Special Assistant (Director, Information Technology and Innovation Office)

Duties Description The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is a science-based, technology-driven agency with specialized scientific hardware and software requirements, and a strong commitment to working in an energy-efficient, sustainable, and paper-free environment. The Department is undertaking a generational investment in information technology systems and seeks an experienced technology leader who will strengthen DEC’s internal IT governance, coordination, and oversight practices to ensure that information processes, technology systems, and modernization efforts align with DEC’s strategic goals and are effectively executed in partnership with Office of Information Technology Services’ (ITS) Dedicated Support Team (DST) through secure, cost-effective systems and tools, and in accordance with the applicable NYS policies, including DOB Budget Bulletin H-0300. Description Duties Description The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is a science-based, technology-driven agency with specialized scientific hardware and software requirements, and a strong commitment to working in an energy-efficient, sustainable, and paper-free environment. The Department is undertaking a generational investment in information technology systems and seeks an experienced technology leader who will strengthen DEC’s internal IT governance, coordination, and oversight practices to ensure that information processes, technology systems, and modernization efforts align with DEC’s strategic goals and are effectively executed in partnership with Office of Information Technology Services’ (ITS) Dedicated Support Team (DST) through secure, cost-effective systems and tools, and in accordance with the applicable NYS policies, including DOB Budget Bulletin H-0300. The individual serving as the Director, Information Technology and Innovation Office, will report to the Deputy Commissioner for Risk and Innovation. The Director will oversee DEC’s Information and Data Governance Program, support IT project prioritization, and serve as the primary liaison with the DST to facilitate communication, improve resource alignment, enhance workflows, and ensure effective delivery of IT services, collaborating closely with ITS to advance DEC’s business needs. DEC is charged to conserve, improve, and protect New York's natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic and social well-being. The success of this critical mission is reliant on internal and external technology being reliable, secure, and resilient. The individual selected as Director will provide leadership, vision, and direction for creative problem-solving, drive internal agency governance for technology investments and information across DEC divisions, offices, and regions, enhance data and records management practices, and work with ITS to prioritize, plan, and direct the long-term, technology-driven strategies for DEC that include modernization of DEC’s legacy technology and new technology projects. Responsibilities Oversee the Information Technology and Innovation Office (ITIO) and review the performance of direct subordinate staff. The ITIO will set internal policies, standards, and procedures for requesting, using, and managing technology and automation within DEC, as well as coordinate with the DST on the planning and execution of IT projects across DEC divisions, offices, and regions. The office will facilitate alignment of technologies in collaboration with ITS to enhance DEC’s operational capabilities, improve customer and partner interactions, enable internal workflow, support robust reporting, manage risk, and reduce cost. Meet with other Executive and Senior staff members and DST staff to identify and communicate technical needs, requirements, priorities, and implementation approaches for IT projects, considering operational fit, flexibility, implementation costs, and ongoing cost of operations. Quickly become familiar with the complexities of the DEC’s mission, current technologies, and active IT initiatives to set priorities and sequencing for DEC’s Technology Transformation and Modernization Task Team and ensure alignment with DEC’s objectives. Develop an annual budget for ITIO in coordination with the Deputy Commissioner for Risk and Innovation, Deputy Commissioner for Administration, and the Director of Fiscal Management to ensure that DEC’s technology remediation and modernization initiatives are appropriately planned, governed, aligned with DST-led implementation efforts, and consistent with DOB Budget Bulletin H-300 through secure, cost-effective systems, tools, and supports as set forth in Budget Bulletins. Work with the Division of Fiscal Management to address IT funding issues, letters of intent, chargebacks, and other payments and plans for funding future projects. The Director will monitor the status of all ongoing and proposed projects, provide guidance, and coordinate with the DST and stakeholders to address issues, risks, and conflicts that arise. Coordinate and collaborate with the DST for all DEC information technology (IT) needs, projects, initiatives, software and hardware equipment, and licenses/licensing. Stay current with developments in new and emerging technologies and platforms and work with DST to develop and implement plans to upgrade or transform legacy technologies and environments to new, ITS-supported or -approved solutions, ensuring that the decommissioning of systems occurs with minimal disruption to ongoing operations. Coordinate building and equipment transitions for all DEC locations and facilities and collaborate on network