Director - Information Technology

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:

Under general direction, oversee all information technology and related operations throughout city government, ensuring their reliability and availability. Provide vision and leadership for developing and implementing information technology initiatives, and support these in a hands-on manner. Plan and direct implementation of systems that will support city operations and improve cost effectiveness and service quality.

Note: The salary for this position is commensurate with experience.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Manage the deployment, monitoring, maintenance, development, upgrade and support of all city-wide IT systems, including servers, PCs, operating systems, telephones, software applications and peripherals.
2. Perform personnel administrative functions, including hiring, developing, directing, and evaluating staff. Mentor the staff in internal IT best practice, procedures, policies and processes to continually improve IT support services.
3. Participate in strategic planning for city operational needs, advising regarding technology solutions to meet business needs. Assess the feasibility of system enhancements to determine potential value for the City.
4. Consult with management and evaluate user’s requests for changes. Perform needs, benefit and cost analyses, and make recommendations for updates, replacement or enhancements. 
5. Anticipate future network needs and identify proactive solutions to satisfy goals and objectives. Keep current with the latest technologies and determine which new technologies are needed to successfully meet business and system requirements.
6. Oversee systems development and enhancement and the integration of new systems with existing systems.
7. Develop, implement and monitor security and city-wide disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
8. Manage vendor, outsourcer, and consultant contracts and service agreements.
9. Establish the time frame for software and program release changes and system modifications, and communicate with management staff to ensure a smooth implementation.
10. Oversee the planning and management of the city’s radio and telephone systems and manage city-wide upgrade efforts.
11. In collaboration with the budget office, develop plans and budgets for city information technology infrastructure.
12. Manage the maintenance of all written documentation, including system and user manuals, license agreements and documentation of modifications and upgrades. Ensure IT operations adhere to applicable laws and regulations.
13. Serve as key IT resource for executive staff and Board of Aldermen, and present new initiatives and strategic plans to the Technology Commission.
14. Establish IT departmental goals, objectives and operating procedures consistent with the City’s vision and core values.
15. Manage all IT-related purchasing and budget usage. Supervise the ordering, acquisition, inventorying and disposition of hardware and software.
16. Work with the technology industry to help ensure citizens have access to the latest technological infrastructure.
17. Must be punctual and timely in meeting all job performance requirements, including but not limited to, attendance and tardiness standards and work deadlines.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Performs related tasks as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Broad knowledge of information technology processing systems, concepts and methodologies, and ability to learn new technologies.
• Good understanding of general business processes and city operations.
• Good understanding of current and emerging technologies and their ability to be assimilated, integrated and introduced within the City’s infrastructure.
• Substantial exposure to data processing, hardware platforms, enterprise software applications, and outsourced systems.
• Ability to handle the technical as well as the management aspect of the IT division.
• Ability to present ideas and information in a business-friendly and user-friendly language, and to effectively respond to questions from user community, public officials, commission members and the general public.
• Ability to define problems, collect data and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to interact with the user community and public in a professional, courteous and helpful manner.
• Ability to lead and direct staff in all technology disciplines.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

Bachelor’s Degree in computer science, business administration, or related field and at least eight years experience involving planning, directing, and implementing information technology programs and projects, including at least three years managing and/or directing an IT operation; or any combination of education, training, and experience providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform essential job functions. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: Work takes place in an office environment. Required to operate computer equipment and to lift and transport moderately heavy objects, such as computers and peripherals. Must be able to change priorities quickly and to work extended hours as needed.  Due to rapid changes in technology, continuous updating of skills is necessary. 

Salary : $96,366