Vice President, Technology

Vice President, Technology

Provides technology vision and leadership and day-to-day management of Information Technology (IT) application, network, security, and hardware systems throughout the Authority. Establishes and directs the strategic long-term goals, policies, and procedures for the Authority's Technology department. Directs the strategy and procedures for acquiring, deploying, maintaining, supporting, or replacing IT software and hardware assets. Establishes and directs the strategy for protecting, storing, and retrieving data that comes from various information systems. Manages multi-million dollar contracts, grants, and IT capital investments, and ensures the IT resources of the CTA integrate technology into the strategic and operational plans of the institution.

Manages the development, implementation, maintenance, and support of new and current technologies at the CTA, including both operational and administrative software systems applications and associated hardware, voice / video / data networks, information security, wired and wireless infrastructure, and all associated telecommunication systems and devices. Manages IT strategy and projects in cooperation with CTA departments, staff, and outside consultant staff. Directs and ensures implementation of IT strategy and best practices for proactive management of IT assets and infrastructure. Directs and ensures that customer / client IT needs are translated into tangible project goals and schedules. Oversees the composition and research of project specifications methodology and procedures.

Directs the development, implementation, and maintenance of a fiber optic infrastructure, subway cellular infrastructure, UHF infrastructure and IP telephone infrastructure. Oversees the development and implementation of information security infrastructure, procedures, and standards in order to protect all data of the Authority from cyber security threats. Directs effective management of multiple IT contracts. Holds department accountable and responsible for meeting the objectives and goals of the Authority. Provides executive and policy direction to managerial, professional, and technical staff engaged in implementing technology functions. Establishes and executes programs to meet Authority objectives and develops an organization that will effectively administer area responsibilities and functions.

Evaluates the performance of management and supervisory staff for compliance with Authority programs and policies and attainment of goals and objectives. Represents the department and the Authority with various levels of management throughout the Authority and with other transit jurisdictions. Collaborates with management and staff in the development of strategic and operating plans of the Authority. Leads the preparation and administration of the budget of the Technology Department. Oversees, manages, and presents operating budgets to top Authority management and various funding and regulatory agencies. Hires, trains, develops, monitors, and evaluates performance of staff. Reviews and recommends personnel actions for approval. Develops strategies for maintaining staff skills and knowledge consistent with current industry standards.

Bachelor's degree in IT Management, Technology, or a related discipline, plus ten (10) years of experience in managing IT applications, projects, infrastructure and operations, of which five (5) years is in a supervisory or management role, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Five (5) or more years of experience in leading, large, cross-functional teams or enterprise wide technology programs. Master's degree in IT or Technology preferred. Experience managing Technology department in a public agency, transportation telecommunications or utility company preferred. Experience leading, developing, and implementing Information Technology strategy desired. Experience developing and managing IT Policy and standards including IT enterprise Security desired.

Requires sitting for extended periods of time, standing, visual acumen, manual dexterity, and fingering for working with computer keyboards. Chicago Transit Authority requires all employees to be COVID-19 vaccinated. If you are offered employment, proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required as a condition of employment and as part of the hiring process. Service Area Requirement : Exempt (Non-Union) employees must live within the boundaries of the CTA Statutory Service Area either at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA.

Detailed knowledge of principles, policies, and practices of information technology, technology, and related programs. Detailed knowledge of the operations, services, and activities of a large scale technology program. Detailed knowledge of related local, state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements. Detailed knowledge of the methods and practices in budget planning and administration. Detailed knowledge of the principles of leadership, team building, motivation, and conflict resolution. Detailed knowledge of cyber security trends and developments in IT risk management. Detailed knowledge of various compliance standards (PCI DSS, HIPAA, etc.) and guidelines as relates to information technology. Working knowledge of public funding options and investment opportunities. Working knowledge of public procurement policies, contract negotiations and vendor management. Working knowledge in multiple technology disciplines overseen by this position. Working knowledge of the methods and principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation. Strong leadership, team building and organizational skills, attention to detail and proven ability to handle multiple complex tasks simultaneously. Strong interpersonal skills with the proven ability to interact positively and successful with all levels of the organization and community. Strong written and oral communication skills including presentation experience to diverse audiences. Strong networking skills with experts in industry solid record of maintaining and developing successful relationships. Strong ability to multi-task and to handle multiple programs and projects. Strong organization, financial, presentation, and operational skills. Strong analytical and problem solving skills. Ability to competently plan, direct and coordinate the functions of the department. Ability to define, develop and evaluate objectives, standards and performance levels for assigned groups. Ability to review, assess, and evaluate data from various diverse sources and generate effective solutions and competent decisions. Ability to maintain amiable and effective working relations with management and external contacts. Ability to produce technical reports using desktop publishing software and other IT related systems and programs.

General office environment. Working conditions are normally administrative in nature, but may periodically require employee to adjust to conditions to address the technical and project support needs of the CTA. Standard office equipment. Personal computer and related software. All technologies that are information-based and generate data used by applications across the enterprise, or involve standards computing platforms running on common infrastructures, including : Centralized Computer Systems, PC's, LANs and Network Architecture Construction, Communications Technology (Radio, etc.), Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Distributed Departmental Systems.

Additional Details : Please note, employees and / or union members will be given priority consideration in the hiring process, per the applicable labor contracts. Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate and may be higher or lower than target. Applicants, if hired, must comply with CTA's residency ordinance. CTA is an equal opportunity employer. No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, unfavorable military discharge, disability or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws; except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for our workforce and supporting the communities we serve. CTA will make reasonable accommodations for the known disabilities of otherwise qualified applicants for employment as well as its employees, unless undue hardship would result. If you require an accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact arc@transitchicago.com prior to the submission of your application or upon notification of your actual test date. CTA will work with you to determine if an accommodation can be provided.