IT Director

Job Title: IT DirectorDepartment: Information Technology DepartmentReports To: Deputy County ManagerClassification: Full-Time, ExemptCompensation Range: $80,000 - $100,000Benefits: Employee Benefits | Lake County, COCultural ExpectationsAssume Good Intent: Approach each interaction with positive mindset and openness to understand othersModel Professional: Maintain high standards in behavior and communication that reflects our valuesApply County Wide Lens: Consider the broader impact of decisions on our community and organization as a wholeBe Solutions-Oriented: Focus on finding constructive solutions rather than dwelling on problems or challengesPractice Servant Leadership: Prioritize the needs of others, fostering a supportive and collaborative work environmentSupport Meaningful Work-Life Balance: Encourage boundaries that support personal well-being while achieving professional responsibilitiesWhy join our team?Join a workplace where public service meets opportunity. At Lake County Government, employees are empowered to grow, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact every day. We offer a supportive environment that values innovation and connection, with reliable compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a commitment to helping you succeed both professionally and personally.Position SummaryThe IT Director is a key member of the County’s leadership team, responsible for developing and executing a strategic vision for information technology across all Offices and Departments. This position provides high-level planning, oversight, and management of the County’s technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise applications, and digital modernization initiatives. The IT Director ensures systems and services align with Lake County’s strategic goals and regulatory requirements, while leading efforts to replace outdated systems, manage complex technology projects, and improve IT operations through innovation, resilience, and user-centered design.General Duties And ResponsibilitiesReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Essential FunctionsStrategic Leadership & PlanningDevelop and lead the County’s long-term IT strategic plan in alignment with organizational priorities and Office and Department needsPartner with County leadership to identify opportunities where technology can enhance service delivery, transparency, and operational efficiencyDevelop and monitor performance metrics and KPIs for IT services, ensuring accountability and continuous improvementProject ManagementOversee the County’s IT projects, ensuring initiatives are aligned with strategy, completed on time, and within budgetManage complex, cross-departmental technology projects including software modernization, infrastructure upgrades, and digital accessibility improvementsLead procurement and implementation of enterprise systems (e.g., ERP, permitting, records management) to replace legacy technologySystems Oversight + ModernizationAssess current infrastructure and applications to identify risks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for modernizationDirect and approve system architecture decisions, hardware/software upgrades, cloud transitions, and digital security protocolsMaintain a County-wide technology replacement schedule and ensure systems are appropriately updated and documentedCybersecurity, Risk Management + ComplianceEnsure robust information security practices are in place to protect County systems, data, and assetsDevelop and enforce IT policies and procedures related to cybersecurity, data governance, and acceptable use. Ensure policies align with state and federal requirements and relevant frameworksConduct regular risk assessments of county systems, applications, facilities and vendors to identify threats and vulnerabilities. Recommend risk mitigation measures tailored to a small county environment, prioritizing high-impact, low-cost controlsManage incident response plans and business continuity strategiesMonitor and support compliance with applicable laws and regulations, not limited to state and federal data privacy and breach notification laws, CJIS, HIPAA and other relevant mandatesCoordinate responses to risk and compliance audits, assessments and security questionnaires from relevant oversight bodies. Organizational Development + CollaborationSupervise and support the professional development of IT staff. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and customer serviceCollaborate with Offices and Departments to evaluate technology needs, recommend solutions, and promote user adoptionServe as the liaison to external technology providers, consultants, and agenciesBudget + Resource ManagementPrepare and manage the IT Department’s annual budget and multiyear capital planningEnsure effective asset management, licensing compliance, and cost efficiency across all technology resourcesIdentify and pursue grant funding and other external resources to support IT initiativesDigital Accessibility + ComplianceEnsure that County digital services comply with WCAG 2.1 AA, Section 508, and ADA requirementsLead accessibility audits, support department compliance, and promote digital equity through inclusive designEmbed accessibility requirements in procurement, contracts, and vendor relationshipsTechnical KnowledgeExpert understanding of modern IT systems, cloud services, enterprise software, cybersecurity frameworks, and infrastructure planningKnowledge of public sector operations and regulations, including records retention, digital accessibility, and open data practicesFamiliarity with technologies used in government (e.g., Microsoft 365, GIS, ERP, public safety systems)Expertise negotiating, analyzing and managing IT contracts and working with managed service providers (MSP)Strategic + Analytical SkillsStrong strategic planning, organizational, and decision-making skillsAbility to analyze complex problems, forecast impacts, and translate technical issues into business solutionsCommunication + LeadershipEffective communicator with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, including elected officialsCollaborative leader with experience managing cross-functional teams, facilitating change, and driving performanceSkilled at building consensus, managing vendor relationships, and advocating for technology at the executive levelOther DutiesPlease note that this job description does not intend to cover or contain a full comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.Supervisory ResponsibilitiesThis position provides direct supervision to currently three IT staff membersRequirementsCompensation will be determined by the applicant's full skillset with consideration of the following:Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or a related fieldAt least 5 years of progressive IT leadership experience, including strategic planning and enterprise system managementExperience in public sector, special district, or municipal government preferredStrong project management skills with a proven record of successful technology implementationsPhysical Activity & Work EnvironmentProlonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computerProlonged periods of standing or walkingFrequent bending, kneeling, reaching, or climbingOccasional pushing, pulling, or moving objectsUse of hands for repetitive motions such as typing, writing, or operating equipmentOperation of standard office equipment (computers, phones, copiers, etc.)Visual acuity to read and produce accurate documents and materialsAbility to climb stairs, ladders, or work at heightsAbility to operate motor vehicles and/or machineryStandard office environment with controlled temperature and lightingWork performed in a loud, noisy, or distracting environmentInteraction with the public, sometimes in high-pressure or emotionally charged situationsTravel to offsite locations or satellite facilitiesWork in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, or high-volume environmentMay be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or be on-callNotice of Emergency/Disaster ResponsibilitiesAll Lake County Employees may be required to work as a Disaster Service Worker when a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of County Commissioners. To be prepared for this role, all employees and emergency service function (ESF) leads will attend emergency management trainings and exercises as requested by the Director of Emergency Management. With advanced notification from OEM, employees will make reasonable efforts to attend training events in coordination with other employees and supervisors.EOE StatementLake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability is available upon request.EOE StatementLake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability is available upon request.Notice of Work Authorization RequirementApplicants must be authorized to lawfully work for any employer in the United States. Lake County is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.Notice Of Emergency/Disaster ResponsibilitiesAll Lake County Employees may be required to work as a Disaster Service Worker when a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of County Commissioners. To be prepared for this role, all employees and emergency service function (ESF) leads will attend emergency management trainings and exercises as requested by the Director of Emergency Management. With advanced notification from OEM, employees will make reasonable efforts to attend training events in coordination with other employees and supervisors.Other DutiesPlease note that this job description does not intend to cover or contain a full comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.Expected Duration of the Application ProcessDue to the nature of the application and selection process for Lake County full-time positions, applicants can reasonably expect the application process to take a significant amount of time to complete before a decision is made to hire or not to hire. Typically, it takes approximately two (2) to four (4) weeks from the date of application to complete the entire selection process. The length of time it takes to complete the process can vary depending on a variety of factors. Please note that this is an estimated duration of the selection process.Powered by JazzHRit5TApXgzQ