Chief Information Officer/Director of Information Technology

Under executive direction, to plan, organize and direct the administration of the County Information Technology Department; and to perform other work as required.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES 
(The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required)

• Plans, organizes, directs, and manages the development, implementation, and utilization of County computer resources and management information systems consistent with overall County goals.
• Participates in administrative and technical studies of long-range information technology, equipment and personnel needs, assigns and adjusts priorities and schedules for projects.
• Selects, trains, and evaluates department staff; supervises and directs professional and office staff.
• Ensures that the Information Technology department is customer service oriented and responsive.
• Reviews reports of work completed and in progress.
• Plans, schedules, coordinates and directs County information technology activities, including desktop support, help desk, network infrastructure, telecommunications, systems administration, geographic information systems (GIS), business applications software development, computer acquisitions, upgrades, installations, and computer operations.
• Develops preventative measures and manages cyber risks; implements tailored cybersecurity plans and processes focused on operational resilience.
• Keeps affected operating departments informed of changes or problems relating to information technology activities.
• Serves as the central information source regarding County data processing and management information functions.
• Prepares and directs the preparation of management reports and activity reports.
• Directs or performs feasibility studies related to centralized or decentralized information technology applications.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of existing services and operations.
• Prepares and administers proposed budgets and staff allocations.
• Recommends and implements policies, program changes and operating standards for County information technology operations.
• Directs preparation and administration of contract agreements.
• Directs preparation of reports and recommendations for equipment and software package acquisition.
• Coordinates County computer resources with State and Federal information systems.
• Inform and advise Chief Administrative Officer and Board of Supervisors of serious issues or concerns as it relates to information technology.
• Consults with and advises department heads and operating department personnel concerning computer resource and management information needs.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Knowledge of:

• Principles, methods and techniques of telecommunications systems
• Principles and techniques of managing an information technology cost center
• Extensive knowledge and appreciation of local government administration, operations, policy, and priorities
• Principles and effective practices of general administration, fiscal management and accounting
• Developments and trends in the fields of information technology
• Principles and techniques of production planning, scheduling and control requirement for an information technology installation
• Principles of electronic computer systems and equipment operations
• Principles of program planning and systems analysis in computer programming
• Principles of software programming
• Budgetary procedures as they pertain to an operating department.

• Plan, organize, coordinate and direct the operation of centralized information technology operation
• Negotiate and contract with third party service providers
• Manage outsourced lines of business
• Configure, review, and evaluate hardware and software for use by County staff
• Install and maintain anti-virus software, firewalls, and messaging system.
• Plan, coordinate and organize in conjunction with other departments the operation of centralized information technology or a combination of centralized and decentralized operations
• Exercise initiative, ingenuity and sound judgment in solving difficult administrative, technical and personnel problems
• Evaluate information technology policy and program practices, define problem areas, and develop and direct the implementation of policy decisions and practices to improve departmental operations and services
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, staff, operating department personnel and others contacted in the course of work
• Understand and interpret to others the aims, concepts and practices of information technology services
• Interpret and apply complex policies, regulations and technical data
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and technical reports

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 25 lbs.; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing policies and procedures. May be subject to irregular working hours or required to work long hours as needed.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a single executive, department head position responsible for directing and administering the activities, programs, and services of the Information Technology Department through subordinate staff including building and managing the infrastructure, technologies, and data. The duties and responsibilities of the position require the incumbent to exercise considerable judgment and discretion to coordinate departmental activities with other departments and agencies. This is a department head position, appointed by the County Administrative Officer.  This position is an unclassified position.

REPORTS TO
County Administrative Officer

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED
Network Administrator, Information System Specialists I/II/III, Information System Specialist Senior and any other classifications assigned to the County’s Information Technology Department.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
In addition to our everyday duties, we have an added responsibility to help in a declared disaster. Under California law, all public employees are Disaster Service Workers and may be called upon in the event of a disaster. The roles and responsibilities for Disaster Service Workers are authorized by the California Emergency Services Act and are defined in the California Government Code 3100-3102; Labor Code 3211.92(b).