Assistant Director - IT Application Development

The School Employees Retirement System of Ohio is seeking an experienced and visionary Assistant Director for IT Application Development to lead the design, development, and implementation of our enterprise pension system. This strategic and operational role is responsible for aligning technology solutions with business goals, driving innovation, and ensuring operational excellence across the application development lifecycle., * Lead high-impact development teams and foster a strong, innovative software development culture.

• Drive adoption of modern software engineering practices and integrate GenAI technologies to enhance delivery velocity and quality.
• Shape and maintain the pension system’s technology roadmap, ensuring alignment with business needs and industry trends.
• Oversee vendor management, KPI-driven performance improvement, and comprehensive application lifecycle management (ALM).
• Partner with the CTO and business stakeholders to anticipate needs, prioritize features, and manage software releases.
• Champion Agile practices and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Enforce SERS policies, manage employee relations, and cultivate a unified “One IT” culture.
• Ensure project management rigor across all IT development initiatives.
• Guide project teams through the entire application lifecycle, ensuring quality and timely completion of deliverables.
• Maintain confidentiality, integrity, and security of all PII and PHI data in compliance with federal and state laws.
• Carry a cell phone to support daily business needs.
• Other duties as assigned., * Focus: Dedicated to meeting the needs of internal and external customers.
• Accountability: Takes responsibility for work activities and personal actions.
• Communication: Creates an environment of open, direct, and proactive communication.
• Collaboration: Develops cooperation and teamwork.
• Innovation: Commitment to new and innovative approaches.
• Strategic Leadership: Models SERS’ Leadership Pillars and supports ONE SERS.

• Master’s degree preferred or Bachelor’s degree in computer science, business, or related field.
• Seven to ten years’ experience in IT enterprise application development management.
• PMP Certification preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to model SERS’ Leadership Pillars: Strategic Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Trust and Collaboration, Embracing Change and Uncertainty, Accountability, Talent Development, and a positive, engaging work environment.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills.
• Ability to assess strengths and weaknesses of individuals and teams, prioritize tasks, and delegate effectively.
• Empathetic communication skills, both oral and written.
• Conflict management and adaptability.
• Strong attention to detail, planning, and organizing skills.
• Effective relationship-building and teamwork.
• Strategic awareness and broad thinking.
• Equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience considered.

Pulled from the full job description

• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance, * Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

SERS is a defined benefit public pension fund that provides retirement allowances, disability and survivor benefits, and access to health care coverage for the people who served our schools. Our members are school bus drivers, custodians, secretaries, cafeteria workers, teacher’s aides, administrative and support staff, treasurers, business managers, and school board members - anyone who works for a school or school system in a nonteaching position. Our office is located in Columbus, Ohio.