Information Technology Director

Description

Suffolk is experiencing a considerable period of growth. Boasting rural charm with big city excitement, Suffolk is located in the heart of Hampton Roads with easy access to major transportation routes, beaches, and other area attractions. Named one of "America's 100 Best Small Cities" by CNN Money Magazine, Suffolk is the largest city in Virginia with over 430 square miles of land with countless hiking trails, boating waterways, and gorgeous golf courses to keep anyone busy and active. Now is the time to begin your journey in a City poised for growth in the years to come!
Under limited supervision of the Chief of Staff, serves as the most senior leader of the Information Technology (IT) Department. Leads the IT Department in the areas of development, radio communication, security, infrastructure, technical business analytics, project management and systems support. This role collaborates with business leadership teams as a strategic partner to provide in-depth technical expertise in support of business decisions. This position is responsible for driving implementation of best practices for optimizing infrastructure and operation costs and improving system performance. The Director of IT will think strategically, critically, and creatively to present optimal solutions. Must possess deep technical expertise and also be a leader and developer of IT talent for the City of Suffolk.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.
The City of Suffolk is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace

Essential Job Functions

Leadership

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for determining priorities, goals and objectives to meet the City's information technology needs.
• Plan, organize and coordinate technology services to include computer operations, electronic maintenance, technical support and complex project activities including the implementation of multiple advanced technology systems and the City's eGov activities.
• Manage department including budget research, development, preparation and budget monitoring to ensure cost effectiveness. Ensures that purchasing and financial transactions are properly conducted in accordance with City administrative policies and procedures.
• Establish, implement, and evaluate internal systems to effectively meet operating goals and objectives. Develop and evaluates policies and procedures to effectively carryout departmental operations. Promote staff collaboration, innovation and critical thinking in developing solutions and approaches to departmental issues.

Planning

• Evaluate, assess and make recommendations to City Manager and City Council with respect to citywide technology planning and improvements.
• Develop proposals and reports on technology programs, projects, improvements, and related issues and presents recommendations to City Management, City Council and to other groups. Responsible for coordinating with City Manager for placement of items on City Council Agenda. Ensure reports, studies and plans are appropriately processed in accordance with federal, state and City ordinances.
• Partner with various departments and agencies for effective results and to establish long range IT goals and objectives.
• Monitor and research trends in information technology, laws, rules, and City policy to develop strategies to achieve long range goals.

Technology

• Direct major system processes including operations, technical support, user interfaces, administration, and related activities for computer system, network, e-mail, internet, intranet, telecommunications and application system operations.
• Plan and implement additions, deletions and major modifications to the supporting infrastructure company-wide in coordination with corporate leadership.
• Oversee the implementation of network security. Anticipates future network needs, identifies proactive solutions to satisfy needs.
• Develop and launch a cybersecurity program that protects the City of Suffolk internet-connected systems from potential cyberattacks.
• Maintain security architecture in accordance with regulations and best practices.
• Manage telecommunications services and vendors.
• Ensure the stable operation and optimization of applications including ERP, Geographical Information Systems, document management, and office productivity applications.
• Maintain existing enterprise systems. Oversees the operation and integration of those systems in support of organizational mission and values. Facilitates development of enhancements or new systems to meet future needs.
• Oversee the uninterruptable service to critical e911 and public safety IT systems.
• Oversee the management of service desk activities and resolves escalated issues if necessary.
• Implement IT Service Management best practices for event, incident, service request, and problem management.
• Establish and build relationships with vendors in conjunction with city leadership.
• Oversee all IT-related purchasing and budget usage. Works with accounting to develop budgets.
• Ensures tracking and maintenance of hardware and software assets.
• Develop and implement life-cycle refresh plans.
• Performs other related duties as assigned and required.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, Business Administration or a related field and at least 10 years of progressively responsible IT and business/industry work experience to include: architecture design and deployment, systems lifecycle management and infrastructure planning and operations, with 10 years of leadership/management experience at a senior management level. IT related Certification(s) preferred.

Supplemental Information

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of all IT teams, including IT security, development and engineering, infrastructure, business intelligence, technical business analytics, and systems support. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; evaluating and providing timely and constructive performance; rewarding and disciplining employees and addressing complaints and resolving problems. Administer human resources policies and procedures and determines appropriate personnel actions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge

• Comprehensive knowledge of modern methods, concepts, practices, and principles related to the architecture, design and integration of information systems and software applications. Knowledge of project management principles and ITIL best practices.
• Knowledge of leadership techniques, principles and procedures to assign work, schedule, supervise, train, and evaluate the work of assigned staff. Knowledge of personnel recruitment, selection and the use of human resources information systems.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer services. This includes setting and meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Skills

• Sound understanding of computer systems, networks, security, telecommunications, databases and storage systems. Solid working knowledge of all relevant coding languages and security protocols.
• Superior communications skills, oral and written; the ability to convey technically complex information and concepts in easily understood terms.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and complete work in a timely manner.
• Superior interpersonal, communication and leadership skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Team oriented.
• Exhibit professional behavior and demonstrate ability to promote positive working relationships.

