Provides digital transformation leadership, strategic vision, and drives the modernization of the CTA’s systems and technologies — including enterprise systems, public transit systems, platforms and end user computing, communications systems and infrastructure (network, fiber, wireless and wired) — to improve efficiency of CTA’s services, safety and security, and customer experience. Establishes and directs the strategic long-term goals, policies, and procedures for the CTA’s Technology department to support an innovation focused culture and mindset with training, skills development, and change management for all Technology employees. Directs the strategy and procedures for acquiring, deploying, maintaining, supporting, or replacing software and hardware assets adhering to CTA’s policies and procedures. Establishes and directs the strategy for protecting, storing, and retrieving CTA’s data, on-premise and in the cloud. 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 CTA.
Qualifications
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and implement a digital transformation roadmap and strategic vision for modernizing CTA’s technologies. Manages the development, implementation, maintenance, and support of emerging and existing systems and technologies at the CTA, including both operational and administrative software systems and associated hardware, voice/video/data networks, data warehouse and data lakes, security systems, wired and wireless infrastructure, and all associated telecommunication systems and devices.
o Champion adoption of contemporary and emerging technologies to modernize CTA’s applications, systems and platforms, tele-communication infrastructure, public transit systems and public safety systems and technologies to support and further the mission of the CTA.
o Establish and implement a strategic data plan for data storage and compliance, access, data warehouse expansion and cloud migration.
o Lead enterprise telecommunication and network infrastructure modernization programs with a strategic approach to improve reliability, performance and coverage across CTA’s facilities and field operations. Perform audits of all legacy technologies and continue oversight of the maintenance and support of a fiber optic infrastructure, subway cellular infrastructure, UHF infrastructure and IP telephone infrastructure.
o Direct lifecycle management and continuous improvements of CTA’s enterprise systems, transit and public safety technology including control center systems, dispatch/communications platforms, camera and video platforms, radio infrastructure, incident management, transit tracking, digital signage and public address systems. Utilize standard methodologies and quality assurance practices that reflect industry best practices.
o Lead creation and continual refinement of IT strategy and projects in cooperation with CTA leadership, departments, staff, and outside consultant staff.
o Direct and ensure implementation of IT strategy and best practices for proactive management of IT assets and infrastructure.
o Direct and ensure that customer/client IT needs are translated into tangible project goals and schedules. Oversee the composition and research of project specifications methodology and procedures.
o Direct IT Operations (multiple service desks and field support) establishing ITIL-based processes for incident, problem, change and release management with measurable Service Level Agreements.
o In partnership with CTA’s Cyber Security team, oversee the implementation of information security infrastructure, systems, procedures, and standards in order to protect all data of the CTA from cyber security threats.
o Effectively manage multiple IT contracts and vendors, grants and budget funding.
o Collaborate with CTA Finance department to ensure proper management and record-keeping of multi-million dollar capital grant investments. Collaborate with CTA Procurement to ensure proper management and record keeping of multi-million dollar contracts.
o Lead cloud and emerging technology functions, including migration, planning, platform operations and evaluating/operationalizing innovations that improve services and cost efficiency.
- Hold department accountable and responsible for meeting the objectives and goals of the CTA and support an innovation-focused culture and mindset.
o Provide executive and policy direction to managerial, professional, and technical staff (including vendor and contractors) engaged in implementing technology functions.
o Establish and execute programs to meet objectives and develop an organization that effectively administers area responsibilities and functions.
o Evaluate the performance of management and supervisory staff for compliance with CTA programs and policies and attainment of goals and objectives.
o Establish operational readiness, training and knowledge management programs for technology teams and business users, improving adoption, reducing downtime and strengthening front line support.
- Represent the department and the CTA with various levels of management throughout the CTA and with other local agencies. Collaborate with management and staff in the development of strategic and operating plans of the CTA.
- Lead the preparation and administration of the Capital and Operating budget of the Technology Department. Oversee, manage and present operating budgets and capital investment requests to top CTA management and various funding and regulatory agencies to ensure mission-critical systems and infrastructure are kept in good working order (state of good repair). Create technology capital plan and roadmap for infrastructure, system and technology asset renewal based on lifecycle requirements.
- Hires, trains, develops, monitors, and evaluates performance of staff. Reviews and recommends personnel actions for approval. Develop strategies for maintaining staff skills and knowledge consistent with current industry standards. Ensure coverage and succession planning for all personnel.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to this position may include the following jobs:
Job Title
- Directors
- General Managers
- Senior Managers
CHALLENGES
- Keeping abreast of new and quickly changing developments and advancements within telecommunications infrastructure, public transit technology and public safety technology.
- Designing and implementing technology programs that adapt to changing CTA and customer needs and expectations.
- Navigating a highly regulated environment to finance and procure technology.
- Managing the transformation of CTA's legacy technologies and systems to modern systems and tools while maintaining service levels of existing technologies.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in IT Management, Technology, or a related discipline, plus ten (10) years of experience in managing technology applications, systems, devices, telecommunications infrastructure, projects, support and operations, of which five (5) years is in a staff supervisory or management role, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- In addition, ten (10) or more years of experience in leading, large, cross-functional teams or enterprise-wide technology programs.
- Master’s degree in Computer Science or Information Technology Management preferred.
- Experience managing Technology department in a public agency, transportation telecommunications or utility company preferred.
- Experience leading, developing, and implementing Technology strategy preferred.
- Experience developing and managing IT Policy and standards including IT enterprise Security.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time and constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery.
- 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.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- 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.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- 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.
- This position is considered a "C-List" position under the “Revolving Door” prohibition within the State Officials and Employees Act (5 ILCS 430/5-45), which contains a number of post-employment restrictions CTA employees in C-list designated positions must follow. Among other requirements listed in this statute, CTA employees in C-list designated positions are required to follow State notification procedures to the Office of the Executive Inspector General prior to acceptance of any applicable non-State employment or may be fined significant penalties.
EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED
- 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
[email protected] 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.
