Logo
Washtenaw County

Director of Information Technology

Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor, Michigan, us, 48113

Save Job

Join to apply for the

Director of Information Technology

role at

Washtenaw County .

The IT Director is responsible for ensuring the effective and efficient operation of the department and for aligning its work with organizational objectives while supporting technology that meets the diverse needs of a multi‑faceted, service‑oriented public entity. This position represents the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies, vendors, service providers, and professional organizations.

Under administrative direction and in partnership with departments, the Director plans, organizes, directs, reviews, and evaluates programs and activities of a centralized information technology department to provide reliable, secure, and efficient technology solutions. They enable the use of technology to improve operations and outcomes for departments and the public, direct organization‑wide information, collaboration, and communication systems, and work closely with decision makers to identify, recommend, develop, implement, justify, and support cost‑effective technology solutions.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain a county‑wide information technology strategic plan that includes infrastructure, communications technologies, application systems, collaboration platforms, and services aligned with organizational goals and public service priorities.

Assess and define the resource and skill needs of the IT organization, recruit, develop, and retain a high‑performing workforce, and provide leadership that strengthens capacity and fosters staff development, engagement, and job satisfaction.

Establish and oversee IT governance frameworks, policies, standards, procedures, and service levels covering operations, data governance, cybersecurity, system access, procurement, and disaster recovery.

Lead the county’s cybersecurity strategy, including risk assessments, incident response planning, and compliance with applicable regulations such as CJIS, HIPAA, and IRS Pub. 1075.

Develop and administer the county IT budget, ensuring cost‑effective investments and efficient allocation of resources; oversee capital planning, licensing, contract management, and vendor negotiations.

Provide executive oversight of county enterprise systems (financial, public safety, human resources, permitting, taxation, GIS, document management, and other mission‑critical applications).

Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of county technology infrastructure, including network, servers, telecommunications, cloud services, data centers, end‑user computing, and ITSM operations.

Partner with elected officials, department heads, courts, public safety, and external agencies to identify technology needs, deliver solutions, and ensure responsive, customer‑focused IT services.

Collaborate with County management staff to understand technology needs, recommend solutions, chair the IT Advisory Committee, and oversee the IT project portfolio to ensure timely, on‑budget delivery aligned with strategic priorities.

Champion modernization efforts that simplify systems, reduce technical debt, and drive digital transformation initiatives such as cloud adoption, automation, interoperability, data analytics, and citizen‑facing services.

Direct accurate records maintenance and preparation of reports, correspondence, and other written materials; conduct studies, evaluate alternatives, and provide recommendations.

Perform related work as assigned.

Employment Qualifications Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strategic thinking and the ability to align IT initiatives with organizational goals and public service priorities.

Leadership skills necessary to create vision, provide direction, and manage daily operations and administration.

Talent‑management abilities, including team development, staff engagement, and succession planning.

Cybersecurity knowledge, risk management, regulatory compliance, and threat mitigation.

IT governance expertise, including policy development, standards implementation, and compliance oversight.

Financial acumen, budgeting, cost optimization, capital planning, and vendor contract management.

Interpersonal skills for communicating with County personnel and the public with tact and patience.

Knowledge of current and emerging technologies and how to apply them to improve outcomes.

Administrative principles, including goal setting, program and budget development, and employee supervision.

Information systems management practices, including systems design, applications analysis, and hardware/software options.

Change‑management capabilities to guide adoption of new technologies and processes.

Operating principles of centralized and departmental hardware and software used by the County.

Telecommunications and data communications technology expertise.

Research, data analysis, and report preparation techniques.

Contract negotiation and administration principles and practices.

Planning, organizing, and directing systems development and computer operations.

Training others in work procedures.

Performance measurement and continuous improvement skills to monitor and enhance IT effectiveness.

Interpretation, application, and explanation of complex policies and regulations.

Setting priorities, coordinating multiple projects, and meeting critical deadlines.

Using sound, independent judgment within established policy guidelines.

Preparation of clear, concise, and effective written materials.

Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Education and Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, business, public administration, or a related field. Possession of an advanced degree is desirable. ITIL Foundations Certification or higher, PMP Certification, and a recognized certification in cybersecurity and risk management are desirable.

Experience

Five (5) years of leadership experience in information technology, preferably in a public agency.

Seniority level Director

Employment type Full-time

Job function Information Technology

Industries Government Administration

#J-18808-Ljbffr