Information Technology Director

Job Purpose and Objectives:

Administrative and highly technical position responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of Ellis County’s computer information services and needs.

Essential Functions:

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processes employee concerns and problems, directs work, counsels, disciplines, and completes employee performance appraisals
• Plans, prepares, and oversees information technology programming, server, network, and infrastructure projects
• Assesses the County’s technological needs and makes appropriate recommendations to meet those needs
• Act as the Information Security Officer. The ISO oversees the organization's information, cyber, and technology security. The responsibilities include developing, implementing, and enforcing security policies to protect critical data.
• Prepares procedure manuals for computer programs
• Implements, maintains, and updates the County’s network and communication systems including 911
• Ensures compliance with legislative and regulatory mandates including but not limited to Kansas Criminal Justice Information System and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act requirements
• Contacts and schedules repair personnel for preventative maintenance and computer failures
• Assists County personnel with proper execution of system software
• Plans, prepares, monitors, and administers department budget and processes associated accounts payables
• Oversees the training of County staff in the use of information technology
• Develops and implements procedures for data security and backup/disaster recovery
• Coordinates required system downtime with user departments
• Prepares and maintains project schedules and prepares reports for the County Commission
• Coordinates imaging system
• Proposes policies to safeguard the County’s information systems
• Participates in state and related professional associations
• Enforces and maintains compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and ordinances
• Performs other duties as assigned or deemed necessary
• Promotes and attends professional development opportunities provided by the county administrators office
• Reports to the Emergency Operations Center during a disaster event when necessary
• Attends regularly scheduled county commissioner meetings when available
• Complies with all organizational and departmental policies and procedures
• Operates all job-related equipment, machinery, tools, and other aids as required or needed
• Protects and maintains any confidential information, whether oral, written, or electronic

Supervisory/Management Responsibilities:

This position is responsible for the supervision/leadership of employees, which includes making employment-related decisions and/or recommendations, and formally evaluating performance.

• People Management: Clearly defines subordinate roles and responsibilities; motivates employees to perform and delegates work effectively; applies consistent performance standards and handles performance problems decisively and objectively; leads by example.
• Operations Management – Directs and guides operations in alignment with organizational and departmental overall goals and objectives; ensures the execution of efficient processes to maximize organizational and departmental resources; utilizes operational knowledge to make sound decisions.
• Strategic Leadership: Determines the strategic direction of the team or department in alignment with overall organizational goals; effectively communicates strategies internally and externally; creates a culture to support strategies and provides mechanisms to implement them; fosters buy-in and enthusiasm with employees.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in information technology, management information systems, or business administration with emphasis in information technology or five years of experience as systems analyst or computer programmer
• Meet and maintain Kansas Criminal Justice Information System’s (KCJIS) access requirements

Certifications / Licenses:

• Valid driver’s license
• Public Manager (CPM) Certification – to be completed within 2 years of employment
• G0300 – Intermediate Incident Command Course for Expanding Incidents
• Cybersecurity certifications, training, or experience is preferred

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:

• Knowledge of server and network architecture
• Knowledge of Windows operating system software and utilities
• Knowledge of LAN software and components
• Knowledge of systems analysis and computer programming
• Skilled in budget preparation and department management
• Ability to operate personal computers and peripheral equipment
• Ability to solve problems including designing and changing computer programs to meet specifications
• Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task and prioritize work
• Ability to fulfill all duties with minimal supervision and to work independently
• Assess situations rapidly and make logical decisions in a timely manner
• Analyze facts and exercise sound judgment
• Ability to effectively manage projects and multiple priorities simultaneously
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Strong math, spelling, computer, and calculator abilities
• Ability to communicate in a professional, calm, and courteous manner with the general public and employees
• Attention to detail