Deputy Director of Information Technology - Deputy CIO

Under general direction, this position is responsible for: planning, organizing, and managing day-to-day IT operations; overseeing IT projects as assigned, including but not limited to vendor communication; overseeing project life cycles; ensuring IT systems security and integrity; assisting in the recommendation, development, implementation, and support of IT solutions throughout the County; purchasing enterprise and department hardware, software, and ancillary IT items; maintaining documentation for system architecture and project progress/timelines; participating in fiscal, administrative, and personnel decision making; and performing related work as required and/or assigned. This position is onsite, 5 days per week., * Oversee day-to-day IT operations for including monitoring project timelines, end-user needs, help desk review, procurement, inventory management, and reporting. Assist IT staff to appropriate daily projects and duties, and review project outcomes as measured against IT operational, and strategic goals and initiatives.

• Manage project life cycles from documentation of business requirements through solution acceptance by the group(s) who will be responsible for ongoing operations. Align technical solutions and features to requirements and tracing/monitoring the fulfillment of those requirements.

• Apply excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group, executives, managers, and subject matter experts. Create design, development, delivery and management of communication plan, project roadmap, training plan, test plan, change management plan, etc.,

• Oversee the procurement, installation, inventory management, life-cycle maintenance, and license management of IT hardware and software (including but not limited to: PCs, peripherals, servers, networking equipment, communications, operating systems, and software).

• Lead requirements and verification through creative means such as customer interviews, requirements workshops, storyboards, business process analysis, etc. Develop software fit/gap analyses, functional specifications, preliminary and detailed business requirements, use cases, and business process/workflow diagrams.

• Oversee, administer, and monitor IT security compliance (including, but not limited to, cybersecurity awareness, CJIS, HIPAA, and PCI) in accordance with adopted standards, policies, and procedures.

• Coordinate Information Technology operations at multiple county campuses/sites to promote maximum efficiency in addition to overseeing systems installation, debugging, and operational troubleshooting.

• Assist with development of IT policies and procedures, annual IT Strategic and Operations Planning revisions (including the identification of viable metrics and performance measures for annual budget reporting), and training and employee development programs. In addition, coordinate development and implementation of policies and procedures relating to new technology, information systems, changes in business process and/or regulations, and change management controls.

• Participate in budget discussions and strategic development. Develop, negotiate, and administer RFPs and contracts to acquire IT product solutions and services. Ensure vendor compliance with contractual requirements and product specifications.

• Respond to emergencies, system problems or maintenance situations as appropriate.

• Conduct staff meetings as assigned, and attend other meetings as assigned/necessary.

• Act as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) & Director of IT in the absence of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) & Director of IT.

• Perform other duties or projects as assigned by the Chief Information Officer (CIO) & Director of IT.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or related field, or a combination of education, experience, and training that would provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the functions of the job.

• Five (5) years of experience as a Systems Administrator, Network Analyst or Network Engineer, or other higher classification.

• Advanced proficiency in the management and administration of Microsoft Windows Server, Veeam Backup, M365, Public Records Request, and in administering hardware and virtual server environments.

• Build partnerships and work collaboratively with staff at all levels to meet shared objectives.

• Recognize the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.

• Can quickly develop an in-depth understanding of business rules and processes for the purpose of optimizing/streamlining workflows.

• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

• Successfully pass a full background investigation, including a fingerprint background check.

• Basic knowledge of AI Governance and Research & Development.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Interpersonal and customer service skills. Establish and maintain effective working relation with county employees and with those contracted in the course of work. Effectively deal and assist clients with limited knowledge of PC use and applications. Excellent communication skills to get information and ideas across a wide range and levels of client users.

• Networking in a LAN/WAN environment, including strong skills in network security/cybersecurity, and working in virtual environments.

• In-depth knowledge of VOIP telephony protocols.

• Ability to handle confidential material.

• Ability to maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation; and to create and present oral and written presentations. Manage team projects

• Ability to work effectively in a teamwork environment, as well as able to work well independently.

• Continue to upgrade and update relevant technical skills, and a willingness to share information and expertise among the team and clients.

• Strong time management skills, and ability to perform work under time/date deadlines.

• Analytical skills to assess and identify problems, and develop corrective action, and develop logical/effective solutions.

• Ability to handle job stress and interact effectively with others in the workplace.

Cowlitz County offers a competitive benefits package for Full-Time employees, including:

• Health Insurance: Variety of Medical, dental, life, vision, and prescription insurance for employee and family. Employees who are covered under another person’s medical plan have the option of an HRA (Health Retirement Account) in lieu of medical insurance. HSA and FSA plans are also available, depending on eligibility.
• 11 Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: All full-time employees must participate in a Washington State Retirement Services plan, and may participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan, if desired.
• Employee Assistance Program employees and family members for help with personal or family issues.
• Group Life Insurance: Basic life and Accident insurance is provided to employee, with additional insurance available to purchase.