Information systems (IS) managers at various levels are responsible for ensuring that the computer hardware, software and information processing needs of an organization are met. They direct and oversee the activities and projects of the computer support personnel of a department.
Depending on the level of management, job titles like Project Manager, Management Information Systems (MIS) Director or Chief Technology Officer (CTO) could be used for the informations systems manager.
A bachelor’s degree in computer science with a minor in management information systems is an excellent qualification for entry-level positions in IS and a virtual requirement for any promotion into an IS management position.
Typical job duties of an information systems manager include:
Becoming an information systems manager means directing the activities of computer support personnel, including programmers, project managers and systems analysts. Depending on their level of management, they might also create and monitor operational budgets and tain junior staff.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, about 280,000 people were employed as computer or IS managers in 2004, and the number of jobs in this field is expected to grow faster than average well into the next decade.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual salary for IS Managers varied by industry, location and level of management. Overall, however, the average information systems manager salary in 2004 ranged between about $80-100,000.