Chief Technology Officer

Lower Merion Township, PA, United States

This highly responsible Chief Technology Officer position involves the strategic visioning, implementation, and operational oversight of all Township information technology (IT) systems, including the Township’s telecommunications system.

The Information Technology Department is responsible for strategic planning of information systems supporting municipal operations. The department works with all Township departments to understand their information technology needs, develop and implement solutions, and support all systems, equipment and software.

Works under the supervision of the Township Manager and/or Manager’s designee. Establishes technical vision and leads all aspects of technology development (data and voice), according to the Township’s strategic direction and growth objectives.

Leads the strategy for technology platforms, partnerships and external relationships as well as building and managing the technology team, including key vendor partners.

Implements technology solutions and supports underlying systems.

Works integrally with the Finance and Human Resources Departments to create and extract reports for management information.

Establishes technical standards and ensures adherence to them.

Establishes and maintains strong security systems and policies. Performs annual testing of security systems through internal/external vulnerability and penetration testing.

Maintains security compliance in order to meet requirements and qualify for annual renewal of cyber security insurance.

Supervises software testing and information systems security and maintenance.

Supervises web application and software development.

Collaborates with department heads and others to assess and recommend technologies in support of Township needs.

Implements key projects to provide constituent services and increase efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.

Develops and maintains Township’s Information Technology Disaster Recovery Plan.

Develops and maintains Township’s Five-year Information Technology Vision Plan.

In conjunction with Senior Staff, devises the information technology framework, technology procedures and practices of the organization and sets up the policies and structures for managing the underlying information technology infrastructure, which comprises all of the organization's computers, servers, computer peripherals, telecommunication systems, Internet connectivity networks, software applications and data center.

Works closely with the Finance Department in providing compliance reports to meet the Township’s annual audit by outside auditors.

Works closely with the Information Technology team (5 full-time employees including the Chief Technology Officer) and allocates specific roles and responsibilities; manages team needs and requirements, mentors the team, and infuses a teamwork ethic.

Deals with vendors and suppliers, partners, and other agencies to purchase information technology assets and ensure the efficient running of the infrastructure, including the management of hosted data.

Keeps informed about the latest information technology sector developments and industry best practices through reading and by attending technology conferences and seminars.

Acts as a good steward of the Township’s resources and ensures control of the departmental budget.

Participates on Emergency Management team.

Attends evening meetings as required.

Performs related work as required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Purchasing and Network Specifications

Establishes and maintains network infrastructures at all Township properties.

Plans, purchases and coordinates contract authorizations for all network related services, including hardware, software and vendor services relating to maintenance of the network infrastructure, cloud related services and off site data storage for backup and recovery.

Plans and budgets for all information technology related services across departments.

Guides and assists all departments with technology related equipment and services within each department. This includes annual budget preparation.

Telecommunications Services

Plans, purchases and coordinates contract authorizations for all telecommunications service providers at all Township properties.

Plans, purchases and coordinates contract authorizations for wireless service providers.

Maintains systems including contacting vendors as necessary to schedule service and follow-up on related service action.

Network Services

Maintains all networking services.

Maintains network and user security parameters.

Maintains backups and archival systems.

Maintains and secures all physical network related equipment.

Monitors and responds to network related service issues as necessary.

Network Security

Maintains network security in reference to the following:

Anti-Virus security

Intrusion security

Spam and email security

Manages and maintains Internet traffic security and provides audit reports of Internet activity to departments as requested.

Workstations and Accessories

Assists and guides all department heads with respect to workstation and accessory equipment including budgeting, purchasing and invoicing.

Help Desk

Maintains a user access system for requesting help desk services.

Manages and responds to help desk requests that include the following responsibilities:

Hardware issues

Software issues

Connectivity and security issues

Telecommunication issues

Wireless and Smartphone issues

User maintenance issues

Security audit requests

Video and audio evidence requests from Police Department

Employee Training

Conducts regular training sessions with the staff.

Fosters open and consistent communication in respect to technology news and education.

Website

Coordinates support for the Township website.

Bachelor’s degree in computer or information technology or business administration, math, or management and seven to ten years of progressive responsible experience in information technology management, five to seven of which should be in a supervisory capacity. Master’s degree preferred.

Evidence of continued education in technical and management disciplines and/or MIS desired.

Experience or demonstrated knowledge in the migration of applications from mainframe technology to client servers and/or the cloud; application of PC technology; development of LANS and WANS; electronic mail; imaging; Geographic Information Systems; and strategic plan development also required. Local government experience and knowledge a plus.

Certified Government Chief Information Officer Certification preferred or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Understanding of Financial/Human Resources systems (ERP systems).

Understanding of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the importance of land-based applications in local government.

Understanding of information technology infrastructure.

Possess sound negotiation skills to leverage organizational purchasing power.

Ability to master various municipally oriented information systems e.g., Public Safety applications.

Ability to think and act strategically and proactively.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to analyze and solve problems at both a strategic and functional level.

Ability to prioritize and organize.

Strong writing and presentation skills.

Demonstrated ability to lead people and get results through others.

Valid automotive driver’s license.Ability to sit for a minimum of 5 up to 8 hours, stand for a minimum of 1 up to 3 hours, and walk or drive for a minimum of 1 up to 2 hours per workday.

Ability to bend, stoop and squat, reach above shoulder level, crouch, lift, and/or push or pull up to 35% of the workday for general office procedures.

Ability to lift and carry up to 35 pounds of equipment up to 35% of the workday.

Ability to use hands for simple grasping, fine manipulation and repetitive movements for general office procedures including typing and writing.

Ability to perform job functions using safety precautions where environmental conditions may be challenging.

Ability to drive automobile.

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