expansions and upgrades. Engage with the DST and vendors to support the identification and evaluation of technology solutions for existing and future projects that are in alignment with the strategic plan and DEC practices. Working with the DST, the Contracts and Grants Development Bureau and the Office of General Counsel Corporate Bureau, support the oversight of vendors developing IT products and services for the agency to ensure the delivered products and services comply with contractual obligations. Assist with contract negotiations and vendor management to ensure DEC’s interests are promoted and protected in accordance with New York State Procurement and Information Technology Policies. Oversee DEC's Information Resource Coordinators for each program. Work with DEC's Information Resource Coordinators and other DEC staff to fully understand the scope of workplace IT requirements within DEC. Encourage and develop user groups to broaden automation and application knowledge and expertise. Foster collaboration and relationships between these staff to quickly identify common needs and solutions, such as automation initiatives to improve workflows, as well as determine appropriate system strategies and technologies to meet DEC's long and short-term operational needs. Chair DEC's Information Management Governance Council, drive the development of technology governance, standards, and infrastructure planning, facilitate prioritization of projects based on program strategies and stakeholder input, manage and improve DEC's processing of Information Technology Project Proposals in alignment with DST governance requirements and DOB Budget Bulletin H-300, and ensure that proposed solutions will benefit the greatest number of DEC programs. Work with DEC staff to adopt and utilize existing, customizable software platforms to the extent feasible. Manage and track new and existing IT projects to maximize performance, meet regularly with stakeholders, and provide transparent leadership and decision-making. Oversee the preparation of project deliverables and assist in resolving issues affecting project implementation. Lead or oversee DEC staff workgroups to plan special projects, establish policy, prepare Requests for Proposal, and evaluate proposals. Foster teamwork, collaboration, innovation, and cooperation among DEC staff, promoting a culture of inclusiveness, equity, and respect, mentoring staff, and encouraging professional development. Assist with efforts outlined in the Department’s Diversity and Inclusion Plan to help integrate diversity and inclusion practices by promoting continuous learning and discussion of diversity and inclusion topics; recruit qualified candidates of different backgrounds, experiences, and talents; provide internal developmental opportunities; and assess what more DEC can do to nurture a supportive and inclusive work environment. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Business Administration, a related field, and six years of relevant experience, four of which must be progressively responsible managerial experience. Substitutions: Eight years of specialized experience or associate’s degree and six years of specialized experience may substitute a bachelor’s degree; J.D. or master’s degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience; Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience. Preferred Qualifications Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Vendor management experience. Supervisory experience. Excellent technology management, problem-solving, project management, strategic planning, and crisis management skills. Prior IT budget, fiscal planning, and capital management experience. Experience in developing information management policies, procedures, or process improvement strategies Demonstrated ability to implement systems that enable an organization's operations. Self-motivated with the ability to communicate (both verbal and written) complex IT information, policies, and procedures clearly and accessibly to a variety of audiences/stakeholders. Successful experience in accurately assessing the size and estimating technology needs for work plans and resource requirements. Experience with legacy remediation, operational transformation, and technology modernization initiatives. Ability to initiate and maintain relationships across a diverse set of stakeholders. Professional experience in leadership capacities and conducting project management, public sector management, IT legacy remediation/system modernization. Experience with managing multiple tasks and problem-solving to enhance productivity and efficiency. Multidisciplinary background preferred. Additional Comments Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Travel may be required. Overtime may be required. Overnight travel may be required. After-hours, weekend, and holiday work may be required. Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview. We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including: Holiday & Paid Time Off Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System Shift & Geographic pay differentials Affordable Health Care options Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost NYS Deferred Compensation plan Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds And many more... For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.If you are a person with a disability and wish to request that a reasonable accommodation be provided for you to participate in a job interview, please email: View email address on click.appcast.io. Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT). #J-18808-Ljbffr NYS Department of Environmental Conservation