Information Systems Director

Town of Blowing Rock•Blowing Rock, NC

About The Position

The Information Systems Director provides leadership and strategic direction for the Town of Blowing Rock’s comprehensive information technology services and computing resources. The position plans, evaluates, develops, implements, and maintains the Town’s technology infrastructure, including servers, personal computers, peripherals, hardware, system architecture, networks, data storage, backup and restoration, communications, and system interconnections. It also oversees related systems and application software, including implementation and licensing. The Director advises Town departments on technology needs, service requirements, software solutions, acquisitions, and implementations. As a department head, the role includes hiring and managing personnel, conducting annual reviews, and developing and managing the department budget. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Town Manager’s Office and evaluated through conferences, reports, and the effectiveness of automated systems. The role administers technology services across all departments and nine Town locations, including future facility expansion. Responsibilities span enterprise systems, user accounts, data management, upgrades, networking and security, telephony and mobile communications, audio/video and remote meeting systems, SCADA resources, surveillance, access control, and the Town website. The Director also supports Town social media as needed and attends Town meetings to operate relevant technologies. Applicants must complete a controlled substance screening and thorough background check before employment. The Town of Blowing Rock is an equal opportunity employer. The position is open until filled, and application review begins upon receipt of applications, which must include a resume.

Requirements

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in information technology or a related field, and extensive experience managing a related automated systems environment, including supervisory and project-management experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Thorough knowledge of current computer hardware, software, peripherals, applications, configurations, and troubleshooting across personal computers, servers, and networks.
Considerable knowledge of designing and integrating computer technology in a multi-service public-sector environment.
Considerable knowledge of software processes and methodologies.
Considerable knowledge of information-system storage and security practices.
Knowledge of Town budgeting, purchasing, and personnel-management procedures.
Project-management, leadership, organizational, and strategic-planning skills to plan, supervise, and coordinate technology and systems projects.
Skill in collaborative conflict resolution and internal customer service.
Ability to analyze, diagnose, and resolve computer hardware and software problems.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, Town officials, vendors, and service providers.
Ability to analyze business situations and devise solutions, particularly those involving modern technology.
Ability to plan, supervise, coordinate, and evaluate the work of others.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to perform basic life operational support functions including stooping, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, handling or fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
Ability to perform light work, exerting up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently, and negligible force constantly to move objects.
Visual acuity to prepare and analyze data, operate a computer terminal and console, and perform extensive reading.
Successful completion of a controlled substance screening and thorough background check is required for offers of employment.

Responsibilities

Manage and coordinate technology projects with Town departments, vendors, consultants, service providers, outside agencies, and others as needed.
Manage Town-wide technology contracts and licensing, maintain vendor and service-provider relationships, and develop or review technology proposals and bids.
Develop and maintain enterprise system architecture, including standards and protocols for data exchange, communications, and software and system interconnections.
Evaluate organizational technology use and provide current solutions to improve employee productivity and service to citizens.
Serve as chief technical advisor for user and department support; develop and implement IT service policies and procedures.
Document network and system architecture, operating procedures, and backup and restoration processes; develop, enhance, and maintain the Town’s disaster recovery plan.
Work with operating departments to evaluate procedural problems and service-enhancement opportunities and determine and implement technology solutions.
Manage major IT projects involving new or enhanced technology.
Attend meetings, seminars, demonstrations, and conferences as a technical advisor; maintain knowledge of technology trends and serve on committees and task forces.
Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate department personnel; set performance expectations, assign work, coordinate training, and take disciplinary action as needed.
Administer user accounts, data management, system upgrades, networking, and security across departments and nine Town locations, including future facility expansion.
Manage IP telephones and mobile technologies for department phone and data communications.
Plan and implement audio/video systems and remote-meeting technologies, and operate those technologies during Town meetings.
Implement and manage software, connectivity, and security for critical Town resources such as SCADA systems.
Plan, implement, remotely configure, and operate Town surveillance systems.
Plan, implement, and manage Town access-control systems.
Manage, update, and monitor the Town website; work with departments to keep information on services and events current; troubleshoot website issues and security breaches and improve the user experience.
Assist with Town social media sites as needed to support consistent and timely information about events, activities, and improvements.
Perform other related duties as required.