Information Technology Manager

Information Technology Manager/CIO

Pierce Transit is an independent municipal organization, dedicated to fulfilling the mission of improving people's quality of life by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation services that are locally based and regionally connected. We are recruiting an experienced Information Technology Manager/CIO to lead Pierce Transit's Information Technology department, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer. This position provides senior-level technical expertise across multiple disciplines and is responsible for the secure, reliable, and efficient operation of agency technology systems, including networks, telecommunications, integrated business applications, cybersecurity, and other critical systems that support public transit services.

The IT Manager will lead, support, and develop a skilled technology team, coordinate multiple simultaneous projects and priorities, and work closely with senior-level stakeholders across Pierce Transit to understand business needs and recommend effective technology solutions. This position oversees technology strategy, budgeting, resource planning, critical systems management, and long-term technology planning.

The ideal candidate will bring broad technical expertise, strong leadership and communication skills, and the ability to align people, processes, and technology in support of agency goals. This role will be expected to foster innovation, support staff development, facilitate collaboration across departments, and provide strategic recommendations that strengthen Pierce Transit's technology environment and operational effectiveness.

Essential Functions

The following functions are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Provides strategic level advice to the Executive team regarding information technology. Plans, develops, coordinates, and implements information systems to meet the Agency's technology needs.
• Provides leadership and direction to the Information Technology Department to support the Agency's business goals and Strategic Plan. Develops and monitors implementation of department goals, objectives, priorities, and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures. Develops and coordinates implementation of the Information Technology Strategic Plan.
• Leads incident response, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning.
• Ensures compliance with accessibility, records retention, and data privacy requirements.
• Supervises the work of assigned personnel, including assigning and reviewing work, providing guidance, and conducting performance evaluations.
• Oversees the management of multiple, concurrent, large IT projects, primarily in project planning and development, oversight, and sponsorship roles. Coordinates feasibility studies, prepares requests for proposals, and oversees selection and work of consultants and vendors. Monitors progress, evaluates and accepts work or products, verifies charges, and oversees required remedial action. Prepares a variety of complex narrative and statistical reports, proposals, and recommendations.
• Develops, disseminates, and enforces policies, work rules, and procedures that ensure Agency computers, systems, and data are secure from unauthorized internal and external access.
• Researches, recommends and deploys new technologies. Maintains expertise in the area of architecture and cybersecurity. Advises on technology risk management and internal controls
• Develops and administers departmental operating budget. Oversees Agency capital and operating budget for technology.
• Manages department and budgets according to IT asset management best practices, data retention, computing, and cloud infrastructure.
• Communicates projects information and manages relationships with cross-functional departments, external agencies, and outside vendors.
• Forecasts for future funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, projects, and supplies. Monitors and controls expenditures to department operating and capital budgets.
• Develops and maintains partnerships with other departments. Collaboratively identifies solutions and provides clear and timely proactive communication.
• Supports and develops strong, effective teams by coaching staff, promoting collaboration, building skills, and creating an accountable, high-performing work environment. Provides technical direction and resolves complex design and project or contract scope issues.
• Represents the department with Pierce Transit Board, staff, and representatives of outside agencies.
• Demonstrates reliable and consistent attendance.
• Performs related work as required.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in information technology or systems, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Data Science, or a related field and
• Seven (7) years' of directly related experience, and
• Five (5) years' supervisory experience.

Desired:

• Public sector experience desired.
• Transit experience desired.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee supervision
• Current technology trends and systems
• Program development, management, and administration
• Budget preparation and administration
• Architecture of core business systems
• Disaster recovery and business continuity planning
• Data privacy, records management, and accessibility standards
• Risk management and internal controls
• Public-sector IT audit practices
• Methods of system implementation and project management
• Enterprise operating systems, databases, and reporting tools
• Enterprise performance monitoring
• Applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations
• Network infrastructure
• Cybersecurity threat vulnerabilities, protection measures, remediation and recovery
• Process improvement practices
• Vendor management, negotiations, and procurement strategies
• Business English
• Standard office procedures
• Microsoft Office products

Skill in:

• Staff coaching and development
• Management of a complex technology projects and operations
• Prioritization of competing demands
• Customer service
• Communications (verbal and written)
• Troubleshooting and analysis
• Organizational/time management skills
• Computer and database skills
• Change Management techniques
• Vendor/Contract Management
• Executive-level briefing and Board communication
• IT service management and performance measurement
• Conflict resolution and negotiation

Ability to:

• Identify technology trends and issues
• Align technology investments with long-term agency strategy
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques
• Interpret and administer policies and procedures
• Prepare and analyze complex data and comprehensive reports
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Meet schedules and deadlines of the work
• Follow verbal and written instructions

Competencies:

• The demonstration of specialized knowledge required to perform the job. Taking initiative in learning and implementing new concepts, technologies, and/or methods.
• Team Leadership and Development: Builds, supports, and develops strong, effective teams by setting clear expectations, coaching staff, encouraging collaboration, strengthening individual capabilities, and fostering a positive, accountable, and high-performing work environment.
• Clearly assigns responsibilities for tasks and decisions; sets clear objectives and measures, monitors process, progress, and results; provides feedback to employees and management.
• Analyzing and diagnosing problems to resolve them or minimize their negative consequences. Isolating, defining and seeking solutions to problem areas. Analyzing problems or procedures, evaluate alternatives, and select best course of action. Adapting traditional approaches or devising new approaches, concepts, methods, designs, processes, technologies and systems.
• Working effectively and productively with others, sometimes in a team setting. Working cooperatively, effectively and productively with internal and external customers.
• Speaks, writes, and listens effectively in a variety of circumstances, sharing information and ideas with others.
• Independently performing and accomplishing assignments and serving as a source of supply and support for the department, customers, and/or the agency.
• Demonstrates the ability to manage the course of a project in the most efficient and effective way
• Aligns own behavior and decisions with the needs and goals of the agency to increase productivity and efficiency.
• Pursues new directions and drives needed change.

Licensing, Certifications and Other