Director of Information Technology

The Director of Information Technology (IT) is responsible for the management and administration of the information technology operations for the City of Kenosha. Work involves supervising subordinate staff and vendors, overseeing the departmental budget, project management and developing long-range plans to meet the City’s technology needs. Work is performed under the general direction of the City Administrator.The Director of Information Technology (IT) is responsible for a department with a wide range of directives and activities. Therefore, the essential duties and responsibilities reflect the priorities of this position in the specific areas of administration, leadership, management and communication as follows:

• Develops, implements, maintains and continually improves upon the City’s computerized information systems and telecommunications services in a manner consistent with the goals, priorities, and responsibilities of the City.
• Creates, communicates and promotes a vision and roadmap for information technology and works closely with all departments to understand the work performed, goals and how to best position IT to support these goals.
• Initiates, develops and evaluates department and City-wide policies and procedures related to information technology.
• Provides a secure, reliable, effective, and efficient environment for computer systems and telecommunications operations.
• Assists all City departments in using computer technology in the most effective, efficient and productive manner possible, providing information technology support to staff, elected officials and the public. Coordinates any required training.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, monitors and evaluates the activities, training and performance of IT staff.
• Prepares, manages and controls the annual operating and long-term IT budget consistent with city-wide budget objectives.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, monitors and evaluates all outside consultants/contractors related to the City's IT operations.
• Identifies opportunities for the appropriate and cost effective investment of financial resources in IT systems and resources, including staffing, sourcing, purchasing and in-house development.
• Prepares requests for proposals and bid specifications for information technologies hardware and software.
• Reviews and purchases computer systems and related supplies, hardware and software acquisition and maintenance contracts.
• Oversees the City’s external internet and internal intranet pages and social media, working with other departments to modify, update and continuously improve these sites and the information provided to the public and employees.
• Provides data and reports in support of internal investigations, difficult or sensitive projects, including the provision of this type of information to the public.
• All other duties as assigned.

(NOTE: The duties listed above are intended as illustrations of the various types of work performed by persons in positions covered by this classification specification. This list is not all inclusive. The omission of a particular job duty does not mean that the duty is not one of the essential functions of the position. Management reserves the right to assign employees in this classification to duties not listed above, if the duties are fairly within the scope of responsibilities applicable to the level of work performed by employees in positions covered by this classification specification.)Education, Training and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems management or related field;
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible information services experience, preferably in the public sector;
• Four (4) years of supervisory experience;
• Or, a combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential job duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record and personal vehicle for use on the job.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:
This position requires working knowledge of mixed computer system environments concentrating on the use of open source software with proprietary solutions where necessary. Specific administrative and technical experience with the following technology, software and platforms is preferred:

• Open Source, Xen, Citrix, and XenServer virtualization servers.
• RHEL, CentOS and Rocky Linux operating systems.
• Google Workspace, concentration on Government.
• Google Chrome, GDM, XDMCP and RDT Thin Client desktop implementations.
• Google A.I. Technologies
• Directory services such as OpenLDAP, 389 Directory Server and Active Directory.
• Secure remote connectivity utilizing private circuits, public and private broadband, Zero Trust remote access, VPN tunneling embracing OpenVPN, Kernel-based IPSEC and Vyos solutions.
• Mixed desktop environment including Linux, Microsoft, Apple,  Android and ChromeOS hardware using Google Workspace, LibreOffice, Office 365 and various other open source applications.
• Legacy system based on the Inglenet Tip/ix platform.
• Wireless networking using Aruba Wireless Solutions.
• VOIP communication system based on TDS managed IP platform.
• Live streaming media delivery and archival system based on Granicus Open Platform.
• Mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) using ARC and ESRI technology.
• Knowledge of Migration of Legacy Systems to SaSS technologies.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service. This includes customer (e.g. staff, officials, public) needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Knowledge of the operation of telecommunications systems.
• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written formats. Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions.
• Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
• Knowledge of best practices in the management of information technology.
• Knowledge of system administration and security protocols.
• Knowledge of enterprise networking and wireless technology.
• Knowledge of the procurement process and the ability to develop and negotiate contracts with vendors.
• Knowledge of and ability to utilize a computer, software, hardware and peripherals to develop and implement long-term technology plans.
• Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits.
• Ability to explain information technology and related plans and programs to staff, peers, management and elected officials in non-technical language.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, peers, management, various agencies, community professionals, officials, and the public.
• Ability to manage complex technology projects and the required support for large numbers of computer users.
• Ability to develop training programs and effectively train staff.

Physical Requirements

• Tasks require the pulling, pushing, lifting or carrying of 10 to 20 lbs. of weight on a regular basis, and up to 100 lbs. of weight on occasion.
• Tasks require speaking, hearing and listening.
• Tasks require the ability to use a telephone and cell phone, personal computer, laptop or tablet, fax machine, projector, television, calculator, printer and/or copy machine.
• Tasks require frequent walking, using hands to finger, handle or feel including repetitive motions and using small hand tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, etc.
• Tasks require sitting, standing, reaching, bending, stooping, crawling, climbing and/or twisting.
• Tasks involve sitting and/or standing for long periods of time.

Environmental Requirements:
Tasks are regularly performed where the exposure to dust, dirt, heat, cold, noise, fumes, odors, vibrations, wetness and humidity and temperature changes is probable, often in confined spaces where there may be a risk of electrical shock.
Sensory Requirements:
Task requires color perception and discrimination, including close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Salary : $116,316 - $149,556