DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general administrative direction, plans, directs, manages, and oversees the functions, programs, and operations of the Information Services Department including all data processing, hardware and software development, network and systems operations, telecommunications, and audio visual systems; establishes and directs the long term goals, policies, and procedures for the department; coordinates assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to a Deputy City Manager.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Assumes full management responsibility for all Information Services Department functions, programs, and operations including all data processing, hardware and software development, network and systems operations, telecommunications, and audio visual systems; provides City management with counsel and direction on the development and integration of all information systems applications, systems, and services.
• Manages the development and implementation of Departmental goals, objectives, and priorities for each assigned service area; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Establishes, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocates resources accordingly.
• Assesses and monitors work load, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs and implements changes.
• Plans, directs, and coordinates, through subordinate level staff, the Information Services Department’s work plan; assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures; meets with key staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the Department budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
• In collaboration with management, identifies and analyzes the City’s information services needs; establishes and directs the City’s strategic long term goals, policies, and procedures according to the City’s changing needs and available technology; provides for a continuous review of current and planned computer systems to identify ways in which information technology can enable change and improvement in the City’s activities, reduce costs and enhance efficiency on an organization-wide basis.
• Directs the preparation and installation of information systems procedures and systems including the design of source documents, technical direction of information processing operations and assistance in the format of management reports.
• Establishes schedules to obtain maximum utilization of equipment and personnel; prepares equipment utilization reports as required.
• Provides or coordinates training classes in information systems for department heads and other City personnel as necessary.
• Researches, reviews, investigates, evaluates and selects new technologies for current and future business needs including systems equipment, hardware and software; ensures that all technologies comply with City standards and strategic direction.
• Directs and administers the City’s telecommunications system including cellular phones, pagers, and voice mail; oversees, monitors, and reviews telecommunications use and bills.
• Communicates and maintains professional contact with other organizations, research bodies, and vendors concerning information systems applications and equipment.
• Provides staff assistance to a Deputy City Manager; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Represents the Information Services Department to other departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; coordinates assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
• Explains, justifies, and defends department programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
• Participates on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of information technology.
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints. Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive information services program.
• Advanced principles and practices of computer science, information systems, and telecommunications.
• Principles of complex network systems security measures, tools, policies and practices.
• Theories, concepts, principles, and practices of new and emerging technologies.
• Concepts, principles, and practices of information system strategic planning.
• Use, capacity, characteristics and limitations of computer hardware and software.
• Advanced principles and practices of telephone equipment and networks.
• Principles and practices of complex database systems and data structures.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to:

• Manage and direct a comprehensive information services program.
• Develop and administer departmental goals, objectives, and procedures.
• Analyze and assess programs, policies, and operational needs and make appropriate adjustments.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff.
• Delegate authority and responsibility.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Analyze and plan for future information technology requirements.
• Oversee and direct multiple projects.
• Manage diverse technologies and employees
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets.
• Interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns, and needs.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in computer science, information systems, business administration or a related field. A Master’s degree is highly desirable.

Experience: Ten years of increasingly responsible information services program management experience including three years of management and administrative responsibility.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Standard office setting. CONTINUOUS working indoors, dust from paperwork. Work schedule is 9/80 with alternating Fridays off in a biweekly period. Work environment is both formal and informal, team oriented, having variable tasks, pace, and pressure. Work is performed indoors in office and in meeting rooms.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment. CONTINUOUS sitting and upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. FREQUENT side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting at waist; moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 20 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 yards. OCCASIONAL squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; moderate grasp to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 20-35 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Date: April 2003
Johnson & Associates