Senior IT Manager

Salary: $9,396.00 - $12,635.00 Monthly
Location : Clark County - Vancouver, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-03875
Department: School for the Blind
Opening Date: 05/05/2026


Description
Persons with a disability requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or needing information in an alternative format may contact the HR Consultant at View email address on click.appcast.io. Individuals with hearing impairments who require accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at View phone number on click.appcast.io or

(Logo: Silhouette of Washington State with a lighthouse icon pointing to Vancouver)

The core purpose of the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) is to empower blind and low-vision individuals to reach their full potential. We believe in a future where every blind and low-vision student in Washington has the support and services they need to succeed. Our programs and services are provided across a diverse continuum of service options, including a range of short- and long-term programs with residential options at our Vancouver campus, outreach services in local schools and communities, access to specialized technology and resources through our Ogden Resource Center, and training opportunities for parents, educators, and related service providers through a combination of departmental efforts.
Our greatest resource at WSSB is our incredible staff. Our valued employees are continuously encouraged to improve how we serve our students and the community. WSSB's core values include being student-centered, as well as a commitment to equity, accessibility, relationships, and continuous improvement.

Duties
Position Objective:

The Senior IT Manager ensures the streamlined operation of the IT department in alignment with agency objectives. This role plans, coordinates, directs, and designs IT-related activities, while also providing administrative direction and support for the department's daily operations. The Senior IT Manager works closely with senior administration across all departments to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support cost-effective technology solutions.

This position also defines and implements IT policies, procedures, and best practices, and serves as the agency's Chief Information Officer. The Senior IT Manager collaborates with other state agencies and vendors to ensure compliance, accessibility, security, and adherence to IT best practices. This role oversees multiple areas of IT that impact staff, students, partner agencies, and communities throughout Washington State. This position serves at the leisure of the Appointing Authority (superintendent) and is exempt from state civil service laws.

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

Administrative Direction and Support

• Analyze, recommend, purchase, and evaluate new hardware, software, and communication systems based on departmental needs.
• Direct IT request priorities based on urgency and impact.
• Ensure follow-up with customers to confirm that incidents are resolved.
• Lead by example and provide guidance and leadership to IT staff.

Lead IT Operational and Strategic Planning

• Negotiate and administer contracts and service agreements with vendors, consultants, and outsourced providers.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define business and system requirements for new technology implementations.
• Manage financial aspects of the IT department, including purchasing, budgeting, and budget reviews.
• Benchmark, analyze, report on, and recommend improvements for IT infrastructure and systems.
• Conduct asset management for IT hardware, software, and equipment.
• Perform IT policy development and planning, including fostering innovation, planning projects, and organizing and negotiating resource allocation.
• Report directly to the superintendent on project deliverables, resources, budget, and overall performance.

Lead Application and Web Development

• Develop user interface (UI) design, coding, testing, and implementation of application components and web services; write reusable code using industry- and agency-standard development tools and frameworks.
• Design and develop SQL database systems, as needed.
• Ensure all public-facing and internal web content is accessible.
• Assess delivery strategies, web technologies, and organizational impacts related to web-based development.
• Assist in customizing and adapting existing programs to meet user requirements.

Lead IT Security

• Ensure staff receive annual IT security training.
• Develop IT security training materials.
• Ensure timely communication of current security issues via email or newsletters.
• Stay informed of IT best practices and monitor security developments.
• Lead the creation of IT security audit documentation and coordinate with the State Auditor's Office.
• Ensure departments follow OCIO-established security policies.
• Develop WSSB policies and procedures related to IT security.

Qualifications
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of IT management, strategic planning, budgeting, and time management, typically gained through a minimum of six years of IT management and security experience.
• Ability to develop websites and applications, with a focus on accessibility, using a variety of internal and external tools.
• Demonstrated leadership ability.
• Ability to create IT security policies and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent experience.

Supplemental Information
What We Offer
WSSB offers employees a student-focused, mission-driven environment that empowers blind and low-vision individuals to reach their full potential. Our beautiful 13.2-acre campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features state-of-the-art classrooms, a fitness center with a saline pool and floor-to-ceiling rock climbing wall, a brand-new track and field facility, an auditorium, a braille center, a low-vision clinic, the LIFTT program offering dorm-style housing, and much more.

Note:
The full salary range is posted for informational purposes only. New hires without State of Washington agency experience in a comparable position typically do not start at the top of the range, as these are considered senior or longevity steps. Education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered when determining final placement.

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to individual status inquiries. Applicants may log in to Governmentjobs to check their application status. This position will remain open until filled. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time, so early application is encouraged.

How to Apply:
To begin the online application process, click the "Apply" button at the top of this announcement. To be considered, you must include the following in your application and complete any supplemental questionnaires:

• A completed online application profile, including education and employment history (applications stating "see my resume" or similar language will be considered incomplete);
• Permission to contact three professional references listed in your application, including at least one supervisor, with up-to-date contact information;
• Exclusion of salary history, and removal or redaction of private information such as Social Security number and date of birth.

Attachments may not be reviewed. If you wish to share materials such as a cover letter, resume, transcripts, or letters of recommendation, you may bring them to a scheduled interview. For questions regarding the application process, please email View email address on click.appcast.io.

Union Inclusion:
This position is not represented.
Opportunity for All:
The Washington State School for the Blind celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion in accordance with state and Federal laws regardless of religion, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, familial status (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics.


Background inquiries of convictions and pending criminal charges will be conducted for all positions. Background checks shall be completed on applicants prior to their appointment to positions in the state of Washington which are directly responsible for the supervision, care or treatment of children. Information obtained from background inquiries will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's character, suitability, and competence to perform in the position applied for and may result in the denial of employment. Applicants are required to sign a release authorizing inquiry, and a background check will be conducted at the applicant's expense after a conditional offer of employment has been made. Failure to complete the authorization and background check shall disqualify the applicant from employment in these positions.


Veterans Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security number. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, . We thank you and are grateful for your service!


Additional Information: The state of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance with the application process, may call View phone number on click.appcast.io and ask to speak to Human Resources or email . Should you have any questions regarding this position, or the online application, please email View email address on click.appcast.io.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.


Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.


Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.


Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.


Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026