oral and Written Communication
  • Budgeting
  • Leadership
  • Networking
  • Customer Service

Degree and Experience Requirements:
Computer Information Systems managers require a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems or another related technical field. However, because this this a management level position, it is likely that one may need a Masters in Information Systems or a Masters of Business Administration (MBA). Experience or education in Business is highly desirable in this role because it is very much a business oriented position.

Getting Started:
As it’s name implies, it is a management level position and is not typically a role a recent college graduate would hold. Most organization would like a candidate for this position to have 3-5 years of expeirence in Information Systems. Many organization may promote a information technology employee into this role who has proven themselves and wants to move up in the organization. Higher level Computer Information System Mangers, such as Chief Technology or Chief Information Officers, require over ten years of experience. However, it is important to keep in mind that the amount of experience required is dependent on the size of the organization. Smaller companies typically don’t require as much experience as a large company, due to the scale of the role.

Future Outlook: 
The demand for Computer Information Systems Managers is expected to grow 15% over the next ten years. As organizations continue to adopt wireless and mobile technologies, they will need more IT staff to maintain them. There is rapid job growth in the Healthcare industry which has been increasing their usage of information systems. In healthcare alone, the need for Information Systems Managers is expected to grow 42%. It is important to note, that the growth of cloud computing may shift some the demand for Information Systems Managers from within organizations to the technology firms who provide these services.

Companies That Employ Computer Information System Managers:

  • Computer Systems Organizations
  • Information Systems Companies
  • Financial and Insurance Companies
  • Management
  • Government

Traits of A Good Computer Information System Managers:

  • Organization
  • Good Customer Service
  • Leadership
  • Forward thinking
  • Business-minded

Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics

About the Author

MikeMike Gdovin has been blogging about technology since 2006 on his blog, Gdovin.net. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic Media from Kutztown University with a minor in Journalism, Public Relations and Business. In addition to blogging about technology, Mike is a video producer, technology consultant and social media expert.

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