Information management is essential to ensure the success and effectiveness of the organization. The information manager plays a crucial role in identifying, coordinating, collecting, and managing the regulation and flow of information through defined procedures, electronically, and within the offices. The information manager responsibilities need to be carried out effectively and he/she needs to work in close association and coordination with other departments and should function as information specialists by acquiring knowledge on where the data can be found, how it can be used and managed for the organization, etc. He/she helps in designing and managing the information and ensuring that its flow is adequate, managing the staff, and presenting the information to satisfy the informational needs.
Key Responsibilities of an Information Manager
The information manager is responsible for performing the duties related to technological support and information systems. He/she is involved in installing, maintaining, and configuring the relevant information system. He/she repairs or replaces the damaged peripherals and components to restore its operation. He/she operates the system so that it can be compiled, accessed, disseminated, used, and disposed whenever required. To throw light on what exactly are the key responsibilities that need to be handled by an information manager, a brief description given below will surely guide you to understand the role of an information manager in a better way:
The information manager oversees and provides, installs, and maintains the network accounts and passwords. He/she may suggest purchase of technology resources and make the relevant suggestions. He/she trains the staff members, monitors the security of all the technology, and advises them on security breach. He /she assists in supporting the business strategies and business needs and integrating it with the information manager requirements. He/she works in collaboration with other program managers and is involved in the complete information life cycle development and operation of systems and processes by adhering to the standard security procedures that are compliant with the business information requirements. Thus, he/she is responsible for the overall management and administration of the entire life cycle of information and controls the information resources as well.
Essential Skills
To ensure success as an information manager, you should possess a thorough knowledge of the methods for system development, policies, procedures, etc. He/she should possess excellent communication skills and should be able to maintain professional and favorable public relations. He/she should have the ability to conduct knowledge based training sessions and should communicate the latest trends and developments happening in the industry. He/she should be able to compile information and make sound decisions by concluding the facts and defining the problems. He/she should have good problem solving skills and should have an eye for details.
Educational Requirements
The basic educational requirements include the completion of a bachelor's degree in computer information systems, computer science, networking, programming, etc. Previous professional experience in a similar profile or some higher educational qualification will ensure that you get the job more easily as well as will help in getting the promotions more easily.
Work Schedule
The daily work schedule of an information manager requires him/her to work for thirty to forty hours per week. Occasionally, he/she may need to work overtime in case there is work load, and a particular job needs to be completed on an emergency basis.
Salary Details
The minimum basic salary that can be earned by an information manager is $47,000. However, it will vary with experience, skills, educational background, type, size and location of the organization and may go up to the range of $120,000 to $137,000.
Career Prospects
If an individual has the right combination of skills, education, and experience, there is no stopping back and there is definitely a huge scope for development and growth.
Thus, effective implementation of information manager responsibilities will help you in becoming a complete professional and take your career to new heights.