IT Director

City of Norwalk•City Hall, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Norwalk is establishing an in-house IT leadership position as it transitions from shared IT services with the Norwalk Community School District. The current shared services agreement concludes June 30, 2027, and the anticipated start date is July 1, 2027. The City is recruiting in advance; employment will not begin until the anticipated start date. Under the general direction of the Assistant City Manager, the Information Technology Director leads the planning, administration, and technical oversight of the City's technology infrastructure, systems, cybersecurity, telecommunications, enterprise applications, and digital services. The Director develops technology strategies that support municipal operations, secure data management, business continuity, and customer service, and advises City leadership on technology initiatives, investments, risks, and emerging trends. The position directs and evaluates IT operations and resources, manages budgets and long-range plans, oversees technology acquisition and lifecycle management, and coordinates technology solutions with City departments. It combines strategic leadership with hands-on technical, administrative, and operational work, including system administration and staff support. The Director supervises assigned IT personnel and coordinates consultants, contractors, and vendors. The role may require after-hours emergency response and occasional evening and weekend work.

Requirements

At least five years of progressively responsible information technology experience.
A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Network Administration, or a closely related field is preferred. Candidates without a bachelor's degree may be considered with at least seven years of progressively responsible IT experience demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Valid Iowa driver's license and insurable driving record.
Extensive knowledge of IT systems, network infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud services, telecommunications, enterprise applications, data management, and technology support services.
Knowledge of IT governance, strategic planning, project management, disaster recovery, business continuity, risk management, and technology lifecycle planning.
Ability to analyze complex technical, operational, and organizational issues and develop practical, cost-effective solutions.
Ability to communicate technical information effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.
Ability to evaluate technologies and recommend solutions aligned with organizational goals, operational needs, and budget constraints.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, elected officials, vendors, consultants, contractors, governmental agencies, and the public.
Strong leadership, organizational, project management, decision-making, and customer service skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities, maintain attention to detail, and meet deadlines.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism with confidential or sensitive information.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaborate across departments.
Ability to respond to technology emergencies and critical issues during and outside normal business hours.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information, records, security systems, network infrastructure, and protected data.
Ability to read, speak, write, hear, and understand English to communicate effectively.
Ability to operate computers, mobile devices, telecommunications equipment, testing equipment, and standard office equipment.
Ability to install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot technology equipment and infrastructure.
Ability to sit for extended periods and to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces as needed.
Ability to move throughout City facilities, mechanical rooms, data closets, and work sites.
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull equipment, tools, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds, and occasionally heavier weights with assistance or proper equipment.
Ability to distinguish colors, read technical diagrams, monitor equipment indicators, and identify visual warning signals.
Ability to maintain concentration and attention to detail while working with technology systems, security controls, troubleshooting, and data management.
Ability to obtain and maintain certifications or background clearances necessary to support public safety and criminal justice information systems, if applicable.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory or project leadership experience.
Experience supporting municipal government, public safety technology systems, GIS, telecommunications, or enterprise applications.
Industry certifications such as CompTIA, Microsoft, Cisco, ISC², ISACA, VMware, or similar.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and maintain the City's IT strategy, policies, standards, and procedures.
Plan, direct, administer, and evaluate IT operations, infrastructure, systems, applications, telecommunications, and cybersecurity functions.
Advise City leadership and elected officials on technology initiatives, investments, risks, and emerging trends.
Perform and oversee strategic, administrative, and hands-on technical IT work, including system administration and support.
Develop and administer the annual IT operating budget, capital improvement recommendations, replacement schedules, and long-range technology plans.
Oversee acquisition, implementation, maintenance, security, and replacement of hardware, software, telecommunications equipment, cloud services, and related technology resources.
Develop and maintain lifecycle management and replacement programs for workstations, servers, mobile devices, network equipment, and related assets.
Administer and support network infrastructure, servers, cloud environments, storage systems, wireless networks, internet services, and telecommunications systems.
Develop, implement, and monitor cybersecurity programs, policies, training, disaster recovery plans, backup procedures, business continuity measures, and incident response protocols.
Monitor technology trends, regulatory requirements, and cybersecurity threats, and recommend appropriate actions.
Assess departmental technology needs and collaborate with departments to implement solutions that improve efficiency and service delivery.
Oversee enterprise software applications and coordinate implementations, upgrades, integrations, troubleshooting, and vendor support.
Provide technical support to City staff and ensure timely resolution of technology issues.
Develop and deliver staff technology training and resources.
Manage technology contracts, service agreements, software licenses, consultants, and vendors to ensure performance, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.
Maintain inventories, records, documentation, asset management systems, software licenses, warranties, and technology agreements.
Coordinate and support technology systems used by public safety, public works, utilities, administration, community development, parks and recreation, and other departments.
Assist with audio/visual systems, meeting technology, website-related technical functions, and communication systems.
Supervise, train, evaluate, and develop assigned IT staff as positions are established.
Perform IT functions directly in the absence of subordinate staff and coordinate service providers.
Respond to after-hours technology emergencies, network outages, cybersecurity incidents, and critical operational issues as necessary.
Represent the City in regional technology organizations, professional associations, intergovernmental partnerships, and vendor meetings as assigned.
Perform other duties or assume additional responsibilities as assigned.