Information Services Director

Description

The Information Services Director creates short and long-term strategic direction and develops and implements policies, procedures, programs, and related technology and support systems, to achieve related goals and objectives for the Information Services (IS) department. This position directs, evaluates, and continuously improves the operation of the department and oversees the development, modification, and implementation of computer systems, audio systems, security systems, VHF Radio, and Microwave systems for user departments, according to current department and County practices, to assure reliable and quality information systems and services for Franklin County offices, departments, and related agencies.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

• Prepares proposals, negotiates, and secures contracts for departmental services and/or governmental agencies and leads or coordinates implementation of contracted services.
• Recommends, develops, and implements strategic plans for new technology systems including scheduling and prioritizing system developments and/or improvements without deterring departments or individuals from completing their work.
• Researches, negotiates, and directs the purchasing of information technology equipment and services for the County according to strategic goals, objectives, and budget requirements or guidelines.
• Develops, administers, and monitors an accurate, realistic, and fiscally sound department budget, payroll, and other fiscal operations of the department. Approves, monitors and manages expenditures, revenues, and costs in a timely manner, ensuring compliance with approved budget and in accordance with department goals, objectives and County standard practices.
• Provides oversight of the work direction of IS work order system and department projects in accordance with related codes, ordinances, regulations, laws, and County guidelines.
• Leads the staff selection process activities and provides or coordinates department new employee orientation, including County and department policies and/or employee handbooks, and initial position training.
• Evaluates employee performance and provides consistent and timely performance feedback and coaching to direct reports. Provides support, identifies and coordinates training or development activities as needed to enhance employee’s effectiveness, and manages performance issues up to and including administering discipline and termination. Supports supervisors in their role of managing employee performance.
• Pursues self-development and continuing personal development of skills and knowledge by attending ongoing educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and establishing personal networks.
• Plans, organizes, directs, and communicates the development, implementation, and progress of the department goals, objectives, budget, policies, procedures, priorities, safety requirements, and performance standards to ensure the efficient and effective operations in compliance with County standards.
• Communicates information and recommendations regarding the IS department services in Franklin County Board of Commissioner meetings and meetings with individuals, other directors, elected officials, and/or the general public, according to current department and County practices.
• Oversees the creation, development, and maintenance of systems and records including files, lists, logs, and other recordkeeping systems utilizing computerized and manual systems that provide for proper evaluation, control, and documentation of assigned operations, according to current department and County practices. Ensures records are accurate and available for annual audit.
• Monitors, reports, interprets, communicates and implements change to policy, procedures, or programs due to new trends, innovations, federal, state and local rules, laws, regulations, legislation, codes, and ordinances as they relate to the Information Services department operation.

• Expert knowledge of operational characteristics of technology equipment, peripherals, and various platforms.
• Expert knowledge of modern principles, methods, and practices in information and technology resource management.
• Expert knowledge of Franklin County business and financial acumen and the application and interpretation of Franklin County policies and procedures and federal, state, and local rules, laws, regulations, legislation, codes, and ordinances as they relate to area(s) of assignment.
• Expert knowledge of principles and practices of management as applied to supervision, training, performance evaluations, program planning, staffing, budgeting, coordination, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, operational needs, and staff development.
• Expert knowledge of principles and practices of governmental fiscal management including budget preparation, expenditure control, and sound record keeping.
• Expert project management skills including creating scope and sequence, communication, leadership (providing direction, vision, coaching team, sound judgment, issue and conflict resolution, effective decision making), negotiation, team building, use of project management tools and techniques, organizational savvy, personal organization, risk management, and breadth in specific application or industry knowledge.
• Expert troubleshooting skills to resolve issues or problems by analyzing trends and problems, identifying alternative solutions, interpreting compliance documentation, projecting consequences of proposed actions, and communicating and/or implementing recommendations in support of goals and maintaining compliance.
• Expert time management and mental and physical organization skills that support the ability to focus, have clarity, and use strategy to fulfill a variety of tasks successfully.
• Expert computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, the internet for research, Adobe Acrobat, mind maps, gantt charts, and form design.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgment and discretion and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to write and speak clearly and concisely and to express ideas and recommendations effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability and willingness to establish and maintain communication and working relationships with peers, representatives from other agencies, vendors, public officials, and the general public using courtesy, tact, and good judgment.
• Ability to lead the department by remaining open to new ideas and approaches, managing change, solving problems and making decisions, managing politics and influencing others, taking risks and innovating, setting vision and strategy, managing the work, demonstrating commitment to staff development, communicating information and expectations often and openly, enhancing business skills and knowledge, understanding and navigating the organization, and creating a feeling of succeeding and failing together.
• Ability to effectively present information, findings, proposals, training, or other information to a variety of audiences by clearly articulating, engaging the audience, assessing the needs of the audience, and using appropriate materials to help audience understand the message.
• Ability to identify and take advantage of opportunities, organize and prioritize several ongoing and frequently changing assignments to meet deadlines, and communicate changes and progress to staff.

• Work may be performed in the following environmental conditions:
  • constantly: in an office environment including the corrections facility offices, and
  • occasionally: in outdoor weather conditions.
• The noise level in the general work environment is moderate, similar to a standard business office.

• spend the following amount of time in an activity:
  • constantly: sit for extended periods of time, talk or hear and use hands, fingers to handle or feel, or operate equipment or tools, and
  • occasionally: walk indoors and outdoors to facilities.
• carry or transport items:
  • occasionally: up to 10 pounds
• have the following vision abilities: close vision (1 to 20 inches).

Typical Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.
• Six years of progressively responsible computer system design and/or programming experience.
• Three years of management responsibility and project management experience.

• Any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job.

• Employment at Franklin County is contingent upon the results of a background check and eligibility for coverage by the County’s liability insurance carrier. Depending upon the position, background checks may include personal and professional references, social security verification, education and professional licensing verification, financial history, and criminal history.
• Valid driver’s license if driving a vehicle for County business.

Supplemental Information

OTHER DUTIES DISCLAIMER
The statements herein describe the principal functions of this job, level of knowledge and skills typically required, scope of responsibility, work requirements and working conditions, but are not all-inclusive. Individuals may perform other duties and Franklin County, Washington reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties, and assign other duties as necessary, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.