Director of Technology Business Operations (SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR)

State of Illinois•Chicago, IL

9d•$114,000 - $132,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Technology Business Operations leads the technology operations function for the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC). The role partners closely with the Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) to manage technology governance, policy development, cybersecurity compliance, and operational support across the agency. The Director oversees technology issue resolution, IT governance and audit processes, agency tools such as SharePoint and shared inboxes, and the systems and support staff need to serve families effectively. The position supervises a team responsible for technology operations and aligns technology practices with IDEC’s mission, compliance requirements, and operational goals. It is a full-line supervisory position and includes other related duties as assigned. The role plans, develops, and implements methods, systems, and procedures for monitoring and implementing IT governance in support of audit, cybersecurity, and general compliance, subject to approval by agency leadership. It enables IDEC staff to administer programs for families with young children through effective technology support services and works with DoIT as an Agency Technology Services Requestor to facilitate the creation, support, and maintenance of technology tools. The position is based at either 115 S. LaSalle Street in Chicago or 4800 Wabash Avenue in Springfield. The anticipated hybrid schedule is two to five days per week in the office, depending on operational needs. Work hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the schedule mutually agreed upon with the supervisor during onboarding. Overtime may be required, including evenings and weekends, and travel, potentially with overnight stays, is required as appropriate. This is a four-year term appointment, subject to a probationary period, and may be renewed for successive four-year terms at the Director of the Department of Human Services’s discretion.

Requirements

Education equivalent to completion of four years of college.
At least four years of progressively responsible administrative experience in contract management, procurement support, fiscal oversight, or program administration in a public or business organization; preferably supporting human services or early childhood program functions.
Ability to pass an Illinois State Police criminal history check and a Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System (CANTS) background check.
Ability to use and maintain state-issued equipment, including a cell phone and laptop, and other necessary equipment.
Ability to travel for work, including overnight stays as appropriate, and possess an appropriate, valid driver’s license.
Ability to work overtime when requested or required, including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime, potentially during evenings and weekends.
Ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings relevant to the job duties.
Engagement with Business Enterprise Program (BEP) contractors and subcontractors and support for BEP program goals and the Fair Contracting Task Force per Executive Order 2018-07.
Compliance with applicable revolving-door restrictions and required annual and supplemental Statements of Economic Interest.

Nice To Haves

Four years of professional experience leading enterprise-level technology user experiences or serving as a business owner for major technology systems, including setting strategic plans and processes, proposing direction, and guiding resource allocation across divisions.
Four years of professional experience coordinating IT services and processing internal helpdesk tickets for a public or private organization.
Four years of professional experience managing organization-wide technology process initiatives, including developing communication and training plans, stakeholder readiness assessments, and post-implementation adoption measurement.
Three years of professional experience defining operational workflows for large-scale technology applications, including partnering with IT, procurement, and vendor teams to inform system development and procurement decisions.
Three years of professional experience developing and leading stakeholder engagement strategies for cross-functional groups, including drafting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and translating business process changes into communication and training materials.
Three years of professional experience establishing or maintaining technology governance structures, including documentation management, risk and compliance coordination, and ensuring systems align with legal, privacy, and audit requirements.

Responsibilities

Lead the technology operations function for IDEC and partner with DoIT on technology governance, policy development, cybersecurity compliance, and agency operational support.
Oversee technology issue resolution, IT governance and audit processes, and agency tools such as SharePoint and shared inboxes.
Plan, develop, and implement methods, systems, and procedures to monitor and implement IT governance supporting audit, cybersecurity, and general compliance, subject to required approvals.
Enable IDEC staff to administer programs for families with young children through effective technology support services.
Work with DoIT as an Agency Technology Services Requestor to facilitate the creation of technology tools and support and maintain them after creation.
Supervise a team responsible for technology operations and serve as a full-line supervisor.
Align technology practices with IDEC’s mission, compliance requirements, and operational goals.
Perform other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of the position.