Technology Director (Ord. Title: Strategic Advisor 3, Exempt)

Full Job Description

The Seattle Police Department is looking for a Technology Director (Ord. Title: Strategic Advisor 3, Exempt). This position will be responsible for the strategic planning, implementation, management and security of SPD’s technology infrastructure and systems. This role ensures that technology resources effectively support operational goals. The technology director will Lead and manage SPD IT staff and technical teams responsible for the planning, deployment, evaluation, and ongoing operation and maintenance of SPD technology systems. This Position will report to Dr. Lee Hunt, Executive Director of Crime and Community Harm Reduction.

About the Department:

The Seattle Police Department is comprised of approximately 1,600 dedicated law enforcement professionals all committed to creating and fostering a work environment that is collaborative, innovative, and leading the way in law enforcement principles and practices. Ours is a culture that encourages top performers to adhere to a standard of excellence in the identification of and resolution to complex challenges. At SPD we acknowledge and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals and pledge ourselves to creating and maintaining an environment that respects diverse traditions, heritages, and experiences.

Requirements

• Coordinate cross-functional technical teams and vendors to deliver technology projects on time, on budget, and within scope.
• Serve as primary technology advisor to SPD Executive Team, and Unit/Team leaders by providing an independent view on technology issues and investment.
• Translate technological concepts to SPD leadership so they have a clear understanding of the implications of technology decisions on SPD staff and the public.
• Ensure technology infrastructure and systems improve SPD’s operational consistency, resilience, and security posture.
• Main point of contact for SPD Executive Team for questions/problems with technology systems and solutions.
• Serve as primary contact with Seattle IT to ensure delivery of projects and support of existing technology infrastructure and products.
• Work with SPD technology vendors to ensure effective service delivery and alignment with SPD strategy and policy.

Core Responsibilities include:

• Main point of contact for policy-related questions related to SPD technology
• Align department technology with City and SPD policy objectives, SPD business objectives, and regulatory compliance.
• Review and propose changes to city and state legislation related to SPD technology products and systems.
• SPD representative on regional technology governance boards (e.g., PSERN)
• Identify potential privacy and security issues for SPD leadership and shepherd technology requests through the City’s privacy, security, and architecture governance structures.
The Seattle Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer that Values Diversity in the Workforce
• Act as SPD representative on city technology planning workgroups (e.g., public safety drone group).
• Participate in the review of technology investments and evaluate technologies against SPD objectives, desired outcomes, and evolving priorities.
• Track emerging technologies and help determine when and how to leverage them within SPD.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to gather best practices, ideas, and approaches.
• Champion technology insertion and pilot solutions to help move SPD off aging, outmoded and expensive legacy technology to more accessible and cost-effective solutions.
• Provide Strategic leadership in the identification, evaluation, and application of emerging technologies.
• Coordinate technical grant requests for SPD technology items.
• Review and approve departmental requests in SPD approval system (1.5) for adherence to SPD, ITS, and City requirements and policy
• Work with SPD technology vendors to deliver low-cost products and services.
• Primary point of contact for vendor contract renewals and maintenance. Ensure vendor compliance with financial and technical contractual obligations.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree in technology management, business administration, data/information systems or related field and two years of responsible project management experience in the public sector are required (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work).

Desired Qualifications:

An advanced degree in technology management, business administration, data/information systems or related field is highly desirable. The most competitive candidate will have direct experience working with high level management in a public-sector agency and demonstrate knowledge of local, county state, or federal budget and legislative processes.

Position Requirements:

• Must pass a Seattle Police Department background investigation.
• Must have a valid Driver’s license.
• This position is onsite, Monday through Friday. Individual schedules will be based on an agreement between the employee and their supervisor.

Additional Information

The full salary range for this position is $61.90 - $92.84 per hour.
This is a full-time (1.0 FTE) regular position with full benefits, is FLSA exempt (not eligible for overtime), and falls under the discretionary pay band (for additional information, please visit Personnel Rule 3.2 - Accountability Pay for Executives Pay Program).

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

How to Apply:

• Apply online at http://www.seattle.gov/jobs. Please refer to: Job# 2026-00425
• Attach a resume and a cover letter that provide additional information on why your skills and experience make you qualified for this job.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you have any questions, please contact Sr. HR Specialist, Roth Lim, at roth.lim@seattle.gov.