Paul Gunston
Brisbane,QLD
Summary
Results-driven IT Executive with a strong track record of delivering enterprise-wide technology transformations and operational improvements across complex, multi-site organisations. Experienced in leading PCI DSS compliance initiatives end-to-end, from gap analysis to implementation, while effectively managing internal teams and external vendors. Demonstrated capability in enhancing fundraising operations, including implementation of IT infrastructure and software for fundraising call centres. Experienced in leveraging APIs and systems integrations to improve lead generation for fundraising campaigns. Skilled in aligning IT strategies with organisational goals to drive security, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making. Trusted to lead high-impact programs with clarity, structure, and technical depth.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Information Technology Director
McCosker Contracting
05.2022 - Current
- Developed and implemented an IT strategic plan aligning technology with the business objectives.
- Negotiated vendor support contracts, delivering thousands in savings.
- Lead a company wide emerging technologies adoption committee.
- Co-Lead the company's business systems steering committee - spearheading multi-million dollar investments into overhauling business systems.
- Actively led training, mentoring and continuous development for the IT department.
- Developed company polices and procedures.
- Lead a successful migration from on-prem file storage to SharePoint.
- Implemented a hardware refresh strategy, significantly reducing costs.
- Established a new cloud based IT service desk platform and monitoring systems.
- Developed an information security framework.
- Lead the development of bespoke software solutions and APIs.
- Developed and implemented data warehousing and BI solutions.
Assistant Director - Application, Platform Operations
National Disability Insurance Agency
02.2022 - 05.2022
- Lead the establishment of a new IT team to support the Platforms Integrations & Data Directorate.
- Provided Hands-on support of cloud technology.
- Established and managed new service desk operations.
- Cloud infrastructure management.
- Supported the development of new technical documentation.
Information Technology Director
Clever Contacts
07.2020 - 03.2021
- As a strategic leader with a keen interest in alignment of technology with business objectives, I was promoted from IT Manager to IT Director.
- Mentored junior and senior staff members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
- Maintained information security to ensure protection of sensitive data.
- Responsible for developing the IT budget.
- Developed comprehensive disaster recovery plans, safeguarding critical data and minimising business disruptions.
- Managed technical infrastructure.
- Developed and implemented IT policies.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify technology needs and develop customised solutions.
- Liaised with clients, collaborating to support their digital marketing strategies.
- Authored service level agreements for help desk operations.
- Managed a digital transformation project with a successful impact on business operations.
- Lead the organisation to develop an information security framework and achieve PCI DSS compliance.
- Supported telethon fundraising events.
IT Manager
Clever Contacts
08.2019 - 07.2020
- Effective leadership and broad technical skills led to my promotion to IT Manager.
- Managed a team of IT professionals.
- Collaborated with other departments to help meet IT needs and properly integrate and secure systems.
- Managed vendor relationships for hardware, software, and services procurement, ensuring quality products at competitive prices.
- Oversaw the information security program.
- Instrumental in the implementation of a 120-seat call-centre.
- Awarded a cultural award for integrity.
- Designed and implemented IT infrastructure from scratch to support significant business growth.
Software Developer & Culture Leader
Clever Contacts
08.2017 - 08.2019
- Developed call centre software for the business using Node.js.
- Managed a team of IT professionals.
- Managed cultural alignment plan
- Developed and implemented APIs, business software and payment gateway integrations.
- Administered MySQL and MSSQL databases.
- Developed landing pages for charities to support API driven value-exchange regular giving campaigns.
Systems Administrator
Clever Contacts
08.2016 - 08.2017
- Effective management of on-prem IT infrastructure.
- Managed Windows and Linux servers.
- Managed onboarding and offboarding of users.
- Delivered technology continuous improvement projects.
- Successfully completed a project to significantly improve data import and export processes.
- Developed the business continuity / disaster recovery plans.
IT Support Officer & Viewpoint Systems Administrator
McCosker Contracting
06.2012 - 05.2016
- Provided IT support to multiple locations.
- Managed the ERP system (Viewpoint / Vista V6).
- Developed customisations and supported the business ERP system.
- Managed and completed IT support requests.
- Maintained the on-prem server infrastructure.
- Maintained MSSQL databases.
- Developed Crystal reports.
- Awarded “Most Creative Use of Vista (Viewpoint)” from ERP software vendor due to the customised development of an OHS management system,
Skills
- IT Strategy & Digital Transformation
- Cybersecurity & PCI DSS Compliance
- Enterprise Systems & Systems Integration (API-driven)
- Data Governance & Business Intelligence
- Risk & Change Management
- Project & Program Management (Agile/Waterfall)
- IT Budgeting & Vendor Management
- Leadership & Cross-functional Team Management
- Stakeholder Engagement (Executive, Operational & External)
- Fundraising Technology Support & Call Centre IT Operations
- Process Improvement & Operational Efficiency
- Communication & Executive Reporting
Certification
- Certificate II Business Administration
- Advanced Diploma - Information Technology
- (In Progress via RPL) - Graduate Certificate of Strategic Management. est. completion July 2025
- First Aid & CPR
Timeline
Information Technology Director
McCosker Contracting
05.2022 - Current
Assistant Director - Application, Platform Operations
National Disability Insurance Agency
02.2022 - 05.2022
Information Technology Director
Clever Contacts
07.2020 - 03.2021
IT Manager
Clever Contacts
08.2019 - 07.2020
Software Developer & Culture Leader
Clever Contacts
08.2017 - 08.2019
Systems Administrator
Clever Contacts
08.2016 - 08.2017
IT Support Officer & Viewpoint Systems Administrator
McCosker Contracting
06.2012 - 05.2016
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