Director of Information Technology

The individual in this position provides leadership for the City’s information technology and telecommunications systems, managing strategic planning, procurement, and coordination of staff and contractors. It establishes IT roadmaps, tracks metrics, and oversees budgets to maintain a sustainable enterprise IT operation. Additionally, the role acts as a strategic partner for business units aiming to enhance their technology utilization. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Sets long-term strategic direction for City’s IT infrastructure, overseeing support, delivery, and implementation.
• Coordinates, manages, and oversees contracts and Statements of Work related to delivering professional services.
• Procures technical goods and services such as hardware, software, and professional services; develops requests for proposals, conducts cost-benefit reviews, evaluates vendor responses, and recommends awards for contract negotiation. 
• Prepares and maintains a strategic plan for implementing technological changes and advancements.
• Aligns the technology plan with industry standards for technical operations and corporate solution utilization.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures to support IT operations and enhance user engagement.
• Secures, implements, and maintains disaster recovery policies and alternate recovery sites.
• Develops and implements redundancy and fail-safe procedures and infrastructure to ensure the continuity of critical operations during emergencies.
• Develops and manages current fiscal year IT operational and capital budgets, while also preparing proposed budgets for future operations and capital investments in hardware and software. 
• Develops on-premises staff with a focus on Project Management Institute (PMI) standards, emphasizing solution framework administration, contracting, project management, and organizational development and change management.
• Develops and enhances citywide business intelligence capabilities and capacity.
• Oversees and plans the IT security and telephony infrastructure, including wireless and IP systems.
• Performs related work as required.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field

--AND--

• At least seven (7) years of managerial experience in a field related to information technology.

--OR--

• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• ITIL Fundamentals Certification

Preferred License or Certifications

• Certification Government Chief Information Office (CGCIO)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Project Management Professional (PMI/PMP)
• CITM/CISM

Knowledge of:

• English grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Organization and Department operations, procedures and policies
• Modern office procedures, methods, computer equipment and related software
• Management and organizational practices
• Technology industry standards and best practices
• Regional and national IT marketplaces and associated influences affecting change
• Municipal operations and supporting technologies
• Disaster recovery policies
• Hardware capital budget management and planning
• Technical and PMO staff development
• SQL and Microsoft BI toolsets
• Change management and organizational development practices
• IT security and telephony infrastructure

Skill in:

• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships
• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
• Performing basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios
• Assigning, prioritizing, monitoring, and reviewing work assignments
• Organizing and negotiating
• Budgeting and cost allocation

Ability to:

• Meet the schedules and deadlines for the work
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
• Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
• Lead the organization through change using change management techniques
• Develop and implement redundancy and fail-safe procedures and infrastructure
• Ensure critical operations are maintained during emergencies
• Operate the business side of the department, including processing all procurements and invoices
• Compare costs and budgets to industry standards

We Offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
• 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit)
• Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
• Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Paid Parking (if applicable)
• Employee Home Ownership Incentive
• Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
• Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
• Employee Discounts and Perks 

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our Leaves and Accommodations Analyst, Amanda Kaulback. Email [email protected] or [email protected] or by phone at (616) 456-4668.

The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Please Note: 
This position is subject to the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and all relevant civil service rules.  For additional information, links to union agreement and Civil Service Rules are provided below.  

Collective Bargaining Agreements

Civil Service Rules(Download PDF reader)(Download PDF reader)(Download PDF reader)