Performs complex executive, managerial, strategic, and professional work in planning, directing, securing, and managing the Countys information technology systems, services, infrastructure, data resources, digital operations, and technology governance programs. The position provides leadership for technology strategy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and data governance, service delivery, budgeting, project management, vendor coordination, business continuity, and the effective use of technology to support County departments, employees, elected officials, and the public. Serves as a member of the county management team.

An employee in this class serves as the Countys senior information technology leader and is responsible for directing the planning, development, security, implementation, operation, and continuous improvement of countywide technology systems and services. Work involves establishing technology strategy, governance, policies, standards, priorities, and service delivery practices to support County operations, public services, regulatory obligations, and organizational goals. The position provides leadership and oversight for information technology operations, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and data governance, infrastructure, enterprise systems, digital services, business continuity, technology procurement, vendor management, and major technology initiatives. The employee works closely with the County Manager, department heads, elected officials, public safety partners, vendors, and other stakeholders to identify needs, manage risks, evaluate solutions, and ensure technology resources are secure, reliable, effective, and aligned with County priorities. The work requires considerable independent judgment, initiative, technical knowledge, leadership ability, and skill in communicating complex technology issues to technical and non-technical audiences. Supervises subordinate staff and oversees work of contractors and consultants. Work is performed under the general direction of the County Manager and is evaluated through conferences, reports, achievement of strategic goals, effectiveness of technology operations, security and risk management practices, project outcomes, service delivery, and responsiveness to County needs.

Essential Functions

Provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for the Countys information technology systems, services, infrastructure, cybersecurity, data resources, digital operations, and technology governance programs. Identifies and acts upon organizational technology needs through communication, collaboration and engagement.

Develops, implements, and communicates technology strategies, policies, standards, projects, procurement plans, service delivery practices, and business continuity measures to support secure, reliable, and effective County operations.

Ensures all information systems and networks operate according to internal standards and applicable external standards, regulatory agencies, and legal requirements. Determines the impact changes in government regulations and mandates have on county information systems.

Prepares Information Technology Department capital and annual operating budgets and monitors expenditures; ensures fiscal responsibility and compliance with contracting and purchasing requirements. Drafts, reviews, and completes contracts for services, line-item transfers and budget amendments. Collaborates with departments to review and recommend IT-related budget requests. Manages vendor contracts.

Advises County leadership, departments, elected officials, and other stakeholders on technology needs, cybersecurity risks, responsible use of artificial intelligence, data governance, digital service delivery, and emerging technology trends.

Oversees technology operations, enterprise systems, broadband connectivity, user support, vendor and contract management, compliance requirements, disaster recovery, incident response, and the protection, availability, integrity, and confidentiality of County systems and data.

Leads, guides, and communicates infrastructure services status to organizational leadership.

Provides leadership and supervision for information technology staff. Interviews and recommends employees; completes employee evaluations; manages time off requests; and recommends departmental employees for merit increases and promotions. Sets department and program goals, prioritizes and assigns work, provides coaching and counseling, monitors performance; promotes customer service, collaboration, accountability, innovation, security awareness, professional development, and continuous improvement.

Serves as a strategic partner on the County Managers Management Team. Provides leadership to county department heads, assists with general problem resolution, participates in the development of the overall county budget.

Prepares clear and concise documentation, summaries, reports, policies and other written materials such as monthly department reports and project status updates. Prepares and verbally presents information, as needed.

Organizes, prioritizes and manages a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; meets critical time deadlines.

Stays current on new technologies; provides direction on emerging technologies and technology challenges; provides strategic direction with technology solutions. Assists with selection and implementation of new technology.

Attends all Board of County Commissioner regular meetings and work sessions and oversees the production, recording and living streaming of meetings, as requested.

Additional Job Functions

Required to serve during times of disaster

Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelors degree in information technology, computer science, cybersecurity, information systems, public administration, business administration, or a related field, and at least seven years of progressively responsible information technology experience, including three years of supervisory or management experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.

Special Requirements

Possession of a driver's license valid in North Carolina.

CJIS Certification Required.

Must be a Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO) or obtain within two years of employment.

Must reside in Craven County or establish and maintain residency in Craven County within eighteen (18) months of employment.

Additional Information

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of information technology principles, practices, systems, infrastructure, hardware, cybersecurity, data management, digital services, and technology governance in a public-sector environment.

Thorough knowledge of cybersecurity risk management, incident response, business continuity, disaster recovery, access control, data protection, compliance requirements, and responsible use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

Considerable knowledge of technology planning, budge

Craven County Government

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