ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES

Job Specifications

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under general direction assist the Information Services Director in planning, organizing and directing the Department of Information Services and its divisions in development and support of the Countys information and technology systems; acts as the Director in the absence of the Director of Information Services; and does other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The incumbent is responsible for administrative and management tasks that support the goals of the Information Services Department. Performs complex and difficult assignments requiring knowledge of effective administrative and management methods applied to a broad range of information and technology services including: application development, computer operations, telecommunications, PC/Network based services and customer service; assures a high level of customer satisfaction and performs special projects involving planning, organizing and monitoring and project management; participates in the development of department budget. Incumbents act as the Director in the absence of the department head.

TYPICAL TASKS

Executes department plans; organizes, directs and coordinates activities consistent with department and County goals; directs and coordinates through subordinate managers; researches technology; makes technology recommendations; consults with Director in the formulation of department goals and objectives; evaluates the effectiveness of existing operations; formulates improvements in departmental services; implements organizational plans; enforces project management disciplines; designs and compiles reports supporting: goal development, project planning, and progress status; analyzes plans and coordinates staff development; may evaluate and develop department or division policies and procedures; develops contracts and represents the department in negotiations with hardware, software and service vendors; evaluates subordinate management and staff; may represent department in dealing with complaints, other departments, agencies and community groups; consults with the Director and other management staff on work programs, schedules, and/or reviews reports and correspondence, attends meetings and conferences.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of effective management principles and practices in a large, diverse organization;
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of organizational control and personnel management;
• Thorough knowledge of modern information technology solutions, concepts and methods;
• Thorough knowledge of customer service and customer support;
• Thorough knowledge of project management and product delivery;
• Working knowledge of modern methods and techniques used to deliver effective information technology services;
• Working knowledge of current methods and tools used for information technology application development;

Ability to:

• Understand and relate to others the goals, concepts and principles of the Information Services Department;
• Supervise, train and evaluate the work of subordinate staff;
• Plan, organize, direct and coordinate departmental resources in a diverse and complex organization;
• Exercise initiative, ingenuity, independent analysis and judgment in solving complex and difficult administrative, managerial and technical problems;
• Evaluate policy and program practices, define problem areas, develop and direct implementation of policy decisions and practices to improve department operations;
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with the general public, boards, other departments, governmental agencies, commissions, public officials, and staff;
• Speak effectively before large groups.

Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Equivalent to graduation with Degree in Information Management, Public Administration or related field and four years of supervisory or management experience. Additional qualifying experience may substitute for a maximum of two years of education.

Bargaining Unit: 06
Occupational Grouping: 84
EEOC Job Category: 01
WorkersComp Code: 0053