Director of Information Technology

Palo Alto County – Director of Information Technology

Palo Alto County is seeking a full-time Director of Information Technology to lead the County’s technology strategy, cybersecurity posture, and daily IT operations. The Director will oversee all infrastructure, systems, applications, and technology services that support County departments and public-facing operations. As stated in the original posting, “The position requires the director to be on call 24/7/365.”

Key Responsibilities (Modernized)

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Develop and execute a long-term technology roadmap aligned with County goals
• Lead modernization initiatives including cloud adoption, cybersecurity enhancements, and digital service improvements
• Advise County leadership on emerging technologies, risks, and opportunities

Cybersecurity & Compliance

• Implement and maintain a comprehensive cybersecurity program
• Oversee endpoint protection, threat monitoring, vulnerability management, and incident response
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations (CJIS, HIPAA where applicable)
• Conduct regular security training for County staff

Infrastructure & Systems Management

• Manage on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure, including virtualization platforms, Windows Server environments, and Active Directory
• Oversee network architecture (LAN/WAN), firewalls, VPNs, and wireless systems
• Maintain high availability and disaster recovery systems
• Administer Microsoft SQL environments and support database-driven applications

Application & Service Support

• Support in-house and third‑party applications used across County departments
• Oversee VoIP phone systems and unified communications
• Manage GIS systems and integrations (preferred experience)
• Coordinate vendor relationships and service contracts

Operational Management

• Lead the IT department’s daily operations, including help desk support and project management
• Develop and maintain IT policies, procedures, and documentation
• Manage IT budgets, procurement, and asset lifecycle
• Ensure reliable, responsive service delivery to all County offices

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefer an associate’s degree or higher in Information Technology, Networking, Computer Science, or a related field
• Minimum 3-5 years of relevant IT experience, with leadership experience preferred
• Strong background in virtualization, Windows operating systems, Windows Server, firewalls, Microsoft SQL, and VoIP systems
• Experience with GIS platforms is preferred
• Ability to work independently, demonstrate sound judgment, and maintain reliability in critical situations
• Must reside within 30 minutes of Emmetsburg, IA, consistent with the original requirement that the applicant “must be willing to reside within a 30-minute response time to Emmetsburg, IA.”

Compensation & Benefits

Salary is based on qualifications, background, and experience. Palo Alto County offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

How to Apply

A complete job description and application form are available at the Palo Alto County Auditor’s Office, 1010 Broadway, Emmetsburg, IA 50536.

Submit your application form, resume, and cover letter to:

Palo Alto County Courthouse
Attn: Carmen Moser, Auditor

P.O. Box 95, 1010 Broadway
Emmetsburg, IA 50536

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Palo Alto County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000 - $90,000