Department Information Technology Manager- Library Department

City of San Jose•San Jose Metropolitan Area, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The San José Public Library (SJPL) is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking IT Manager to lead the technology systems, services, and staff that support one of the nation's most innovative public library systems. This position offers an opportunity to shape the technology infrastructure and services that enable Library operations, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and expand access to technology for San José's diverse communities. The Library IT Manager will lead the development and implementation of SJPL's information technology roadmap, aligning departmental priorities, operational requirements, emerging technologies, and available resources. The position works closely with Library leadership, SJSU IT, the City's Information Technology Department, and other stakeholders to advance technology strategies, strengthen system reliability and security, and identify opportunities for modernization, integration, and operational efficiencies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in computer science, information systems, business administration, or closely related field.
Five (5) years of experience managing, maintaining, and implementing technology programs, computer system infrastructure and design, network operations, security design, application development and configurations, and system/server administration.
Three (3) years of supervisory experience over a technical team.
Possession of a valid drivers license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in California.

Nice To Haves

Results-driven professional with previous experience as an IT Manager.
Highly effective communicator who is able to build solid working relationships with management, peers, and staff.
Superior long-term planning and project implementation experience.
Commitment to high quality, effective customer service.
Experience in the rollout and maintenance of major new initiatives.
Ability to translate complicated IT issues into understandable terms.
Appreciation for the complexities of Library operations.
Strategically assess the competing priorities of the Department’s IT projects, determine what is reasonable to implement, and clearly articulate the merits of keeping abreast of new technology improvements and efficiencies to Department leaders.
Job Expertise – Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies, and federal and state rules and regulations. Demonstrates knowledge and experience in computer operations, networking, telecommunications, information technology management/administration, applications and system development.
Vision/Strategic Thinking – Supports, promotes, and ensures alignment with the organization’s vision and values; understands how an organization must change considering internal and external trends and influences; and builds a shared vision with others and influences others to translate vision to action.
Change Management – Demonstrates support for innovation and for organizational changes needed to improve the organization’s effectiveness; facilitates the implementation and acceptance of change within the workplace.
Leadership – Leads by example; demonstrates high ethical standards; remains visible and approachable and interacts with others on a regular basis; promotes a cooperative work environment, allowing others to learn from mistakes; provides motivational supports and direction.
Project Management – Ensures support for projects and implements agency goals and strategic objectives.
Analytical Thinking – Approaching a problem or situation by using a logical, systematic, and sequential approach.
Supervision – Sets effective long and short-term goals based on a good understanding of management practices; establishes realistic priorities within available resources; provides motivational support; empowers others; assigns decision-making and work functions to others in an appropriate manner to maximize organizational and individual effectiveness.
Communication – Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people’s ideas and thoughts.
Digital Fluency – Effectively leverages digital tools, technologies, and platforms, utilizing a forward-thinking mindset to drive organizational goals, enhance processes, lead innovation, make data-informed decisions, and foster a culture of adaptability and continuous improvement in a dynamic digital landscape.

Responsibilities

Plan, lead, manage, and execute the technology and innovation efforts of the Library.
Lead the development and implementation of SJPL's information technology roadmap, aligning departmental priorities, operational requirements, emerging technologies, and available resources.
Work closely with Library leadership, SJSU IT, the City's Information Technology Department, and other stakeholders to advance technology strategies, strengthen system reliability and security, and identify opportunities for modernization, integration, and operational efficiencies.
Guide infrastructure modernization, technology lifecycle planning, system upgrades, and the evaluation and implementation of new solutions that strengthen Library operations and public services.
Oversee the planning, administration, and continuous improvement of Library IT operations, including network and systems administration, endpoint management, end-user support, and technology service delivery.
Establish operational priorities, performance expectations, and service standards; oversee troubleshooting and resolution of complex technical issues; and ensure effective coordination with SJSU and the City's Information Technology Department on cybersecurity, technology standards, and enterprise systems.
Strengthen IT service management practices, maintain system availability and business continuity, manage technology risks, and ensure efficient utilization of staff, funding, and other resources.
Assess business needs, evaluate technical solutions, and lead initiatives that modernize and integrate Library systems.
Support the Library's specialized technology platforms, identify opportunities to streamline workflows, and advance technology initiatives that improve service delivery, expand capabilities, and support departmental strategic priorities.
Lead the planning, prioritization, and execution of multiple complex technology projects, balancing operational requirements, strategic priorities, funding, and staff capacity.
Develop project plans and implementation strategies; manage timelines, budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships; evaluate competing priorities and risks; and ensure accountability for project deliverables.
Oversee technology procurement, resource planning, and projects supported by City, State, and federal funding.
Provide clear recommendations, project updates, and performance reporting to Library executive leadership and other stakeholders to support informed decision-making.
Lead SJPL's Library Information Technology unit, including supervision of four Network Engineers and an Endpoint and End-User Support Manager, who oversees the Library HelpDesk team.
Establish unit priorities, direct work, develop staff capabilities, manage performance, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer service.
Serve as a key technology advisor to Library leadership and collaborate with departmental divisions, SJSU, the City's Information Technology Department, vendors, and other partners to align technology investments and operations with organizational priorities.
Collaborate with the Library's Digital Empowerment and other programmatic teams to support the technology infrastructure and systems needed to deliver innovative public technology services.
Assess and implement technology solutions that expand public access, support digital literacy and emerging technology programs, and strengthen the Library's capacity to serve residents across its 25 locations.
Develops, coordinates, guides, and maintains IT system strategic and tactical plans in support of the department’s overall direction and within the framework of Citywide IT protocols and standards and the Joint Operating Agreement with San José State University (SJSU).
Plans, implements, and manages the department’s information technology operations and budget, ensuring efficient utilization of resources.
Collaborates and coordinates with IT and other departmental stakeholders to assess centralized capabilities, opportunities for partnership, and advancement of key strategies in a way that maximizes the interoperability of systems between the Library, SJSU, and other departments.
Utilizes in-depth technical knowledge and business requirements to design and implement technology solutions.
Analyzes complex business needs and recommends technical solutions.
Ensures technology projects and systems are adequately resourced with the appropriate levels of technology staff and line staff.
Serves as a liaison with other departmental divisions and operations to identify and address technology needs.
Negotiates and administers contracts and agreements with vendors and agencies.
Supervises staff by hiring, selecting, training, evaluating, and making work assignments.
May also coordinate and supervise the work of teams comprised of individuals in a variety of organizations.
Leads and manages a staff of 14.5 FTE, and assists with personnel and training matters.