REPORTS TO: Chief Operating Officer
DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: Operations Department
SUMMARY:
The Strategic Director of Technology will provide strategic technology leadership to ensure the timely delivery of robust and reliable technology resources and oversee the development, implementation, and use of technology throughout the agency, proactively addressing organizational, departmental, and user-based needs. Areas of responsibility include the full range of information systems and telecommunications activities, including determining user requirements, recommending practical solutions, and leading agency-wide efforts to improve the effective use of technology. Responsible for developing and maintaining the technology strategic direction and IT plan for the agency. Ensures adequate IT governance structure for high performance and risk management. This position reports to the Chief Operating Officer and supervises all IT team employees.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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Develop and implement an IT strategic plan and update the plan as needed.
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Provide vision and leadership to ensure technological needs for the agency and each department are best supported.
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Work with stakeholders to implement components of the strategic framework and planning that relate to technology.
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Work with the Chief Operating Officer and Finance Director to manage the operating budget and purchasing for the IT area, with a focus on cost effectiveness and careful evaluation of return on investment. Forecast budgetary needs including capital investments and operating expenses.
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Possess strong technical expertise and understanding of current technology advancements and options.
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Manage the deployment, monitoring, maintenance, development, upgrade, and support of all IT systems, including network and servers, laptops/PCs, operating systems, telephones, software applications, audio-visual, and peripherals.
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Stay current with emerging technologies, software and hardware solutions and propose learning strategies using new technology. Stay abreast of major information technology initiatives across peer agencies, leapfrogging whenever they may further MORPC’s mission.
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Remain current on technology advancements, emerging standards and regulations, and industry trends relevant to MORPC’s ongoing success.
- Work with the Communications and Engagement department to ensure maintenance of an excellent web presence and communications.
- Works with diverse departments to implement and manage MORPC’s internal data structures, network and cloud set-up, and other items like GIS, modeling, databases, etc.
- Work with Department Heads and other team members to develop strategies and plans to enhance client services, improve user effectiveness, and foster innovation to further their priority projects and agency needs.
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Establishes and maintains close communication and effective working relationships with senior leadership and all users of information services and systems.
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Work with IT vendors and/or clients to set up, troubleshoot and maintain hosting environments as necessary.
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Identify responsibilities and ensure successful escalation process for mission critical projects, troubleshooting and communication around active projects as well as day-to-day helpdesk activities and technical support services.
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Attend professional meetings and stay current on professional development.
- Lead and manage IT staff, including hiring, training and development, evaluation, and guidance.
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Implement and manage process and approach to collaborate with strategic implementers in each department for improved technology functions and understanding of needs.
- Ensure the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures and best practices, including providing written protocols and guidance to IT staff and to end-users, system and user manuals, licensing agreements, etc.
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Develop and implement all IT policies and procedures including those for architecture, security, back-ups, disaster recovery, standards, purchasing, and service provision.
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Negotiate and administer vendor, outsourcer, and consultant and service agreements.
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Present IT-based strategic planning initiatives to Chief Operating Officer and to MORPC Executive Team and other leaders regularly as needed.
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Support MORPC’s overall mission and follow all standards, policies, procedures, and confidentiality guidelines.
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Advise and support Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director on all matters relating to employee use of MORPC information, network and communication systems, including as it relates to personnel matters.
- Develop familiarity with cultural diversity and apply diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in daily business.
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Performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
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Demonstrated ability to lead a team of technical staff, to work with the executive management of an organization, and to manage multiple concurrent projects.
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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Strong ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, to conduct and direct research into IT issues and products, and to take initiative in the development and completion of projects.
- Strong strategic, project management (preferably multiple methods including Agile), organizational and time management skills.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and evaluative skills.
- Strong sense of customer service to best meet agency’s needs.
- Ability to work outside normal business hours at times may be required.
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Understanding of current management and office practices and Microsoft Office computer applications required.
- Practical knowledge of both internal and cloud-based server environments, website management, MS SQL Server, MS Office capabilities, MS Windows Server, and Active Directory is required. Familiarity with ESRI products is helpful.
QUALIFICATIONS
- A Bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent education and experience, along with advanced technical or managerial credentials (PMP, CISM, ITIL, etc.) preferred.
- Ten or more years of progressive IT experience preferred.
- Experience in working with governmental entities, non-profits or community-based organizations preferred.
LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Must have valid driver’s license, good driving record and maintain liability insurance coverage as required by MORPC.
INHERENTLY HAZARDOUS OR PHYSICALLY DEMANDING WORKING CONDITIONS:
Employee has exposure to chemical compounds found in an office environment (e.g., toner, correction fluid, etc.); has contact with potentially violent or emotionally distraught persons or vicious animals or life threatening situations; works in conditions requiring long periods of sitting and computer work that may cause problems and/or irritate back, neck, and wrists; occasionally lifts objects 25 pounds or less; occasionally carries objects 25 pounds or less; occasionally pushes objects 25 pounds or less; occasionally pulls objects 25 pounds or less.
Note: In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor physical demands strength ratings, this is considered light work.
In cases of emergency, unpredictable situations, and/or department needs, may be required to lift, push, pull, and/or carry objects heavier than D.O.L. strength ratings recommend.
