Manager (Operations), Information Technology Services

Santa Barbara County Education Office • Santa Barbara - Goleta, CA

16h • Hybrid

About The Position

Under administrative direction, plans, directs, and manages information technology services operations, ensuring the reliable, secure, and efficient delivery of technology services across county departments and supported school districts. This includes oversight of infrastructure, network operations, service desk, communications platforms, audio/visual (AV) technologies, and enterprise systems, including ERP systems supporting critical administrative and financial functions. The Manager, Information Technology Services provides operational leadership in implementing modern IT best practices across cloud services, identity and access management (IAM), virtualization, hybrid infrastructure, unified communications (VoIP), and integrated AV systems. The role ensures high system availability, data integrity, and secure access while maintaining compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations. The Manager, Information Technology Services collaborates closely with SBCEO departments and school districts to deliver responsive, customer-focused IT services and to support instructional and operational goals. This role contributes to the development of scalable, resilient, and cost-effective technology solutions aligned with SBCEO’s mission and strategic priorities.

Requirements

• Possession of a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field.
• Six years of progressively responsible experience in IT operations, infrastructure, or systems support in a complex, multi-site, hybrid (cloud/on-premises) environment, including at least two years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Knowledge of IT operations in the public sector or K–12 educational environments.
• Knowledge of IT service management frameworks (e.g., ITIL) and operational best practices.
• Knowledge of ERP systems supporting financial, HR, and administrative functions.
• Knowledge of network infrastructure, cloud computing, virtualization, and hybrid IT environments.
• Knowledge of identity and access management (IAM), directory services (e.g., Active Directory, Azure AD), and role-based access control (RBAC).
• Knowledge of VoIP and unified communications systems, including telephony infrastructure, call management, and conferencing platforms.
• Knowledge of audio/visual systems, including classroom and conference room technologies, control systems, and media integration.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity standards such as NIST, CIS Controls, and Zero Trust architecture principles.
• Knowledge of endpoint management, device provisioning, and configuration management tools.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in public speaking and presentation.
• Ability to balance operational stability with modernization initiatives, including cloud adoption and security enhancements.
• Ability to gather and analyze data, draw conclusions, and support decision-making.
• Ability to analyze complex technical and organizational challenges and implement scalable, future-ready solutions.
• Ability to learn and apply California education code, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, federal regulations, and California data privacy requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively with technical staff, educators, administrators, and external partners.
• Ability to establish and adjust priorities, projects, and service demands in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to build consensus and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholder groups.
• Ability to hire, develop, and lead high-performing technical teams.
• Ability to prepare a wide variety of written documents and reports.
• Ability to represent the department effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant certifications (e.g., ITIL, Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, CompTIA) are desirable.
• Possession of a valid California driver’s license and the use of a dependable vehicle may be required. These requirements may be waived if the incumbent is able to perform their duties efficiently using alternative means of transportation.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee daily IT operations supporting SBCEO and district stakeholders, including infrastructure, network services, end-user support, communications systems, and audio/visual technologies.
• Ensure high availability, performance, and security of enterprise systems, including ERP platforms and integrated data environments.
• Oversee network infrastructure across county and district sites, including on-premise, cloud, and hybrid environments, ensuring resilient connectivity and secure access.
• Lead IT service delivery functions, including help desk operations, ensuring timely incident resolution and high-quality customer service.
• Direct incident, problem, and change management processes aligned with Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) or similar service management frameworks.
• Oversee operational cybersecurity practices, including identity and access management (IAM), multi-factor authentication (MFA), endpoint protection, vulnerability management, and Zero Trust principles.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards, including but not limited to California Education Code, FERPA, and California data privacy requirements.
• Develop, implement, and ensure adherence to IT operational policies, standards, and procedures aligned with organizational and regulatory requirements.
• Lead disaster recovery and business continuity planning, including cloud backup, replication, and high-availability architectures.
• Oversee lifecycle management, configuration, and deployment of infrastructure systems, including virtualized servers, cloud environments, network systems, end-user devices, VoIP platforms, and AV equipment.
• Oversee unified communications systems, including AV telephony, call routing, voicemail, and conferencing platforms.
• Oversee deployment, integration, and support of AV systems, including conference room technologies, classroom AV, and hybrid meeting solutions.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop IT staff, fostering a high-performing, service-oriented team culture.
• Establish and monitor operational metrics, service levels, and performance indicators to drive accountability and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies, including cloud platforms, virtualization solutions, communications systems, and AV technologies.
• Support the development and management of the IT Services budget, including forecasting, resource allocation, and cost optimization.
• Collaborate with SBCEO divisions, departments, and school districts to align IT services with instructional, administrative, and operational priorities.
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and service providers to ensure quality service delivery and cost effectiveness.
• Establish documentation, reporting, and governance practices to support transparency, compliance, and informed decision-making.
• Coordinate participation in programs to support connectivity and funding initiatives.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Classified Management salary ranges have 9 steps (A-I). Initial salary placement for new hires may be at any step of the range, based on qualifications.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager