IT Director I

City of Atlanta•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

This role represents the highest level of strategic and operations management within the Information Technology section of the Atlanta DOT (ATLDOT), with a focus on enterprise applications, GIS, ITS, and digital transformation. It encompasses managing all department functions and recommending high-level policies and procedures, subject to mayoral and/or Council approval. The position oversees teams managing Enterprise‑Wide Applications, including Oracle Cloud ERP Security, Web Application Development, Architectural Review, Enterprise Applications Administration, and GIS Platforms. The Director provides strategic leadership for packaged and custom applications and develops managers to align resources with business objectives and technology roadmaps. Collaboration with the ATLDOT Commissioner, Chief Technology Officer and/or Chief Information Officer, and other department leaders is pivotal in executing organizational strategies. Responsibilities also include oversight of Project Management for ATLDOT IT—covering project delivery, budgeting, and procurement—while ensuring technology infrastructure reliability, security, and optimization to meet business requirements. The incumbent is expected to oversee a group of professionals in a department‑wide administrative and operations capacity, including cross‑functional teams that support field operations and smart‑infrastructure initiatives.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of Information Technology concepts, processes, and tools, including enterprise applications, GIS platforms, and field technologies.
Advanced knowledge of performance metrics and reporting, technical problem resolution, and risk management within complex, distributed environments.
Demonstrated experience leading digital transformation, application modernization, and integration efforts.
Strong data-driven analysis and problem-solving skills.
Excellent software skills with the Microsoft suite, ESRI’s ArcGIS, server architecture, database management, and field application development, with the ability to quickly learn new platforms.
Exceptional interpersonal skills, including teamwork, facilitation, and negotiation with business leaders, technical teams, and external partners.
Excellent organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to lead teams through complex and ambiguous strategic initiatives.
Ability to manage relationships with key stakeholders across the enterprise and to translate business needs into technology solutions and roadmaps.
Ability to apply general knowledge across organization or discipline lines.
Ability to apply experience and professional knowledge to most assignments in the professional area.
Master's degree in computer science or engineering (equivalent professional experience may be considered).
Seven (7) years of leadership/management experience.
ITIL, Project Management Certification, Lean Six Sigma Yellow or Green Belt, and AAAE Certified Member, Diverse Leadership, Diversity (DEI) Training, Technology Leadership Program, Effective Leadership.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in GIS, geography, computer science, or engineering.
Eight (8) to ten (10) years of specific experience with extensive project management experience.

Responsibilities

Provide management direction for the strategic and operational aspects of ATLDOT IT, with emphasis on enterprise applications, GIS, ITS, and digital transformation initiatives.
Plan, organize, and direct IT operations, including application development, GIS services, data systems, and related support functions.
Select, train, coach, and evaluate managers and staff; manage performance, succession, and workforce planning.
Lead development of multi-year technology and data roadmaps that support ATLDOT’s mission, transportation priorities, and smart-infrastructure programs.
Manage complex, citywide application systems (Oracle Cloud, enterprise GIS, field applications), ensuring high availability, security, and scalability.
Direct activities related to the operational performance of AIM (Application and Database Support), including definition and reporting of key performance indicators and planning for impactful technology changes.
Oversee ATLDOT IT project portfolio, including high-profile initiatives; provide project management services and ensure appropriate change management and stakeholder communication.
Prepare and manage departmental and division budgets, including operating and capital funds for enterprise applications, GIS, and related services.
Oversee negotiation and administration of vendor, outsourcer, and consultant contracts and service agreements, including software licensing and cloud services.
Establish and maintain software support contracts, extensions, and renewals; serve as primary point of contact with key application and GIS vendors.
Partner with City departments, Business Relationship Managers, PMO, and Infrastructure leaders to ensure technology solutions and budgets support business and technology roadmaps.
Develop and implement policies and procedures for IT operations, including ITSM processes (incident, problem, change, and request management) and application lifecycle management.
Monitor and manage application performance and security vulnerabilities; ensure thorough testing of patch updates and system upgrades and implement automation solutions where feasible.
Provide leadership and escalation for ATLDOT application development and GIS divisions, identifying technology needs, managing risks and issues, and ensuring high-availability of critical applications that support core City business and field operations.
Serve as a voting member of the Architecture Review Board and Change Control Board and as a member of the Enterprise GIS Steering Committee.
Maintain regular communications with senior leadership, department heads, Mayor’s Office, and City Council regarding major IT initiatives, project status, and enterprise application performance.
May perform other duties as assigned.