Information Technology Director

Craven County is seeking an Information Technology Director to perform complex executive, managerial, strategic, and professional work in planning, directing, securing, and managing the County’s 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. Essential Functions Provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for the County’s 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 of changes in government regulations and mandates 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 Manager’s Management Team. Provides leadership to county department heads, assists with general problem resolution, and 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 streaming of meetings, as requested. #J-18808-Ljbffr