Information Technology Director

Okaloosa County•IT Main Office (Shalimar), FL

About The Position

The Information Technology Director plans, organizes, and directs the operations of the Okaloosa County Information Technology Department. The role functions as the County Chief Information Officer and oversees technology, data management, cybersecurity, cloud computing, physical security technology, and related infrastructure and resources under the purview of the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners. The Director provides strategic IT planning and execution in support of countywide goals, develops and enforces IT policies and best practices, and develops and monitors information security and IT risk assessment strategies. The position also directs the Okaloosa County Fiber Optic Network Utility, stakeholder partnerships, and the enterprise Geographic Information System (GIS). It ensures 24x7 IT support for critical infrastructure and countywide operations. Responsibilities include managing staff, negotiating agreements, planning and monitoring the department budget, approving technology procurement, and providing public access to information. The position requires a bachelor's degree in a related field and at least eight years of progressively responsible enterprise IT management experience, including five years in a senior leadership capacity, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. A valid driver's license is required. The work involves sedentary physical demands, periodic walking and standing, occasional bending and stooping, and occasional handling of objects weighing up to 20 pounds.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
At least eight years of progressively responsible experience in enterprise information technology management, encompassing networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, server infrastructure, systems administration, GIS, and fiber optic network infrastructure.
At least five years of experience in a senior leadership capacity.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to operate office equipment, including computers, copy/fax machines, and related peripherals.
Ability to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, convey and exchange information, explain procedures, and give, receive, and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to read and interpret technical data, policy and procedure manuals, codes, and professional journals.
Ability to prepare forms and reports using prescribed formats and follow grammar, spelling, diction, and punctuation rules.
Ability to communicate using technical and professional language with people from varied professional backgrounds.
Ability to apply logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw conclusions, interpret technical instructions, make independent judgments, and acquire job-related knowledge.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic and interpret graphs.
Ability to deal with people beyond receiving instructions, perform under stress and frequent deadlines, and exercise tact and courtesy in contact with professionals, county staff, and the general public.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, and direct the operations of the Information Technology Department.
Direct technology, data management, cybersecurity, cloud computing, physical security technology, and associated infrastructure and resources under the purview of the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners.
Manage and supervise staff, including assignment, scheduling, interviewing and hiring, training and development, and discipline.
Function as the County Chief Information Officer (CIO).
Develop and enforce IT-related policies, procedures, training, and best practices.
Develop, implement, and monitor strategic, information security, and IT risk assessment strategies.
Provide IT-related strategic planning and execution to support countywide goals.
Direct and manage the Okaloosa County Fiber Optic Network Utility, stakeholder partnerships, and the enterprise Geographic Information System (GIS).
Ensure 24x7 IT support to critical infrastructure and countywide operations.
Develop and negotiate contracts, Memoranda of Agreement (MOA), and Indefeasible Right of Use (IRU) Agreements with military, colleges, school boards, and other governmental and private entities.
Plan, develop, and implement the department operating budget; monitor and track expenditures; and coordinate technology-related budget items with other departments and agencies.
Direct and approve procurement of technology, systems, infrastructure, and related services.
Provide citizen access to public information and respond to public information inquiries.
Perform other duties as assigned.