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City of Cedar Rapids, IA - Information Technology Director Job at Raftelis

Raftelis Cedar Rapids, IA

$120,000 - $160,000 a year
The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking an experienced and capable leader to become the next Information Technology (IT) Director. As head of the Department, the IT Director is responsible for managing all functional IT areas. This position works in collaboration with multiple departments and agencies to develop and analyze policies and programs that best support process improvement, including continual evaluation and oversight on the implementation of new systems, hardware, software, network infrastructure, and custom applications. This position will report to the City Manager and work closely with the Assistant City Manager. The position formerly reported to the Finance Director and has been moved to its own department.

The IT Director is also responsible for setting short and long-term strategic objectives for such information systems/technology based on stakeholder input and providing oversight on contractors supplying IT systems/services. The IT Director will encourage the high performance and motivation of staff, consistently building a culture of continuous improvement. The Director can effectively communicate strategic direction, develop measurable performance goals, and oversee project management on a daily basis.

Along with providing leadership and management within the IT Department, the IT Director is also responsible for the development and management of the Departments annual budget; including capital projects; forecast funds needed for hardware, software, and professional services, and the security of internal network infrastructure, while simultaneously maintaining computer systems and data in compliance with security regulations. This requires a deep understanding of the city-wide organizational needs and demands of the City of Cedar Rapids.

The IT Director will develop the strategic direction of the Department with the City Manager and serve as the subject matter expert to senior leadership on complex strategic technology issues and initiatives. This position has 4 direct reports.

Priorities

  • Alongside the City Manager, determine departmental and City-wide information system infrastructure and data needs (such as cybersecurity, network design/switching, wireless capabilities, storage) and direct and implement effective programs to meet the short-term and long-term needs, prioritize IT initiatives, and coordinate the evaluation, deployment, and management of current and future IT systems across the organization.
  • Guide the Department through long-range planning, plan implementation, and everyday maintenance and operations with a strong focus on customer service.
  • Develop robust cybersecurity assessment and assess risk.
  • Identify ways to leverage technology to improve the external user experience for customers when interfacing with the City.
The Successful Candidate

Cedar Rapids ideal IT Director possesses a strong IT security focus and has experience working in large and complex public or private sector organizations. This individual is collaborative and easily builds rapport with IT personnel and other department directors and leadership. They have excellent budget and project management skills and are accustomed to working in multi-mission organizations. The new IT Director effectively communicates complex information and ensures the City continues to provide exceptional service to City staff, residents, and businesses.

The successful candidate drives change and innovation that supports and enables the City to embrace new ideas and operational enhancements. The ideal candidate leads and empowers the specialized, expert staff. They are naturally curious and inquisitive and embrace those same qualities in their team. They are a strong advocate, mentor, and active listener. They are a transparent and effective communicator who values honesty and integrity.

The IT Director will emphasize prioritization, resource allocation, and time management. They will further define and evolve the process for assessing, adopting, and evaluating projects and initiatives. While pursuing continuous innovation, they will also ensure that the City has the right resources in place to be effective. They are a strategic thinker yet remain focused on the successful execution of day-to-day programs and initiatives through the staff within IT.

The ideal candidate strikes a necessary balance between strategy, culture, innovation, process, and technology. They continue to educate others on the value of information and innovation projects and initiatives and how their efforts connect to the larger strategy and vision of the City. The new IT Director will become a trusted resource and actively engage others to discuss programs and initiatives, answer questions, address challenges, and resolve issues. They take a collaborative approach to partner with all department directors to expertly problem-solve and address their missions and needs.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements include a bachelors degree in Business Administration, Computer Science, or related experience; seven years of senior experience in IT, IS Security, Compliance, IT/IS, Risk, or related field; OR the equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated experience in organizational leadership and staff management, excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations, and financial management, including budget preparation and advanced project management skills, are essential. An NCIC Certification will need to be obtained within six months of appointment.

Preferred qualifications include IT leadership experience in a government setting. Experience in partnering and advising leaders on strategic initiatives and helping to drive operational improvement through enhanced technology operations is also preferred.

Inside The Organization and Department

The City of Cedar Rapids serves more than 137,000 people who live, work, and play in the City of Five Seasons. The City is operated under the Council-Manager Form of Government, which consists of eight Council members plus the Mayor. The City Council appoints a full-time City Manager to carry out the policies it establishes and to oversee the day-to-day administrative operations of City government. Each City Department is managed by a Department Director, who reports to the City Manager (or Assistant City Manager).

More than 1,300 people work for the City of Cedar Rapids, providing services for all residents and businesses. Additionally, the City of Cedar Rapids collectively bargains with seven unions that cover frontline employees in various Departments.

The IT Department, formerly under the Finance Director and now a free-standing department, is a support department ensuring the City has the tools it needs to serve its residents and businesses. The Department is responsible for the strategy, design, transition, operation, and improvement of services related to technology and its use within the City. The IT Department focuses on critical security needs for all technology systems.