Ability

• Ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving instructions, assignments or directions to subordinates or assistants, and receiving instructions, assignments or directions from superiors.
• Ability to read and prepare a variety of reports, letters and memos, correspondence, reports, forms, budgets, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style.
• Ability to speak before groups of people with poise, voice control and confidence.
• Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal level of stress and when confronted with persons acting under stress.
• Ability to monitor the performance of other individuals, or the organization to make improvements or take corrective action. Ability to maintain high morale among all department employees. Shares knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and departmental benefit. Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with employees, managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the general public.
• Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons. Ability to handle a variety of human resources issues with tact and diplomacy and in a confidential manner.
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to understand, analyze and evaluate complex situations and then to research information to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to the situation.
• Ability to evaluate the best method of research and then exercises appropriate judgment in establishing priorities and resolving complex matters. Considers the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Ability to establish and implement effective administrative and management programs and procedures.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term and immediate department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

Seasonal Employees- No Benefits
Part-time Employees - Sick Leave (See below)
Full Time Employees are eligible for the following benefits;

Retirement (Virginia Retirement System employer) for employees hired on or after 1/1/14 - Hybrid Members
Hybrid plan members contribute 4 percent of creditable compensation to the defined benefit plan and 1 percent to the defined contribution plan each month. Members may voluntarily contribute up to an additional 4 percent in 0.5 percent increments to the defined contribution plan each month. Members can increase or decrease their voluntary contributions on a quarterly basis. With the mandatory and voluntary contributions to the defined contribution component of the plan, members can contribute a maximum of 5 percent with a 3.5 percent match from the employer. Members invest in various investment options that best fit their needs.
Vested after 5 years in the defined benefit part of the plan. Vested in phases based on years in the Defined Contribution part of the Plan. The retirement eligibility for a full or reduced retirement pension in the Hybrid Plan is very detailed. Please contact the Virginia Retirement System or the Human Resources Department for details.

Paid Time Off (PTO)
Yearly earnings
120 Hours (1-59 months), 144 Hours (60-119 months), 168 Hours (120- 179 months), 192 Hours (180 and over)

Sick Leave
Part Time employees earn 4 hours per month Sick leave accrues at the end of the month and may be accrued with no ceiling.

Personal Leave
All regular full time employees are granted 24 hours of personal leave each calendar year. Personal leave must be preapproved and is not cumulative.

Health Insurance
Coverage available for you and your eligible dependents using pre-tax payroll deductions if elected.

Supplemental Insurances
Employees may purchase the following supplemental insurance policies: short term and long term disability, cancer, accident, supplemental hospitalization, and group universal life insurance.

Employer Sponsored Short Term and Long Term Disability
Provides disability coverage for employees work and non-work related disabilities. Work related disabilities are covered starting on day one (1). Non work related disabilities are covered starting on day eight (8), after you have been employed for one year.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Employees may participate in the Health Reimbursement, Dependent Care Reimbursement and Premium Reimbursement Accounts. All deductions are made on a pre-tax basis and will reduce your taxable income.

Life Insurance
The city pays the entire premium for life insurance coverage in the amount of 2 times annual salary for natural death and 4 times annual salary for accidental death.

Optional Life Insurance
Employees have the option of electing additional life insurance coverage in the amount of 1, 2, 3 or 4 times their annual salary. Employees may only purchase optional life insurance on spouses and children if they are enrolled in optional life insurance for themselves.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
12 weeks of job protected leave for leaves approved in accordance with the Family Medical Leave Act. Employees receive continuation of health insurance, job protection and consideration for a comparable job when available, or an equivalent job, upon return to work.

Funeral Leave
24 hours of paid leave of absence in case of death in immediate family.

Holidays
Suffolk follows the Virginia State holiday calendar as set by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Jury Duty
Time off with pay with difference between jury pay and regular pay or use annual leave and keep check.

457 Deferred Compensation, ROTH IRA, Traditional IRA
Offered through ICMA Retirement Corporation as a way to shelter a portion of your salary from income taxes and save for retirement.

Employee Assistance Program
Offers employees and immediate family members (3) free, confidential counseling sessions related to a broad range of issues such as marital or family conflict, job or personal stress, alcohol or drug abuse, financial or legal worries, etc.

Worker's Compensation
Should an employee have an on the job injury, he/she could be eligible for Workmen's Compensation Benefits, except in cases of willful neglect.

Pay Days
Employees will be paid on the 15th and last working day of each month.

Credit Union
A Suffolk Credit Union is available to employees.

Legal Services
Employees may prepay for access to legal assistance.

Notary Public Services
Services available in the Human Resources Department.

Alternative Work Schedule
For some positions -Offers 4 Alternative Work Schedule options to provide employees with greater control over their personal and professional time, as well as reducing absences.