DIR OF TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

SALARY: $160,000

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK:

This is specialized administrative work in the overall management of the City's information systems in a complex data and telecommunications environment, including computer services; voice, data, and video signals; and public safety support services. Based on administrative priorities, the appointee is responsible for strategic planning to ensure appropriate use of Information Technology in maintaining or improving the quality, efficiency and cost effectiveness of public services.

The appointee interacts in a consistently pleasant and helpful manner to fellow employees, visitors, and citizens of the City of Dearborn and demonstrates the highest standards of internal and external customer service.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Job Functions (Functions essential to attaining job objectives):

• Develops and updates standards and procedures for effective, reliable and efficient service delivery.
• Serves as technical consultant to City departments relative to computer systems, equipment and new technology. Develops and defines policies and objectives for the continuing advancement and usage of Information Technology (IT) and Geographic Information System (GIS) procedures. Ensures system wide compatibility of operations.
• Reviews computer-related specifications associated with requests for proposals, and other purchases of computer systems for general appropriateness and compliance with licensing requirements.
• Oversees database administration for multiple systems and platforms.
• Controls overall system security for access to information or its processing.
• Oversees day-to-day use and operation of multiple systems.
• Oversees application implementation and maintenance for various computer systems, including general business software; specialized, third party applications; and existing in-house programs.
• Oversees networking and transfer of data or files between computer systems or devices, as appropriate.
• Plans and coordinates maintenance of Information Technology (IT) equipment and software.
• Applies IS technology to improve services in local government functions and operations.
• Makes informal recommendations and formal presentations on IT management issues to peers and/or upper management.
• Coordinates recruitment and hiring of department staff with the Human Resources Department. Assigns work, supervises personnel, evaluates performance, and oversees professional development. Takes disciplinary action according to established procedures.
• Continually improves the quality of all operations.
• Prepares and presents annual budget requests, administers departmental budget, and ensures that the authorized budgetary procedure is properly used. Reviews purchase requests for all City computer-related equipment.
• Keeps abreast of changing technology, objectives, needs, and municipal operations through continued education and professional growth. Maintains cooperative relationships with peer agencies and other governmental units. Attends conferences, workshops, and seminars as appropriate.
• Monitors contracts and oversees vendors engaged in IT related projects for City.
• Conducts capacity planning and system performance measurement.
• Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.

Marginal Job Functions (Peripheral or incidental to primary job functions):

• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of sound IT techniques including the use of structured programming, top‑down system design and the advantages/disadvantages of a variety of programming languages.
• Considerable knowledge of applications programming standards with emphasis on IBM AS/400 design (including user interface), documentation, development and maintenance.
• Considerable knowledge of appropriate standards and evaluation criteria for selection and use of computer equipment, consultants, contractors and third party software.
• Considerable knowledge of a wide variety of data collection and communications techniques, networking and transfer of data or files between systems or devices.
• Considerable knowledge of disaster recovery planning and testing.
• Working knowledge of basic municipal government functions.
• Skill in effectively communicating ideas and concepts orally and in writing, and in making presentations in public forums.
• Ability to develop and implement a comprehensive communication plan for the entire City organization, working closely with key managers and staff from affected areas.
• Ability to generate ideas for new systems as well as to test for strategic impact, technical and economic feasibility in order to improve business operations.
• Ability to effectively train, lead and motivate employees, and supervise and evaluate the work of others.
• Ability to conduct feasibility analyses of new technologies.
• Ability to successfully deal with issues of service demand and user expectations.
• Ability to develop, articulate and implement strategic plans.
• Ability to establish departmental goals and meet established timetables and financial targets.
• Ability to build community consensus and support for projects and programs.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with employees, professional contacts, community groups, residents, elected officials, and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to work on multiple tasks in a very public and fast-paced environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate and present ideas and concepts orally and in writing, and make presentations in public forums.
• Ability to critically assess situations and solve problems, and work effectively under stress, within deadlines, and changes in work priorities.
• Ability to continually improve the quality of all operations.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

A Bachelor's degree in IT or a related field of study, plus considerable relevant management experience in an IT environment including in-house applications development, systems design and evaluation, job design, development and management of technology budgets, cost allocations and pricing, as well as staff development and training. A graduate degree is preferred and may substitute for some experience. Professional certifications and continuing education in management and computer related topics, and some communications-related experience highly desirable.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

A valid driver license and a good driving record.