Need networking advice (Austin: job market, good schools, university)

[bhutfless]

I am curious about the market for experienced mid-to-senior IT managers; specifically in the government, security or healthcare industries, as I would like to stay within the technology or healthcare sectors. I currently manage IT, HIPAA, and personnel security for a Navy Medicine organization with offices throughout the US, and also teach medical informatics part-time for a local university here in Florida.

Professionally, I have outgrown the smaller market I live in and need to make a move for career growth. We have family and friends in Austin, which places it on the top of my list for relocation areas because of the support group factor (not to mention good schools, activities, atmosphere). We have considered moving there for the past few years, but the tight job market and unstable economy has kept us from making the leap.

My primary concern is that there are very few positions advertised for experienced professionals on any of the job boards; most of the technology jobs seem to be programming, entry-level management, or related to sales. Our friends, etc. work in different industries so it has been hard to break into the right circles. Can anyone recommend networking resources within the professional IT or healthcare communities there, or perhaps a recruiter with whom you have had good experience?

Thank you in advance for any advice or recommendations!

[hoffdano]

I think Austin IT's best opportunities are with software companies. That is why many of the better job listings are for developers, QA, etc.

But what I think of as "traditional IT" (managing IT infrastructure) does exist. Government is very limited now and facing enormous budget pressure. I'm not close to healthcare but the field in general is growing in Austin and I assume IT will follow it.

Security and HIPAA is valuable as privacy and compliance is a hot topic for years to come.

You might contact Pedley-Richard Inc. as a recruiter. They have been in Austin for a long time and usually are well connected.

[bhutfless]

Thank you for the reply and information on Pedley-Richard Inc. I have looked for recruiters in the Austin area in the past and don't recall seeing them listed before. I have spoken with a few regional recruiters who focus on resume and goals but many don't spend more than 10 minutes getting to know me, learning of my experience, or focusing on personality traits that are important in the workplace.
From the the reviews I have read for Pedley-Richard, they look very promising. I appreciate it!