IT Product Owner

the South Dakota State Government • Statewide, SD

2d

About The Position

The Department of Social Services’ Division of Economic Assistance is seeking a full-time IT Product Owner to align technology projects with business-user needs and program goals. The role leads project implementations throughout planning, design, development, implementation, deployment, and maintenance, while coordinating program and information-systems professionals and partnering with the Bureau of Information and Telecommunications on technology and security requirements.

The IT Product Owner manages vendor relationships and contracts, collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, and oversees project scope, objectives, deliverables, schedules, resources, and budgets. The role establishes project governance and monitoring controls, communicates progress and risks to stakeholders and senior management, maintains project documentation, and develops mitigation strategies. It also supports change management and transitions to new systems and processes, contributes to IT Strategy projects, and stays current on information-systems trends that support program needs. Occasional in-state travel may be required.

A bachelor’s degree in information technology, social work, public administration, or another human-service-related field is preferred. The ideal candidate understands Economic Assistance programs and information systems; communicates effectively; plans, organizes, and prioritizes work; handles confidential client information; interprets policies and regulations; prepares clear documentation; builds collaborative relationships; and applies critical thinking and problem-solving to move needed changes from concept to implementation.

Applicants must apply online and attach a resume. A National Career Readiness Certificate may also be submitted if the applicant has one, but it is not required. The position is exempt from the Civil Service Act and is eligible for Veterans’ Preference. The State does not sponsor work visas; hires must verify identity and U.S. work eligibility and complete Form I-9, with employment eligibility verified through E-Verify.

Requirements

• Effectively plan and organize work, adjust to multiple demands, prioritize tasks, and meet schedules and deadlines.
• Communicate effectively and efficiently, including preparing clear and concise documentation, reports, and correspondence.
• Demonstrate compassion, respect, courtesy, and tact when interacting with others.
• Establish and maintain effective collaborative working relationships with stakeholders.
• Understand concepts related to client confidentiality.
• Comprehend, interpret, and apply policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving, a strong work ethic, confidence, and innovation.
• Conceptualize needed change and initiate appropriate activities to move from concepts to implementation.
• Attach a resume and apply online; emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
• Verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete Form I-9 upon hire; the State does not sponsor work visas.

Nice To Haves

• A bachelor’s degree in information technology, social work, public administration, or another human-service-related field is preferred.
• Knowledge of Economic Assistance programs, including Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, Energy Assistance, and Child Care Assistance, and their information systems.
• A National Career Readiness Certificate may be submitted if possessed, but it is not necessary for consideration.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Economic Assistance leadership to align technology projects with business-user needs and program goals.
• Manage vendor relationships and contracts associated with information technology systems.
• Lead program and information-systems professionals through project planning, design, development, implementation, deployment, and system maintenance.
• Partner with the Bureau of Information and Telecommunications on technology and security requirements.
• Collaborate with development, design, training, and other cross-functional teams to support successful product launches.
• Communicate project progress, updates, and status to stakeholders and senior management.
• Establish project governance and monitoring controls; track progress, identify variances, and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and manage project plans, status reports, and documentation of project decisions and changes.
• Identify project risks and document mitigation strategies.
• Facilitate transitions to new information systems and processes through change-management strategies.
• Remain current on information-systems trends and contribute to IT Strategy projects with internal and external resources.
• Work with stakeholders to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables aligned with business goals and requirements.
• Develop project plans, timelines, and resource allocations; manage project budgets.
• Lead project teams, coordinate activities, assign tasks, and ensure adherence to schedules and milestones.
• Manage changes to project scope, timelines, and requirements and assess their impacts on deliverables and resources.
• Conduct regular project meetings and facilitate communication among team members and stakeholders.
• Ensure adherence to project-management methodologies, best practices, and quality standards throughout the project lifecycle.

Benefits

• $0-premium employee health insurance option
• Eleven paid holidays
• Vacation leave accrual
• Sick leave accrual
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Other insurance options
• Retirement benefits through Class A membership in the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed