Division Chief of Information Technology Services

Hiring Range: $110,030.96 to $135,379.00

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

The City of Alexandria is bordered by Washington D.C. and the Potomac River, Arlington and Fairfax counties, and Maryland. The small city has a cosmopolitan feel with 150,000 people living within its 15.75 square miles. At the Department of Community and Human Services, we provide essential safety net services to help city residents enjoy a sense of well-being, safety and self-sufficiency. Our behavioral health programs provide compassionate services that support self-determination and recovery. The beauty of our diverse and resilient people and our commitment to race and social equity, coupled with a historic district dating to 1749, charming waterfront, vibrant arts community and unique places for foodies and shopping, make the City of Alexandria a uniquely wonderful place to live, work and play. We invite all qualified candidates to learn more and apply for our Division Chief of Information Technology Services.

General Statement of Duties

The Division Chief of Information Technology Services leads the infrastructure of technical operations for the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) a large comprehensive human service organization. Responsibilities include managing a team of IT employees (8 permanent City positions, 5 temporary), tracking technology in support of addressing program goals, minimizing security risks, delivering user satisfaction, maintaining operations and management information systems to include electronic health records (EHR), case management platforms, and SharePoint. This position is responsible for administering the Department’s management information systems including design, supervision, implementation, policy, and security of these systems, technical assistance, and training. The incumbent is responsible for technology systems development and maintenance, database management, and the provision of technical assistance to departmental staff. The individual acts as the technical advisor for all projects requiring technology. The IT Director works in close partnership with department leadership and understands DCHS’ business needs to develop, negotiate, administer, and manage technology contracts for the Department. This position is responsible for the budgeting, forecasting, monitoring, and management of technology resources including the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for the Department and work closely with the City ITS department. This incumbent uses reliable metrics to generate solutions for technology related problems. Supervision is received from the DCHS Center for Operations Director. Adherence to the City Information Technology Department’s policies, practices, and procedures.

Examples of Duties

• Plan, select, implement, support, and maintain the Department’s technology infrastructure including record management system, applications, servers, and associated activities, processes, and resources.
• Manage IT by ensuring the maintenance, functionality, security, and accessibility of all computer resources such as computer hardware/software, web applications.
• Determine business requirements for IT systems in partnership with programs.
• Manage vendor performance /contractor relationships to maintain established resources.
• Provide guidance and support to technology employees to include conduct performance evaluations, hire staff, handle staff concerns and performances, direct staff in collaboration efforts with Departmental staff.
• Direct systems designers, engineers, and programmers in the design and implementation of system software as well as custom applications.
• Direct and support the implementation of new hardware and software.
• Oversee database administration and technical support of all users and conduct continuous reviews to ensure effectiveness of technology resources.
• Identify, evaluate, and recommend new evolving technologies and standards (general IT, State or Federal mandates) that can bring value to the Department to support present and or future business needs.
• Oversee the Department’s IT security functions, ensure the protection of IT assets and integrity, security, and privacy of data (in compliance with HIPAA requirements).
• Develop policies, review, and maintain appropriate risk management procedures regarding technology use.
• Direct the IT Help Desk.
• Project management – suggestion project Management expertise to ensure sound delivery of solutions that meet or exceed the defined requirements
• System lifecycle adherence to minimize cyber threats and ensure the viability of all systems in use.
• Coordinate IT activities to ensure data availability and network services with minimum down time.
• Communicate the IT vision and plans throughout the Department to appropriate stakeholders to garner buy in around changes and priorities.
• Perform related work as required.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles, applications, and techniques to plan, organize, and administer the use of computers and management information systems to analyze, organize, store, retrieve, and manipulate data.
• Proficiency in budgeting and procurement.
• Able to supervise the work of technical and non-technically trained staff and assess the IT team’s skills for their competency to execute current/future technologies.
• Possess organizational skills to coordinate the IT teamwork and schedules while managing own workload and priorities.
• Possess the ability to understand the unique business needs throughout the Department’s Centers.
• Hold strong technical skills and knowledge to understand what is going on within the technology infrastructure and industry standards.
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills to facilitate successful collaboration with employees, stakeholders, and other agencies who are technical and non-technical.
• Able to lead and motivate employees to move the Department towards its goals that are supported by technology.
• Own an analytical mindset to research and generate solutions for technology related issues.

Minimum Qualifications

Four-Year College Degree; any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in computer science, information systems, public administration, quantitative analysis, or related field; five years of increasingly responsible experience managing complex information technology systems and resources, data management and information management systems, conducting needs assessments, management studies, or reviewing and evaluating program effectiveness, one year of which must have been in a supervisory capacity; thorough knowledge of the principles, applications, and techniques of management information systems; experience reviewing and evaluating program effectiveness; ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in computer science, information systems/technology, public administration, or related field. Knowledge of the methods and procedures of procurement, contracts, and budgeting coupled with work experience that support IT management. At least eight years of increasingly responsible experience managing complex information technology systems, three years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity. At least eight years of experience with a wide range of computer operating systems, hardware, and software managing software applications and client/server system environments. Experience with managing an Electronic Health Record system (Credible, etc.) in a human services work environment. In depth experience with managing a diverse group of information technology staff including application developers, programmers, project managers, system support specialists, and help desk. Possess certifications relative to technology that may be used in a human service environment, to include an in depth understanding of IT security functions and the impact on HIPAA rules and regulations. Possess research skills to remain current and understand new trends and shifts in technology.