Director of Information Services at Dallas County – Adel, Iowa

This position is responsible for directing the county’s information services operations. This position has direct supervision over all employees in the Information Services Department.

• Assumes full management responsibility for all Information Services Department service activities including systems development, researching and analyzing network infrastructure, applications, servers, cloud services, workstations, technical support, audio/visual systems, peripherals, and related cabling, wiring, and fiber.
• Coordinates the integration of various security systems within the county’s infrastructure.
• Manages and consults with county departments regarding any potential custom programming and/or automation needs. Works with a consultant to design, develop, and maintain custom scripts, applications, or modules to enhance functionality of existing county software systems. In addition to automating repetitive tasks and workflows to improve departmental efficiency.
• Consults with county departments to effectively partner in the development of their IT/GIS strategic plans; assesses IT/GIS needs within the departments to develop technology recommendations; consults with county departments to plan and implement special programs and plans as needed.
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvements; directs the implementation of changes.
• Directs the management of department budget, personnel, and resources in order to provide efficient and effective information services.
• Plans, directs, and coordinates the department work plan; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems; evaluates projects and problematic areas of responsibility; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures.
• Manages the development and implementation of department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area; establishes, within county policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; allocates resources accordingly.
• Actively assists in preparation and administration of the Information Services budget maintaining compliance with the county’s purchasing, financial, and administrative policies.
• Monitors industry trends and direction, including evolving security concerns; maintains base of knowledge in evolving technology with both software and hardware.
• Manages the daily and long-term strategic procurement of telecommunications services, software licensing, technology-related hardware, multifunctional copiers and printers, centralized hosting services and applications; records and tracks maintenance agreements, software licenses, and hardware assets; provides technical leadership to optimize and implement the tools necessary to ensure that all department inventory is documented accurately and in compliance with vendor contracts and agreements.
• Collaborates with the Director of Human Resources and the Director of Finance and Operations to review factors impacting the financial, operational, staffing, and technical needs of county departments; makes team-based recommendations to the Board.
• Collaborates with the Director of Human Resources in the development and administration of policies associated with the Information Services Department.
• Performs related duties.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in MIS or related Computer Science field.
• Eight to ten years of progressive work experience, with three to five years management experience in Information Systems or similar field.
• Public sector experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Knowledge of information services principles and practices.
• Knowledge of asset management tracking procedures.
• Knowledge of information technology trends.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of budget management.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, county ordinances, and department policies and procedures.
• Skill in management and supervision.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in prioritizing and planning.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in operating computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in oral and written communication.