Information Technology Director

Company: American Public Transit Association
Location: Santa Cruz
Posted on: May 24, 2025

Job Description:

At Santa Cruz METRO, we care about moving people. We strive to attract, develop and retain a talented and diverse workforce. Many of our employees have worked for us for more than 20 years and come from diverse, cultural and professional backgrounds. METRO promotes high performance, diversity and equal employment opportunities.

At METRO, you will enjoy a competitive salary, CALPERS pension, a robust health/dental/vision benefit program, public service loan forgiveness program, 457 plans, career development, free bus passes, and longevity pay.This recruitment is open until filled and may close at any time without prior notice. Early application submission is strongly encouraged.DEFINITION:Under general direction from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates Santa Cruz Metro (METRO) information technology (IT) and innovation programs with primary responsibility for strategic planning, security, compliance, and all IT-related initiatives that support organizational strategic goals. Programs include: IT applications and systems development, network and infrastructure administration, cybersecurity, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), data management, business analysis, asset management, and computer support services.DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:This is the executive level classification in the IT professional series. The incumbent is expected to assume overall responsibility for all facets of IT programs and activities, including providing leadership in implementing short- and long-term strategy, goals, and priorities. The incumbent works under general direction and exercises independent judgment in the performance of a variety of professional, complex, and difficult duties. The position is a "working" manager and serves as the head of the IT Department.EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Directs, plans, organizes, controls, and evaluates the work of the IT department; establishes goals and objectives; participates in establishing and is responsible for implementing department operational plans, work programs processes, policies and procedures, and initiatives to achieve department goals, objectives, and performance results.
• Coordinates and integrates IT functions and responsibilities with other departments to achieve optimal efficiency and effectiveness; coordinates IT program and policy issues with the other departments and/or on an agency-wide basis.
• Per METRO's policies, procedures, and labor contract provisions, plans and evaluates staff performance, establishes performance requirements and personal development targets, monitors performance, and provides coaching and counseling for performance improvement and development.
• Ensures technology is consistent with the METRO's overall technology plan; develops IT standards, policies, and procedures consistent with METRO's technology plan.
• Directs, integrates, and oversees the design, development, installation, maintenance, and support of a comprehensive and reliable operating infrastructure; directs the delivery of systems development, network, computer operations, and support services to all departments; oversees design reviews and makes decisions on system architecture and hardware or software.
• Consults with department management regarding functional operations and current and anticipated IT requirements to determine scope and priorities of projects, system capacity, feasibility of alternative conceptual approaches to meeting requirements, application package acquisition and enhancement requests, and equipment acquisitions; recommends applications and uses of advanced computing technology to support METRO reporting and compliance requirements and organizational performance.
• Coordinates activities with other departments to optimize use of existing hardware and software and to design and evaluate new systems solutions.
• Develops a broad understanding of METRO business, service delivery, and operational requirements; implements IT policies and internal controls to ensure data security and legal and regulatory compliance.
• Seeks out innovative IT approaches and solutions toimprove business and operational performance; informs all levels of METRO management on industry trends and technology developments; oversees and participates in the assessment and analysis of business requirements and the development and maintenance of technology tools to meet requirements effectively.
• Directs and participates in user support services, training, and troubleshooting to ensure systems availability, integrity, and responsiveness; ensures timely and effective problem identification and resolution; investigates and resolves escalated customer concerns and complaints.
• Directs, plans, and coordinates the installation, implementation, and conversion to new applications and hardware; establishes METRO standards for software applications to be supported by the IT department.
• Researches, selects, and manages the purchase and upgrade of IT systems, infrastructure, and equipment; develops product specifications; consults with manufacturers' representatives; performs analyses and presents proposals for significant purchases of hardware and software; prepares resolutions and contracts for presentation to senior management.
• Oversees the maintenance of all METRO equipment and software, including computers, servers, photocopiers, printers, and telephone systems; oversees maintenance, upgrade, and modification of equipment and software to expand capacity and maintain operations to meet department or enterprise requirements.
• Maintains configuration and performance standards for METRO's network; oversees the monitoring of system and network performance.
• Supervises the development of IT documentation; establishes and maintains appropriate standards for technical users and operational documentation.
• Manages and oversees department or enterprise disaster recovery planning and systems and cybersecurity administration; collaborates with Safety and Risk team to implement/maintain identity management, physical security, and site surveillance.