To assist in the Departments technology needs being met, prominent committees are used as communication tools between departments and IT:

  • The IT User Group focuses on the business needs and viewing of upcoming technology for departments.
  • The IT EnerGov User Group focuses on enhancing communication between the IT Department Support Staff and EnerGov Technology Users.
  • The GIS Users Group focuses on new GIS developments and applications.
The following are the core services of IT:
  • Enterprise Application Solutions develops and supports a vast array of software and systems that are used both citywide and specific to departments within the City.
  • Customer Support serves as the customer-facing element between City departments and all information technology sections. They are the front-line interface for computers, mobility devices, new user setup, software applications, and voice services.
  • Geographic Information Systems responsible for a comprehensive database of geographical, topological, and statistical information for use in the major development and capital projects of the City.
  • Infrastructure responsible for maintaining the collection of servers, network equipment, and connections for voice and data services resulting in high continuity of electronic communications between City facilities.
Organizational Health

In Cedar Rapids, the concept of organizational health is an important framework that fosters effective teamwork and productivity organizational health is achieved by building a cohesive leadership team, establishing clarity among our leaders, communicating mission, vision, and values to all city employees, and integrating organizational health into the fabric of city operations.

The City of Cedar Rapids has implemented the Organizational Health Model from best-selling author, Patrick Lencioni. This model consists of five principles. Each principle builds on the previous principle. City teams conduct team assessments and create playbooks to maximize performance and achieve results. City leaders are trained in integrating organizational health concepts within the areas of responsibility.

Organizational Health is the responsibility of every leader and employee at the City of Cedar Rapids. Leaders and employees from every department have earned certifications in organizational health and have been instrumental in integrating the model throughout the organization.

The Community

Situated on the banks of the Cedar River in eastern Iowa, Cedar Rapids is a thriving Midwestern community rich in history, art, and culture. As Iowa's second-largest city, Cedar Rapids is a central economic hub and enjoys a diverse, stable business environment. The community is affordable, inclusive, and safe qualities often cited as the reasons Cedar Rapids is one of the nation's best places to live, work, and raise a family. Cedar Rapids has something for everyone with ample parkland and green space, a large variety of nightlife and restaurant options, and a year-round calendar of exciting events.

There is never a shortage of things to do in Cedar Rapids. The City's expansive park and trail system spans more than 4,170 acres of land and green space, and the Cedar River provides a wide range of water recreation opportunities. Cedar Rapids even has a small island on the Cedar River. Mays Island houses the Linn County District Court and Correctional Center, the Veterans Memorial Building and Coliseum, and two small parks. Downtown Cedar Rapids is a shopping and dining destination, and the nearby Veterans Memorial Stadium is home to Minor League Baseball's Cedar Rapids Kernels, a Minnesota Twins affiliate team.

For those seeking culture and history, the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library, African American Museum of Iowa, and the historic Paramount Theatre are sure to please. The Czech Village/New Bohemia District, located in the heart of Cedar Rapids, celebrates the community's distinct Czech heritage. Home to the most extensive collection of Grant Wood paintings in the world at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art and the Brucemore mansion Iowa's only National Trust Historic Site Cedar Rapids has unique offerings that can't be topped.

Cedar Rapids boasts a large and diverse tax base due to its substantial commercial, health care, food processing, manufacturing, telecommunication, and aerospace companies. The City's largest employers include Collins Aerospace Transamerica, St. Luke's Hospital, and Cedar Rapids Community School District. Other sizeable industrial utility users include International Paper, Ingredion, ADM, JRS Pharma, Cargill, and Dupont. General Mills and Quaker Oats also have plants here.

The Cedar Rapids Community School District serves most students in the community, with portions of the City served by the Linn-Mar Community School District and the College Community School District. Higher education opportunities are available at one of the two private liberal arts universities in Cedar Rapids Coe College and Mt. Mercy University. Kirkwood Community College is in Cedar Rapids and the University of Iowa is located less than 30 miles south of the City.

Every year the Cedar Rapids community experiences the wonders of changing seasons in typical Midwestern fashion. Some say that taking the time to appreciate everyday beauty extends life, almost like an extra season is added to every year. Cedar Rapids offers a unique balance of big-city amenities without all the typical hassles and headaches of a large city. This extra time afforded to residents and visitors is why Cedar Rapids is known as "The City of Five Seasons." This fifth season affords residents time to enjoy all other seasons and to enjoy life.

Quick Facts

  • Population: 137,710
  • Median Household Income: $58,511
  • Median Home Value: $141,800
  • Median Age: 36.3
All demographic information was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected hiring range is $120,000 to $160,000, depending upon qualifications, with an excellent benefits package. Learn more about our options and employee-based benefits here.

Benefits offered include the following:
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flex Leave
  • Long-Term Illness and Injury Leave
  • Longevity
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Retirement (IPERS)
  • Deferred Compensation
  • Educational Assistance
  • Employee Recognition Program
  • Parental Leave
How to Apply

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning June 24, 2023.

Questions

Please direct questions to Catherine Tuck Parrish at ctuckparrish@raftelis.com and Kelsey Batt at kbatt@raftelis.com.

Download Recruitment Brochure


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