Director of Information Technology - J08010 - 12400

Information Technology Director

Provides vision and leadership for developing and implementing information, technology, and records initiatives. This individual directs the planning and implementation of technology systems in support of county operations in order to improve cost effectiveness, service quality, and business development. This includes oversight and management of the Information Technology Department, the Records Management and Warehouse Department, and the Records Imaging Department (Project).

The employee is required to be on duty before, during, and after natural disasters and emergencies, as directed by the Commissioners Court.

Individual is responsible to, follows policies established by, and is appointed by Commissioners Court. Provides support to Commissioners Court and keeps the court informed on issues that directly impact county business. Keep the County Judge and Commissioners informed on the general operations of the department and notify the Commissioners on situations that directly impact their individual Precinct. Immediately informs County Judge of all Emergency Issues impacting County Operations. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with all county officials, department heads, governmental jurisdictions, the private sector, and the public. Commissioners Court approves the department budget.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned :

• Leads IT strategic and operational planning to achieve county goals by fostering innovation, prioritizing IT initiatives, and coordinating the evaluation, deployment, and management of current and future IT systems across the county.
• Develops and maintains an appropriate IT organizational structure that supports the needs of the county.
• Establishes IT departmental goals, objectives, and operating procedures.
• Identifies opportunities for the appropriate and cost-effective investment of financial resources in IT systems and resources, including staffing, sourcing, and purchasing, and in-house development.
• Assess and communicates risks associated with IT investments.
• Develops, tracks, and controls the information technology annual operating and capital budgets.
• Develops business case justifications and cost / benefit analyses for IT spending and initiatives.
• Directs development and execution of a county-wide disaster recovery and business continuity plan.
• Makes recommendations on the improvement or re-engineering of the IT organization.
• Prepares agenda items and workshops for the Commissioners Court.
• Coordinates and facilitates consultation with stakeholders to define county requirements for new technology implementations.
• Approves, prioritizes, and controls projects and the project portfolio as they relate to the selection, acquisition, development, and installation of major information systems.
• Reviews hardware and software acquisition and maintenance contracts and pursues master agreements to capitalize on economies of scale.
• Defines and communicates corporate plans, policies, and standards for the organization for acquiring, implementing, and operating IT systems.
• Ensures continuous delivery of IT services through oversight of service level agreements and monitoring of IT systems performance.
• Ensures IT system operation adheres to applicable laws and regulations.
• Establishes lines of control for current and proposed information systems.
• Keeps current with trends and issues in the IT industry, including current technologies and prices. Advises, counsels, and educates Commissioners Court, County Officials, and Department Heads on their competitive or financial impact.
• Promotes and oversees strategic relationships between internal IT resources and external entities, including government, vendors, and partner organizations.
• Supervises recruitment, development, retention, and organization of all IT staff in accordance with county budgetary objectives and personnel policies.
• Responsible for the management of records in accordance with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
• Performs such other duties as may be assigned.

Supervises the Deputy IT Director, Manager Network Services, and the Systems Analyst Supervisor. Indirectly supervises all departmental employees. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Nueces County policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university, and seven years of experience in the management of information technology projects; or an Associate / Technical Degree from an accredited college or university, and ten years of experience in the management of information technology projects. Technology experience should include advanced knowledge of data centers, computing devices, software and applications, databases, networking, Cybersecurity, internet services, communication services, and their integration with multiple building facilities. Any equivalent combination of experience, education, or training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Masters or Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, or related field are a plus but not required.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to county officials, department heads, governmental jurisdictions, and the public.

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Texas Driver's License

This is a highly visible position and requires superior written and oral communication skills to include the ability to work effectively with county officials, department managers and supervisors, service providers, other jurisdictions and the general public. This position requires demonstrated knowledge of financial management principles, knowledge of contract negotiation requirements and the ability to develop and evaluate specifications. Superior knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of information technology management to achieve the efficient and effective design of computer applications and hardware are required.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.