Summary
This job is for an IT Director who oversees the daily technology operations in the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department's administrative unit, including planning, budgeting, and coordinating IT services to support the organization's goals.
The role involves leading a team, implementing new technologies, and ensuring everything runs smoothly while managing resources effectively.
A good fit would be an experienced IT leader with strong management skills, a background in public utilities or similar organizations, and the ability to handle complex problems and budgets.
Key Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in IT, computer science, or related field (advanced degree preferred)
- Extensive experience in IT operations management, including network communications, data processing, and systems integration
- Proven leadership in directing diverse teams and managing IT staff
- Strong skills in budget administration, financial management, and resource allocation for IT units
- Knowledge of public utility operations, especially water/sewer systems
- Expertise in project management, stakeholder engagement, and process improvement
- Excellent communication skills for presenting ideas, negotiating contracts, and resolving conflicts
Full Job Description
The Information Technology (IT) Director - Administrative plans, directs, coordinates, and supports the day-to-day operations, adoption of technology and activities for the information technology unit; develops and implements policies and procedures, budget administration, organizes tasks and sets priorities for IT operations.
This role is responsible for coordinating plans, schedules, programs for the DWSD’s data processing, network communications, business operations, computer services and management information systems, according to organizational goals and objectives that involve a high level of independent judgment, initiative and discretion.
This is not a Civil Service Position. DWSD employees are subject to provisions of Court Orders entered in United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division, Case No. 77-71100 with regard to certain terms and conditions of employment. DWSD does not honor reversion rights for internal candidates.
Applicants for open positions at the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Operations, services and activities of a public water/sewer or power utility
Current technologies, principles of data integration, retrieval and analysis, information sharing and telecommunications methodology. Contract negotiations, budget and resource management
Voice/data network and transmission technology. Computer hardware and software systems planning.
Principles and processes involved in business and organizational leadership, planning, coordination and executive.
Systems integrations, quality management and process improvement standards, procedures and principles. Effective conflict management and resolution principles, styles, and strategies between individuals and groups; negotiation and persuasion techniques to garner support of project initiatives and goals. Project management and stakeholder engagement. Financial performance
SKILL TO:
•Present ideas and concepts verbally (including public speaking) and in writing; and respond to inquiries in effective, clear, and concise verbal and written communications. Specific issues through creative problem-solving and decision-making. Contribute to leadership planning and change. Improve departmental performance by identifying the source and nature of complex issues as well as evaluating and implementing sound operational and economical solutions. Prepare and administer complex budgets. Maintain robust and effective systems, confidentiality of information. Provide prompt and accurate investigation of system use/abuse, while working with support unit. Bridge the gap between the operational IT teams and the strategic CIO
Requirements
Provide leadership in ensuring the design, development and delivery of a comprehensive array of technology and infrastructure program services that fulfill the DWSD’s mission in such areas as administrative, customer service, operational services, financial, end-user services, integrated information initiatives, infrastructure and innovation.
Responsible for the management and administration of the information technology operations for alignment to the rest of the organization. Manage and motivate a diverse workforce. Ensure the effective management of all assigned staff. Manage daily assignments. Develop, recommend and administer the annual operating and capital budgets for the unit to ensure expenditures are controlled, maintained and approved. Ensure that financial planning, performance measurement, and reporting are developed and in compliance with legislative requirements and are in support of the division's goals and objectives.
Develop and maintain a strong collaborative working relationship with the Executive Team, while providing a continually reliable and robust system. A valid Michigan Driver’s License and the ability to drive a motor vehicle on all terrain. Follow security and safety policies and procedures in carrying out work duties. Provide on the job training.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with significant course work in information systems, information technology, or in a field focused on application of technology to information retrieval, communication networks, or development and support of learning or business networks
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible managerial experience in the field
Master’s degree preferred. Equivalent combination of formal education and appropriate related experience may be considered.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. This position may require sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time, light to moderate lifting, reaching, pulling, and carrying. Manual dexterity and audiovisual/linguistic acuity is required.
Environmental Working Requirements: Work is performed in an office environment. Work is sedentary. May require light to moderate lifting, reaching, pulling, and carrying. Manual dexterity and audiovisual/linguistic acuity required.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS Valid Michigan Driver’s License The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. Employees in this class are required to undergo alcohol and drug screening and are subject to a criminal background investigation.
