IT Systems Manager

Description of Work

Position Definition: The IT Systems Manager oversees and manages the City’s IT systems across multiple locations and departments, including infrastructure and enterprise applications. This position requires a proactive leader with in-depth technical expertise and a comprehensive understanding of both operational and strategic IT needs. The IT Systems Manager will be accountable for system administration, team leadership, and the management of complex network and system infrastructures. The role demands a strong work ethic, professionalism, and a history of consistent, high-level performance. This position plays a critical role in providing technical guidance to the City’s IT team and ensuring the continued success of IT operations.

General Duties:

• Lead and mentor a team of system administrators, fostering skill development and ensuring best practices to support the organization’s evolving IT needs.
• Serve as the technical authority in system administration, overseeing critical systems, including public safety infrastructure, and ensuring optimal performance, security, and efficient storage management.
• Manage the IT Help Desk, handling escalated issues, implementing performance metrics, and coordinating timely resolutions and system upgrades.
• Configure and maintain key IT infrastructure (servers, network hardware, firewalls, VDI, Active Directory) while ensuring compliance with security policies, intrusion detection, and disaster recovery protocols.
• Supervise vendor resources, track project progress, mitigate risks, and adjust resources as needed to ensure the successful delivery of IT initiatives.
• Collaborate with leadership to define team strategy, enforce IT policies, and design scalable infrastructure solutions that address current and future organizational needs.
• Analyze and optimize network and system performance, working closely with the network team to implement improvements.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for system configurations, asset management, and inventory; create and deliver training materials for end users on applications and IT systems.
• Support IT procurement processes, including requisitions, order verification, and vendor coordination, and act as the primary IT contact in the IT Director’s absence.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Expertise in Microsoft technologies, including Active Directory, Office 365, Windows Clustering, and VDI.
• Proficiency in network infrastructure (LAN, WAN, TCP/IP) and VMware.
• Advanced knowledge of system security, including intrusion detection and data backup/recovery.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to manage complex, time-sensitive projects.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with staff, departments, and vendors.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and work both independently and as part of a team.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in information technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in systems administration, network management, and enterprise application support.
• Over 8 years of experience in project management, with a demonstrated track record of successfully leading cross-functional teams and delivering complex projects from inception to completion.
• Expertise in managing timelines, budgets, and project scope while ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Must have strong cloud management experience, including Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and Office 365 integration.
• Professional certifications (e.g., Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator, MCSA) are a plus.
  Experience with cloud implementation and migration is a plus.

Special Licenses/Certifications AND/OR Supplemental Information

Special Requirements:

• Must be available for full-time on-site work and on-call support to address system outages.
• Candidates must have a history of successfully managing teams and projects in dynamic environments, with a strong focus on collaboration and conflict resolution.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required to work effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Previous performance evaluations will be considered as part of the selection process to ensure alignment with the City’s organizational culture and standards.

• The above is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.
• It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and responsibility.
• Required to carry a cell phone in performance of duties.

The City of Norwalk is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employeer