Information Technology Director

Primary Purpose

Performs complex executive, managerial, strategic, and professional work in planning, directing, securing, and managing the County’s information technology systems, services, infrastructure, data resources, digital operations, and technology governance programs.

Serves as a member of the county management team. Provides leadership for technology strategy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and data governance, service delivery, budgeting, project management, vendor coordination, business continuity, and the effective use of technology to support County departments, employees, elected officials, and the public.

Essential Functions

• Provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for the County’s information technology systems, services, infrastructure, cybersecurity, data resources, digital operations, and technology governance programs.
• Identifies and acts upon organizational technology needs through communication, collaboration and engagement.
• Develops, implements, and communicates technology strategies, policies, standards, projects, procurement plans, service delivery practices, and business continuity measures to support secure, reliable, and effective County operations.
• Determines the impact changes in government regulations and mandates have on county information systems.
• Prepares Information Technology Department capital and annual operating budgets and monitors expenditures; ensures fiscal responsibility and compliance with contracting and purchasing requirements.
• Collaborates with departments to review and recommend IT-related budget requests.
• Manages vendor contracts.
• Advises County leadership, departments, elected officials, and other stakeholders on technology needs, cybersecurity risks, responsible use of artificial intelligence, data governance, digital service delivery, and emerging technology trends.
• Oversees technology operations, enterprise systems, broadband connectivity, user support, vendor and contract management, compliance requirements, disaster recovery, incident response, and the protection, availability, integrity, and confidentiality of County systems and data.
• Leads, guides, and communicates infrastructure services status to organizational leadership.
• Supervises subordinate staff and oversees work of contractors and consultants.

Additional Job Functions

• Serves as a strategic partner on the County Manager’s Management Team.
• Provides leadership to county department heads, assists with general problem resolution, participates in the development of the overall county budget.
• Prepares clear and concise documentation, summaries, reports, policies and other written materials such as monthly department reports and project status updates.
• Prepares and verbally presents information, as needed.
• Organizes, prioritizes and manages a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; meets critical time deadlines.
• Stays current on new technologies; provides direction on emerging technologies and technology challenges; provides strategic direction with technology solutions.
• Assists with selection and implementation of new technology.
• Attends all Board of County Commissioner regular meetings and work sessions and oversees the production, recording and live streaming of meetings, as requested.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, cybersecurity, information systems, public administration, business administration, or a related field.
• At least seven years of progressively responsible information technology experience, including three years of supervisory or management experience.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a driver's license valid in North Carolina.
• CJIS Certification Required.
• Must be a Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO) or obtain within two years of employment.
• Must reside in Craven County or establish and maintain residency in Craven County within eighteen (18) months of employment.