• Develops and manages the department's budget, including forecasting funds required for staffing, equipment, training, etc., and monitoring and approving expenditures to ensure compliance within authorized budget limits; monitors department performance against the budget.
• Establishes professional standards for work quality, productivity, performance, and accountability within the department; fosters a continuous improvement environment and sets attainable stretch goals for team members.
• Writes and presents reports, presentations, and Board reports to the Board of Directors.
• Performs as a hands-on "working" manager.
• Performs other duties as assigned.EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:Knowledge of :
  • Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive information technology program including advanced principles and practices of developing and managing information technology server infrastructure, communication systems, and associated hardware and software; advanced principles and practices of network and information system design, analysis, testing, and security administration; advanced principles and practices of enterprise software implementation and management; and advanced data management theory, principles, and practices and their application to a wide variety of services and programs; advanced methods and techniques of developing and implementing security systems protocols and standards, identifying and assessing security threats and violations, and developing response and mitigation strategies.
  • Industry best practices of information technology strategic plan implementation, establishment of standards, and security management and internal control.
  • Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
  • Principles and practices of supervision and performance appraisal.
  • The development of key performance indicators, scorecards, and dashboards.
  • Principles and practices of sound business communication.
  • METRO policies and procedures and labor contract provisions.
  • Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances.
  • Principles of office organization and management.Ability to :
    • Plan, organize, integrate, and direct systems development, administration, and computer operations activities.
    • Identify IT issues and opportunities, analyze problems and alternatives, and develop sound conclusions and recommendations.
    • Assess department needs, set priorities, and allocate resources to effectively meet needs in a timely manner.
    • Develop and implement goals, objectives, work programs, policies, procedures, work and performance standards, and management controls supporting department and project goals.
    • Prepare clear, concise, comprehensive correspondence, reports, studies, and other written materials.
    • Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
    • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with persons within and outside of the organization.
    • Support and lead staff, ensuring the organization works toward a common goal.
    • Supervise, train, delegate, coach, motivate, and counsel subordinate staff.
    • Develop and administer a department budget.
    • Exercise tact, discretion, and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex, and confidential issues.
    • Interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws and regulations and METRO's policies and Board policies and procedures.
    • Represent METRO at meetings with external agencies and the public; formulate concepts and present visual and statistical data effectively and persuasively to various technical and non-technical audiences.
    • Establish efficient and effective IT programs and services that are consistent with METRO's needs and general policy guidelines.
    • Use independent judgment, critical thinking skills, and self-initiative.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:Education, Training, and Experience:Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science, mathematics, public or business administration, or a closely related field.ANDEight (8) years of professional level experience in related computer fields and management, including system administration, computer programming, and technical administration and at least three (3) years in a management capacity.Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:
      • A valid California Class C driver's license.
      • Must be able to work extended hours as needed, often outside regular business hours as required by the CEO and the job demands.
      • Must maintain strict confidentiality.
      • Must participate in professional development activities.
      • Requires occasional travel.PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDSThe physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Physical Demands:While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and stand; talk and hear; use hands and fingers to manipulate, handle, feel, and/or operate tools and standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms; and perform repetitive movements of hands and wrists. The employee must frequently stand, walk, and lift to 10pounds. Specific visual abilities required by this job include close and distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.Mental Demands:While performing the duties of this job, the employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information, and documents; analyzes and solves problems; observes and interprets people and situations; uses math and mathematical reasoning; learns and applies new information or skills; performs highly detailed work; deals with concurrent tasks; works under deadlines; and interacts with others encountered in the course of the job.WORK ENVIRONMENTThe work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform basic functions.The employee works in an office environment where the noise level is moderately quiet. May require availability to work a flexible schedule.OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
        • Must pass requisite background check.*Adopted: 11-2017 *BOD Approved: 01-26-18*Revised: 05-07-25*Job Family: Professional -Information Technology
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Keywords: American Public Transit Association, Pleasanton , Information Technology Director, IT / Software / Systems , Santa Cruz, California