DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR PROFILE

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT

Cary’s award-winning Information Technology Department (IT) is the engine behind the Town’s digital transformation fueling innovation, fortifying security, and crafting seamless, user-first solutions that empower every department to deliver exceptional and impactful service to our community. From cutting-edge solutions to everyday essentials, our services span a wide spectrum designed to empower, connect, and transform.

The department’s success is built on the dedication, professionalism, and innovation of 30 full-time employees, supported by embedded contract and temporary staff. It is further strengthened by a Council and management team that sets the standard for excellence, along with exceptional collaborative partnerships with our community. Cary consistently leads the charge in the smart cities movement, pioneering innovative technologies and data-driven strategies that redefine how communities connect, grow, and thrive. Standing at the cutting edge of technology has resulted in several prestigious awards and recognition across the globe for leadership and innovation. Cary IT is lauded for outstanding execution of technology in the Downtown Cary Park for our use of LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) and our visionary leadership and creative use of technology to enhance government operations, citizen experience, and business value.

Cary is committed to using technology, not just as a tool, but as a strategic driver of community engagement, sustainability, and operational excellence. The IT department ensures the security and continuity of operations through cybersecurity measures, data backup and recovery solutions, and technical support. By adopting innovative technologies and delivering reliable support, the department ensures efficient operations and continuous improvement in service delivery for all Town functions.

Through thoughtful cloud adoption, robust platforms, and smart data management, we’re equipping our workforce with the tools to thrive. The IT Department will continue Cary’s digital transformation focusing on operational excellence, emerging technologies, and creative experimentation. Through cross-organizational collaboration and a systematic approach to testing new concepts, we’re shaping a smarter, more connected future.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR

In collaboration with the Town Manager’s Office, the Information Technology Director serves as a key contributing member of Cary’s management team and leads the overall operations of the IT Department. The IT Director aligns technology strategy with organizational goals—ensuring that all IT systems, services, and innovations effectively support the mission, operations, and growth of Cary.

The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking leader who builds trust, delivers exceptional operational results, drives innovation, and empowers staff at all levels. They will balance strategic vision with deep technical expertise to deliver high-impact solutions to both employees and the community. Proactive and adaptable, they tackle challenges head-on, assess operations for both efficiency and effectiveness, and ensure our ever-evolving technology creates measurable value for residents and staff and moves Cary forward.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate as a key member of the Town’s management team offering leadership and collaboration on initiatives spanning all aspects of local government.
• Provide leadership in hiring, training, supervising, evaluating, and, when necessary, disciplining department employees, in alignment with town culture.
• Collaboratively develop and implement technology strategies and roadmaps that support Cary’s long-term vision, operational needs and fiscal realities; Serve as a trusted advisor on technology policy, investment, and service delivery; Monitor emerging technologies, experiment with new solutions, and adapt quickly to create a better future; Partner with the executive leadership to develop IT governance framework, budget, and business plans that reflect organizational priorities.
• Partner with Cary leadership and directors to identify needs, recommend solutions, and ensure current and future technology aligns with both internal and external operational needs; Clearly communicate technology priorities, risks, and benefits to stakeholders; Build collaborative relationships across departments, and encouraging joint problem-solving.
• Manage day-to-day IT operations, including applications, networks, cloud services, and end-user support; Ensure reliable, secure, and efficient systems that enable staff to work smarter; Lead technology service delivery, migrations and modernization projects that anticipate the needs of both citizens and employees.
• Provide executive leadership to a diverse technology services organization, establishing performance standards and operational excellence across IT functions; Maintain a workplace where all employees feel valued, empowered, and able to lead from where they are; Mentor and develop IT staff, encouraging innovation, strengthening collaboration, and cross-functional teamwork; Partner with other department leaders to deliver solutions and improve service delivery.
• Collaborate with the security team to safeguard Cary’s systems, data, and community trust; Partner with Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to review and ensure timely updates occur to the Cary’s Business Continuity of Operations and Disaster Recovery planning; Proactively manage risks and ensure compliance with regulatory and security standards.
• Negotiate contracts and manage vendor relationships to ensure best value and alignment with Cary’s mission; Leverage partnerships with technology providers, regional partners, and community stakeholders to expand capabilities.

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES:

• Operational Excellence and Service Delivery: Ability to lead technology service delivery, migrations and modernization that anticipates the needs of both citizens and employees.
• Strategic Vision & Execution: Ability to strategize, prioritize the most important work, and align technology solutions with organizational goals and community priorities.
• Leadership Development: Ability to develop future leaders and champion professional development while guiding the team and organization through change.
• Cross-Functional Relationship Building: Desire to create strong working relationships with Town Council, management team, staff, and community partners.
• Technical Communication: Ability to translate complex technical issues to non experts — working across departments.
• Change Adaptability: Ability to maintain flexibility and comfort with uncertainty.
• Difficult Conversation Navigation: Ability and willingness to have productive, difficult conversations with staff and other departments.
  

MINIMUM AND PREFERRED QUALIFCATIONS

REQUIRED AND PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

The selected candidate must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degrees in related fields and professional certifications such as ITIL (service management), PMP (project management), TOGAF (enterprise architecture), CISSP or CISM (cybersecurity), or Cloud Architect credentials in AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud are a plus. Candidates must have a minimum 10 years of progressive IT experience, including at least 7 years in leadership roles.

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in government, public sector, or complex enterprise environments. 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Requires possession of a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record and successful completion of drug testing and background check (which may include criminal history check, SBI finger printing, motor vehicle records check, education verification, and credit history review) and satisfactory reference checks before employment.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

Cary offers the best benefits to support our diverse workforce. A competitive salary is offered based on qualifications and experience, with opportunities for growth tied to high performance. Cary’s comprehensive total compensation package supports our employees’ whole selves, reflects our commitment to their value, and sets us apart as an employer of choice.

Cary ensures equal employment opportunities (EEO) are provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, veteran status, or genetic information.