City of Foster City

Estero Municipal Improvement District

Job Specification

Information Technology Manager

DEFINITION:

Under general direction, manages the planning, budgeting, implementation, maintenance and security of City-wide information technology tools, including information systems, facilities, software, equipment, communications, staffing and training; ensures that systems development proceeds in a logical, integrated fashion to meet the needs of the City and its operating departments; oversees the City?s inventory of its capital investment in information technology tools.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS, FEATURES, REQUIREMENTS:

This is a full-time, one-position class in the Management Employees group. This class differs from that of GIS / Database Analyst and Network / Telecommunications Administrator in that it is a Division Manager in the Administrative Services Department, supervises the GIS / Database Analyst and Network / Telecommunications Administrator and has broader administrative responsibility. The position serves as principal advisor to City officials on all aspects of City-wide telecommunications and information processing systems.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED:

Receives administrative direction from the Administrative Services Director and exercises supervision over the GIS / Database Analyst and Network / Telecommunications Administrator.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Assists in the development and implementation of the City?s Information Technology Plan, including goals, priorities and policies relating to City-wide information and communications management; develops and updates City guidelines for resource expenditure, project control, data and equipment security, information privacy, internal controls, and contingency plans; recommends overall strategy for the planning, use and coordination of information processing technology and services including the evaluation of current and proposed systems; negotiates and administers contracts for hardware and software acquisition, implementation, maintenance and for telecommunications consulting services; supervises minicomputer and PC support and applications development, including local area networks and wide area networks support and development; oversees the annual planning process for information systems in each department and ensures that consistent, integrated City-wide systems planning is ongoing; monitors significant trends in office automation, electronic mail, system networks, telecommunications, voice mail, geographic information systems, optical scanning systems and other state-of-the-art technologies; prepares annual budget information and assists departments in preparing cost estimates related to information and communications systems and equipment; develops and participates in an on-going computer training program for all City personnel; supervises operation and maintenance of City-wide telephone and voice mail systems; consults with department personnel regarding implementation or revision of new systems, alternatives and improvements; supervises the preparation of periodic and routine reports on operating performance, equipment and application utilization, level of efficiency and standards of service; conducts needs analysis, documents requirements and negotiates with vendors for consulting services, hardware, software and training for City staff; maintains liaison with equipment manufacturers? and software vendors? representatives to ensure satisfactory support; supervises technical support staff in maintaining efficient operation of the City?s information and communications systems.

OTHER JOB-RELATED DUTIES:

Attends meetings and conferences; attends and presents technical information at City Council and other meetings, including Council advisory committees on Information Technology issues; leads and participates in employee task forces and committees related to information technology.

JOB-RELATED QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:  principles and applications of information technology tools, including planning and development of information and telecommunications systems applicable to municipal government and similar service-based organizations; trends in computer technology as applied to business and management information systems including capacity, characteristics, capabilities and limitations of computers, telecommunications, operating systems, software and peripheral equipment; IBM systems architecture and personal computer hardware, software, operations, procedures analysis, design and maintenance requirements; telecommunications and voice mail technology; principles of training and effective instruction; principles and practices of supervision and employee development; public sector budgetary techniques and controls; policy development and implementation.

Skill in:  budget analysis and preparation including ability to make cost projections, cost-benefit analyses and monitor expenditures; troubleshooting hardware and software problems and securing appropriate support.

Ability to:  analyze complex problems and make sound decisions and recommendations; research, understand and apply proposed new technology to City operations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of people; motivate and supervise individuals and elicit cooperation from groups to achieve tasks, fully utilize systems and meet program goals; effectively learn and apply related policies, procedures and practices affecting information services; identify needs, ways and means for achieving improvement and efficiency; communicate clearly orally and in writing; conduct needs analysis and other ongoing methods of soliciting city-wide department input regarding system efficiencies, utilization, problems and potential solutions; plan and coordinate projects by identifying priorities and deadlines for completion; communicate technical information in non-technical terms; develop and recommend long term plans and strategies for continued effective use of automated resources.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING GUIDELINES: Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way would be:

Education:  A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, Public Administration or a closely related field with course work in technology-related subjects.

Experience:  Five years of progressively responsible experience in the development and analysis of complex electronic data processing and telecommunications systems for a variety of needs. Supervisory experience is preferred. Experience in mixed minicomputer (specifically, IBM AS/400) and PC environments using a combination of local and wide area network topologies is preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to learn, retain, interpret and communicate complex information, technology, policies, practice and procedures; instruct, communicate with and support others in the use of various technologies; maintain composure in difficult situations; deal effectively with a wide variety of people and technical needs and problems; manage project demands, priorities, costs and appropriate timelines to meet service requirements.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, REGISTRATION:

Licenses:  Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License.

SALARY:  $8,852 - $10,759 per month