Director for Agency and Application Support

This is a full-time, 40-hour+ weekly position with the Bureau of Information and Technology (BIT). The State of South Dakota BIT is seeking a highly qualified and motivated information technology leader for the role of Director for Agency & Application Support. This exempt position reports to the BIT Commissioner (State CIO).

About the role

The Director will lead a team of application developers and analysts responsible for supporting various State agencies' technology needs within specific industry groups, such as Public Health, Industry & Education, Public Safety, Public Infrastructure and Resources, or Government Operations. The position provides guidance and expertise to State agencies’ senior leadership teams to support their long-term management of IT systems, processes, and investments.

This forward-looking leadership position proactively builds relationships and collaborates with senior State agency and BIT leadership to create IT strategies that support business strategies, needs, and budgets. Additional duties include the support of business processes through the maintenance and enhancement of current applications, selection and implementation of new technology, vendor management, and contract processes.

The Director will serve as the primary point of contact for all technology processes and support needs, working closely with other technology divisions to ensure the success of clients' operations. Collaboration with the State CISO and their team for the application of security standards within the agency is also expected.

The Director will be responsible for proactive management of budget and revenue targets and will operate with minimal supervision, having extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of application developers and analysts supporting State agencies' technology needs.
• Provide guidance and expertise to State agencies’ senior leadership teams for long-term IT systems, processes, and investments.
• Build relationships and collaborate with senior State agency and BIT leadership to create IT strategies aligned with business goals.
• Support business processes through maintenance and enhancement of current applications, and selection and implementation of new technology.
• Manage vendor relationships and contract processes.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for technology processes and support needs.
• Collaborate with the State CISO to apply security standards within the agency.
• Proactively manage budget and revenue targets with minimal supervision.
• Participate in the BIT Senior Leadership team to provide oversight and governance for statewide technology processes and initiatives.

Requirements

• Experience building and leading service-oriented technology teams.
• Experience supporting a wide variety of applications, including custom full-stack developed applications (mainframe, C#, .NET, COTS, SAAS, and platform technologies).
• Experience in building robust business-led application and IT Governance structures.
• Understanding and application of metrics, including SLA and KPIs, to demonstrate delivery toward business goals.
• Demonstrated success working in a complex government environment at the elected/appointed level (a plus).
• Knowledge of public administration principles, including organization, management, and legislative processes.
• Knowledge of state government purchasing laws and practices, ensuring compliance with administrative rules and laws.
• Experience creating, implementing, and improving IT service frameworks.
• Knowledge of industry and federal compliance structures (PII, PCI DSS, SSA GIX, FISMA, HIPAA, FERPA, FTI, CJIS, HITECH, NIST CSF, and similar).

Skills

• Excellent customer service and relationship management skills.
• Ability to develop executive and strategic relationships to implement and support business strategic plans.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to manage multiple priorities under strict timelines.
• Ability to work in a demanding, dynamic environment and meet overall objectives.
• Knowledge of IT industry best practices and risks to negotiate favorable contracts.
• Ability to manage complex budget processes, including annual budget planning, spend, income (billings), and strategic budget planning.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects at an executive level, ensuring accurate and timely reporting.
• Ability to lead and motivate teams to achieve tactical and strategic goals.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with executive management, peers, state officials, outside agencies, vendors, and community groups.
• Ability to work with and coordinate between multiple agencies and governmental structures to meet goals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Pay

Annual salary range: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00, depending on qualifications.

Benefits

• $0 premium employee health insurance option.
• Eleven paid holidays.
• Generous vacation and sick leave accrual.
• Dental, vision, and other insurance options.
• Retirement benefits (Class A retirement under SDRS).

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act. Successful applicants will undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment.