Director of Information Technology

Job Description

Director of Information Technology (089)

(Unclassified)

Education and Experience

Equivalent to either a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Information Management, Computer Science, Business Administration, Mathematics, Public Administration, or an approved related field; and
At least five (5) years of progressively increasing levels of management responsibility and management experience in information management systems, local area computer networks, telephone systems, voice, video, and data telecommunication systems, Internet and intranet systems and information systems support or equivalent.
Experience in the administration of technical services contracts is highly desirable.
A Master's degree in Business Administration or Public Administration is desirable.

License

Possession of an appropriate, valid California driver's license is required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a management position in the Unclassified Service responsible for developing and implementing strategic direction and managing the activities of citywide information management systems, local area computer network, telephone systems, voice, video, and data telecommunication systems, internet and intranet systems and information systems support. The position will involve ongoing project and contract management, and systems integration responsibilities in coordination with City departments, vendors, and contractors. Additionally, this position is responsible to advise and direct departments in the design and implementation of new information systems. An incumbent in this classification exercises independent judgment and discretion. As a member of the City’s Unclassified Service this is an “at-will” position and the incumbent serves at the discretion of the City Manager. An incumbent in this classification: demonstrates strong ethical, professional, and service-oriented leadership and interpersonal skills, sets a good example; and correctly applies the tenets of the City’s Code of Ethics and Values.

Typical Duties

Under administrative direction:

Conceptualizes, evaluates, and implements information technology strategies, plans, and priorities for a comprehensive citywide information technology program and telephone system;
Establishes standards and procedures for information and telephone systems;
Recommends long-range and short-range management information system plans and budgets to the City Manager by being thoroughly familiar with rapid changes in the information technology environment and tailoring those technologies to the needs of the City;
Defines and sets performance standards for new system and/or user application requirements;
Directs the development and implementation of policies, regulations, and programs that support the coordination and growth of progressive, efficient and cost-effective information and telecommunication services;
Advocates change and educates City management and employees on the need for up-to-date information technology, staff and equipment to accomplish the missions and purposes of the City;
Implements and monitors all City automation and information technology programs, ensuring the effectiveness of programs and that goals, schedules, and budgets are met;
Reviews and advises on purchases of all hardware, software, and automation-related services;
Citywide telephone management and cable television franchise oversight
Negotiates contracts, including setting operating performance standards and administers contracts to ensure compliance with operating performance standards;
Responsible for City-wide management and administration of end-user training needs for appropriate software applications, and in the use of personal computers;
Reports on the status and progress of automation projects and operations, and makes recommendations for modifications of automation systems as needed; and
Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of:

Effective leadership and management principles and practices; and
Principles and practices of budgeting (operating and capital), communication, contracting, human resources, information technology, public relations, project management, and outreach, performance standards, telecommunications, and records management, resources to achieve outcomes and expectations.

Ability to:

Provide the leadership and management of the department through coaching, empowering and facilitating employees working in a team environment;
Focus on providing high quality customer service to internal clients;
Conceive, express and promote a “vision” and strategic direction in information management systems, local area computer networks, telephone systems, voice, video, and data telecommunication systems, Internet and intranet systems and information systems support;
Create a culture that is conducive to change;
Select, recruit, retain, develop and motivate a skilled and talented workforce where everyone knows their mission, role, job; and goals and objectives are clear in order to create an organization that delivers excellent customer service through ethical leadership standards, establishes an atmosphere of respect for employees consistent with the City’s Code of Ethics and Values;
Manage complex projects that further the long term objectives of the City and the departments by identifying which quality standards are relevant to the project and determining how to satisfy them, by evaluating overall project performance on a regular basis to provide confidence that the project will satisfy the relevant quality standards, and by monitoring specific project results;
Build constructive relationships by promoting effective partnerships with department peers, consumers and employees;
Represent and speak for the department and its work, e.g., presenting, explaining, promoting, defining, and negotiating with those within and outside the department by making clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals and groups, by listening effectively and clarifying information, by partnering effectively on the design of automated citywide systems and by facilitating an open exchange of ideas;
Analyze situations and exercise good judgment;
Communicate effectively both in writing and orally;
Work in team environment;
Exercise good judgment in structuring and organizing work and setting priorities, balancing the interests of clients and readily readjusting priorities to respond to customer demands;
Make sound technical decisions concerning information systems applications and performance as it applies to the City; and
Performs other work as assigned.

Supervision Received

Works under the administrative direction of the City Manager or designee.

Supervision Exercised

Exercises direct supervision over assigned employees and independent contractors.

Other Requirements

May be required to work odd and unusual hours, including designated holidays, and to be available on an on-call basis.
Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment.

Conflict of Interest

Incumbents in this position are required to file a Conflict of Interest statement upon assuming office, annually, and upon leaving office, in accordance with City Manager Directive 100.

Approved July, 2005