Director of Information Technology

Palo Alto County is seeking a full-time Director of Information Technology to lead the County’s technology strategy, cybersecurity posture, and daily IT operations. The Director will oversee all infrastructure, systems, applications, and technology services that support County departments and public-facing operations. As stated in the original posting, “The position requires the director to be on call 24/7/365.”, Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Develop and execute a long-term technology roadmap aligned with County goals

• Lead modernization initiatives including cloud adoption, cybersecurity enhancements, and digital service improvements

• Advise County leadership on emerging technologies, risks, and opportunities

Cybersecurity & Compliance

• Implement and maintain a comprehensive cybersecurity program

• Oversee endpoint protection, threat monitoring, vulnerability management, and incident response

• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations (CJIS, HIPAA where applicable)
• Conduct regular security training for County staff

Infrastructure & Systems Management

• Manage on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure, including virtualization platforms, Windows Server environments, and Active Directory

• Oversee network architecture (LAN/WAN), firewalls, VPNs, and wireless systems
• Maintain high availability and disaster recovery systems
• Administer Microsoft SQL environments and support database-driven applications

Application & Service Support

• Support in-house and third-party applications used across County departments
• Oversee VoIP phone systems and unified communications

• Manage GIS systems and integrations (preferred experience)

• Coordinate vendor relationships and service contracts

Operational Management

• Lead the IT department’s daily operations, including help desk support and project management

• Develop and maintain IT policies, procedures, and documentation
• Manage IT budgets, procurement, and asset lifecycle
• Ensure reliable, responsive service delivery to all County offices

Palo Alto County is seeking a full-time IT Director. The director shall provide hands-on direction and coordination of County’s Information Technology Department including technology needs assessment, development and support of in-house or third-party computer applications, and management of County’s LAN/WAN network. The ideal candidate will have experience working in virtualization, Windows operating systems, Windows server environment, firewalls and Microsoft SQL, and experience in voice over IP phone system. Experience in GIS is also preferred. The IT Director must be able to work independently with little or no supervision, be reliable, responsible, and dependable in fulfilling obligations. The position requires the director to be on call 24/7/365.

Ideal candidate may possess an associate’s degree in networking, computer science, or a related field, with a minimum of 2-3 years of related job experience., * Prefer an associate’s degree or higher in Information Technology , Networking , Computer Science , or a related field

• Minimum 3-5 years of relevant IT experience , with leadership experience preferred

• Strong background in virtualization, Windows operating systems, Windows Server, firewalls, Microsoft SQL, and VoIP systems

• Experience with GIS platforms is preferred

• Ability to work independently, demonstrate sound judgment, and maintain reliability in critical situations

• Must reside within 30 minutes of Emmetsburg, IA , consistent with the original requirement that the applicant “must be willing to reside within a 30-minute response time to Emmetsburg, IA.”, Diploma List Schools/Addresses No. Years or Completed Graduate

High School

College

1. List any computer programs and skills that you might have that would aid in the performance of the position for which you are applying

Salary is dependent on qualifications, background and experience, plus generous benefit package. Successful applicant must be willing to reside within a 30-minute response time to Emmetsburg, IA., Salary is based on qualifications, background, and experience. Palo Alto County offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package .