IT Applications Development Manager

Under limited supervision, direct, plan, organize, and manage the research and development, design, implementation, operation, technical infrastructure/framework and enhancement of complex enterprise application systems that support the South Carolina Judicial Branch's (SCJB's) business operations.   Responsible for the technical direction, including the design, coding, testing, deployment and analysis of software applications used and provided by SCJB. Responsible for the research, selection, implementation, and maintenance of website/web-based application integration with a variety of internal/external data sources.  These enterprise applications (applications) include the Appellate Court Case Management Systems (C-Track), Trial Court Case Management Systems (CMS), Attorney Information System (AIS), Bar Admissions Tracking System, E-Filing, Website Content Management Systems, County Statistics Systems, Judicial Branch public and trial court websites, and other SCJB applications.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION 
This job bulletin represents general duties for this position and is not intended to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Technical Leadership & Oversight

• Oversee the research, design, development, implementation, testing, and maintenance of software applications used in court operations (e.g., case management systems, e-filing portals, jury systems).

• Ensure all applications are developed according to security, compliance, and performance standards required by SCJB.

• Evaluate and implement new technologies to improve court efficiency and access to justice.

• Lead by example as a hands-on technical manager and mentor team members.

• Manage staff career paths by providing feedback on work performance/activities, and individual training plans.

• Oversee the administration of the organizations database(s), analyze staff needs of the database(s), and develop a long-term strategy for data storage. Establishes oversee the administration of the organizations database(s), analyze staff needs of the database(s), and develop a long-term strategy for data storage.

Project & Team Management

• Manage a team of developers, front end designer, DBA, and application architect.

• Assign tasks, set priorities, and ensure timely delivery of application development projects.

• Coordinate with judges, clerks, court administrators, and IT staff to gather requirements and provide updates.

• Collaborate with the Applications Administration Team, other SCJB departments and county users to establish software release schedules, product roadmaps, engagement of technical resources and advice for joint software development projects with internal and external project stakeholders. Research, evaluate and remain current on development tools, best practices and emerging technologies. 

• Develop software standards and identifies process improvements for tasks such as source code maintenance and analysis to improve product development and overall user experience.

Strategic Planning

• Develop and execute a long-term application strategy that aligns with the goals of SCJB.

• Collaborate with senior leadership to modernize legacy systems and integrate newer platforms (e.g., cloud-based services, AI tools).

• Establishes industry standard practices and procedures and fosters an environment capable of supporting a competent, empowered, and forward-thinking team.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure applications meet legal, accessibility (e.g., ADA), and cybersecurity requirements.

• Assist in providing feedback and ideas for improving software testing, user acceptance testing (UAT), and change management processes.

Vendor & Budget Management

• Work with external vendors and contractors to support development needs.

• Manage budgets, contracts, and procurement for development tools and services.

• Prepare yearly financial budgets for management and responsible for implementing cost controls of approved budgets. Work with other IT Managers to review licensing budgets that cross departments. Researches vendors, application products, court technologies to find the best solution and pricing to meet long-term business needs. 

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain thorough technical documentation and records of application updates and processes.

• Provide weekly and monthly reports as needed to highlight department's goals

• Conduct presentations to Stakeholders, Sponsors, IT Director, Deputy Director of IT Application Operations and business owners on application status, project status, system performance, improvement opportunities, etc.

User Support & Training

• Coordinate with support teams to address user issues and feedback. Assist with Disaster Recovery and Business continuity exercises

• Coordinate with documentation and training teams to ensure end users (e.g., court staff, attorneys, the public) receive training and user-friendly documentation.

All other duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

• A bachelor's degree with at least eight (8) years of related IT experience
• Three (3) years of experience in enterprise software development and implementations 
• Two (2) years of experience in directing the work of others in a software implementation lead role.  
• Related experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS 

• Knowledge of the processes and techniques of implementing enterprise level software to outside the SCJB. 
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of planning program development, development life cycle, and application deployment. 
• Knowledge of windows server operating systems, desktop operating systems and database systems. 
• Ability to successfully manage concurrent software projects. 
• Ability to understand and effectively communicate both court business and technology needs of end users.  
• Ability to coordinate and execute smooth and timely production launches with limited to no interruption to critical services. 
• Ability to develop and maintain detailed launch application plans that consist of roles, responsibilities and milestones. 
• Strong supervisory and management skills. Outstanding analytical, problem solving and troubleshooting skills. 
• Ability to plan and direct the work activities of technical and non-technical employees.   
• Ability to manage high-performance development teams. 
• Proven ability to manage multiple high priority projects across several development teams. 
• Ability to mentor and train developers. 
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the end users, technical staff, management, vendors, and others. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. 
• Ability to make presentations and prepare reports. Requires excellent organizational skills.

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

• Extensive knowledge of programming languages and tools including .NET, JavaScript, HTML, Web Services, SQL, TFS, and Visual Studios. 
• Working knowledge of the South Carolina court operations at the magistrate and circuit level. 
• Extensive knowledge of data base design and table relationships.  
• Experience managing the implementation of enterprise level technology solutions in the court or legal industry.
  

The South Carolina Judicial Branch offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that include:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children;
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs (Temporary positions have option to enroll);
• 15 days paid annual (vacation) leave per year;
• 15 days paid sick leave per year;
• Option to designate 10 days of earned paid sick leave per year as family sick leave;
• 13 paid state holidays;
• Paid Parental Leave; and
• Workers’ Compensation Benefits.

Salary : $106,806 - $133,510