DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Under the administrative direction of the County Administrator, performs highly responsible supervisory, executive, and administrative work in directing the strategy and operations of the Information Technology Department. Ensures that all county-wide digital infrastructure, network systems, and software applications are highly secure, resilient, cost-effective, and aligned with the needs of users and citizens.

1. Directs and has responsibility, through managers and departmental staff, for the day-to-day operations of staff engaged in providing enterprise technology services county-wide; collaborates with Departments to establish goals and priorities for modern digital solutions.
2. Supervises and evaluates the work of staff; effectively recommends actions related to selection, performance review, scheduling, and discipline; administers personnel and related policies and procedures; ensures that technical staff maintain current capabilities by reviewing training needs and providing development in emerging technologies.
3. Develops and implements modern management practices, including IT policies, data governance, and service standards, to ensure that all services are provided equitably and efficiently; plans and directs activities necessary to achieve maximum return on technology investments.
4. Develops and implements long and short-range strategic plans, goals, and objectives; prepares and administers the departmental operating and capital budget.
5. Advises elected officials and department heads on the effective, secure, and efficient use of technology resources; serves as a strategic liaison to service users, regional partners, and technology vendors.
6. Makes presentations to the County Administrator and the Board of Supervisors regarding technology initiatives; provides risk-aware recommendations regarding the advisability of various technical alternatives.
7. Develops, tests, and maintains an enterprise-wide Cybersecurity Incident Response and Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery plan; ensures coordination with public safety and external agencies; ensures staff are properly trained to execute the plan.
8. Analyzes service delivery requests; resolves enterprise technical problems; evaluates activities to ensure efficient operations, data privacy compliance, and strict adherence to county objectives.
9. Manages the procurement lifecycle for technology assets, cloud services (SaaS/PaaS), and external contractors, ensuring robust contract compliance and vendor performance.
10. Serves on various committees and boards representing Polk County on information technology, cybersecurity, and digital government matters. 
11. Performs related duties as required.

• Extensive knowledge of enterprise IT architecture, including hybrid cloud environments, data networks, and system integration strategies. 
• Extensive knowledge of the modern cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., NIST), information security principles, threat mitigation, and regulatory data compliance (e.g., CJIS, HIPAA).
• Knowledge of public sector organizational structures, workflows, and operating procedures in a technology environment.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques involved in IT capacity planning, infrastructure modernization, and cost-benefit analysis of emerging technologies.
• Knowledge of the current principles and practices of effective personnel supervision and team building.
• Knowledge of modern management techniques, project management methodologies, and fiscal management.
• Proven ability to plan, supervise, and evaluate the work of professional and technical information technology staff.
• Ability to translate complex technical information and risk factors into clear lay terms for non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, conduct productive meetings, and deliver formal executive presentations.
• Ability to evaluate future technology trends, such as artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics, for practical application in county workflows.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, other County employees, and the general public, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.
• Ability to analyze critical system issues and departmental operations to implement swift, secure, and effective solutions.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Management Information Systems, Business Administration, or closely related field, and
• Six years of administrative and supervisory experience managing enterprise in information technology services or infrastructure, or 
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• CISSP, CISM, or PMP certifications are preferred. 

Special Requirements: 

• A criminal background check is required. 
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
• A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required. 

Polk County is committed to providing a work environment that is representative, at all levels, of the citizens we serve. Equal opportunities are available to all applicants and current employees regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.