Special Assistant (Director, Information Technology and Innovation Office)

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is a science-based, technology-driven agency with specialized scientific hardware and software requirements, and a strong commitment to working in an energy-efficient, sustainable, and paper-free environment. The Department is undertaking a generational investment in information technology systems and seeks an experienced technology leader to strengthen DEC’s internal IT governance, coordination, and oversight practices.

About the role

The Director of the Information Technology and Innovation Office will report to the Deputy Commissioner for Risk and Innovation. The Director will oversee DEC’s Information and Data Governance Program, support IT project prioritization, and serve as the primary liaison with the Office of Information Technology Services’ (ITS) Dedicated Support Team (DST) to facilitate communication, improve resource alignment, enhance workflows, and ensure effective delivery of IT services. The role involves collaborating closely with ITS to advance DEC’s business needs and align information processes, technology systems, and modernization efforts with DEC’s strategic goals through secure, cost-effective systems and tools, in accordance with NYS policies, including DOB Budget Bulletin H-0300.

DEC is charged with conserving, improving, and protecting New York's natural resources and environment while preventing, abating, and controlling pollution. The success of this mission relies on technology that is reliable, secure, and resilient. The Director will provide leadership, vision, and direction for creative problem-solving, drive internal agency governance for technology investments, enhance data and records management practices, and work with ITS to prioritize and direct long-term, technology-driven strategies, including modernization of legacy systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Information Technology and Innovation Office (ITIO) and review the performance of direct subordinate staff. Set internal policies, standards, and procedures for requesting, using, and managing technology and automation within DEC, and coordinate with the DST on planning and execution of IT projects across DEC divisions, offices, and regions.
• Facilitate alignment of technologies in collaboration with ITS to enhance DEC’s operational capabilities, improve customer and partner interactions, enable internal workflow, support robust reporting, manage risk, and reduce cost.
• Meet with Executive and Senior staff members and DST staff to identify and communicate technical needs, requirements, priorities, and implementation approaches for IT projects, considering operational fit, flexibility, implementation costs, and ongoing cost of operations.
• Become familiar with DEC’s mission, current technologies, and active IT initiatives to set priorities and sequencing for DEC’s Technology Transformation and Modernization Task Team, ensuring alignment with DEC’s objectives.
• Develop an annual budget for ITIO in coordination with the Deputy Commissioner for Risk and Innovation, Deputy Commissioner for Administration, and the Director of Fiscal Management to ensure technology remediation and modernization initiatives are appropriately planned, governed, and aligned with DST-led implementation efforts.
• Work with the Division of Fiscal Management to address IT funding issues, letters of intent, chargebacks, and other payments and plans for funding future projects.
• Monitor the status of all ongoing and proposed projects, provide guidance, and coordinate with the DST and stakeholders to address issues, risks, and conflicts.
• Coordinate and collaborate with the DST for all DEC information technology needs, projects, initiatives, software and hardware equipment, and licenses/licensing.
• Stay current with developments in new and emerging technologies and work with DST to develop and implement plans to upgrade or transform legacy technologies to new, ITS-supported or -approved solutions, ensuring minimal disruption during decommissioning.
• Coordinate building and equipment transitions for all DEC locations and facilities, and collaborate on network expansions and upgrades.
• Engage with the DST and vendors to support the identification and evaluation of technology solutions for existing and future projects aligned with the strategic plan and DEC practices.
• Support oversight of vendors developing IT products and services for the agency, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, and assist with contract negotiations and vendor management to protect DEC’s interests in accordance with NYS Procurement and Information Technology Policies.
• Oversee DEC's Information Resource Coordinators for each program. Work with these coordinators and other DEC staff to understand workplace IT requirements, encourage user groups to broaden automation and application knowledge, and foster collaboration to identify common needs and solutions.
• Chair DEC's Information Management Governance Council, drive technology governance, standards, and infrastructure planning, facilitate project prioritization based on program strategies and stakeholder input, and manage DEC's processing of Information Technology Project Proposals in alignment with DST governance requirements.
• Work with DEC staff to adopt and utilize existing, customizable software platforms to the extent feasible. Manage and track new and existing IT projects to maximize performance, meet regularly with stakeholders, and provide transparent leadership and decision-making.
• Lead or oversee DEC staff workgroups to plan special projects, establish policy, prepare Requests for Proposal, and evaluate proposals.
• Foster teamwork, collaboration, innovation, and cooperation among DEC staff, promoting a culture of inclusiveness, equity, and respect, mentoring staff, and encouraging professional development.
• Assist with efforts outlined in the Department’s Diversity and Inclusion Plan by promoting continuous learning and discussion of diversity and inclusion topics, recruiting qualified candidates of diverse backgrounds, providing internal developmental opportunities, and assessing ways to nurture a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Business Administration, a related field, and six years of relevant experience, four of which must be progressively responsible managerial experience.

Substitutions:

• Eight years of specialized experience or an associate’s degree and six years of specialized experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree.
• J.D. or master’s degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience.
• Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Vendor management experience.
• Supervisory experience.
• Excellent technology management, problem-solving, project management, strategic planning, and crisis management skills.
• Prior IT budget, fiscal planning, and capital management experience.
• Experience in developing information management policies, procedures, or process improvement strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to implement systems that enable an organization's operations.
• Self-motivated with the ability to communicate complex IT information, policies, and procedures clearly and accessibly to a variety of audiences/stakeholders.
• Successful experience in accurately assessing the size and estimating technology needs for work plans and resource requirements.
• Experience with legacy remediation, operational transformation, and technology modernization initiatives.
• Ability to initiate and maintain relationships across a diverse set of stakeholders.
• Professional experience in leadership capacities and conducting project management, public sector management, IT legacy remediation/system modernization.
• Experience with managing multiple tasks and problem-solving to enhance productivity and efficiency.
• Multidisciplinary background preferred.

Additional Information

• Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
• Travel may be required; overtime, overnight travel, and after-hours, weekend, or holiday work may be required.
• Telecommuting may be available and will be discussed at interview.

Benefits

We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:

• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift & Geographic pay differentials
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds

Pay

For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations, and negotiated union contracts.