Director of Information Services (Unclassified)

JOB CODE: 3044

PAY GRADE: 2340

SALARY RANGE: $77,527 - $129,404

LOCATION OF WORK
Information Services Department

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Director of Information Services is an 'at-will' position and serves at the pleasure of the Mayor-President. This position will serve as Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the City of Baton Rouge/Parish of East Baton Rouge and function in a dual role as the City-Parish's senior technology advisor and the leader of the Department of Information Services (DIS) for the City-Parish consolidated government. Work involves implementing the Mayor-President's vision for enterprise-wide technology, setting a tone that embraces best practices, and serves as the catalyst for enhanced technology and establishing standards throughout the City-Parish government. Work also involves but is not limited to constant study of IT solution requests (hardware and software) and their feasibility, as well as the direction of the design and installation of approved services. The CIO is expected to maintain a stable and reliable IT departmental structure in support of City-Parish IT problem resolution. Work is evaluated on the basis of the efficiency of the Department of Information Services and the improvement of services. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Directs and supervises the work of technical and clerical personnel engaged in systems analysis, programming, and operations. Implements innovative technology programs and systems that are based on best business practices. Reviews all hardware and software acquisition and maintenance contracts, soliciting involvement and participation of other management team members as appropriate. Directs the development of master purchase or lease agreements for hardware, software, maintenance and telecommunication services. Develops and monitors the approved annual operating and capital budgets for information and communication technology and the Department of Information Services. Improves and enhances customer service on a City-Parish-wide basis, improving responsiveness and effectiveness. Instills change within the organization to more fully embrace an aggressive and progressive approach to the delivery of information technology. Provides strong fiscal management and accountability with a creative approach to identifying new grants and external funding opportunities. Develops and enforces policy, procedures, and standards to ensure the protection of enterprise IT assets and the integrity, security and privacy of information entrusted to the City-Parish. Evaluates the feasibility and potential benefits of further consolidating IT infrastructure and systems as well as all IT positions throughout the City-Parish agencies outside of the current control of DIS, searching for opportunities to improve implementation, service and oversight without sacrificing the particular specialized technical needs of any agency. Identifies costs and benefits of technology initiatives from a City-Parish enterprise perspective to better serve City-Parish customers and expanding public networks to increase access to the internet, and promote technology use throughout all areas of the City-Parish. Oversees the development of applications to update or replace legacy systems and integration of related systems for unique business units as well as financial and administrative applications.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of government systems and the conversion and application of those systems to electronic data processing equipment. Knowledge of best practices and must have a proven track record of moving an organization through effective change management with the ability to successfully implement new systems. Knowledge of executive-level leadership qualities that will bring strength, stability, advocacy, and credibility to the department. Knowledge of general accounting practices and statistical methods and forms. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with subordinates, other employees, department heads, manufacture representatives, and contracted firms. Ability to convey technological vision and, at the same time, provide sound management and leadership. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with a personal style that embraces a collaborative approach to decision-making and problem solving. Ability to identify differing user needs based on varying business operations, discern desired functionality and requirements, and fashion innovative technological and procedural solutions to each unique operating situation.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS