The Position
Join Us — Assistant Director of Information Technology City of Santa Cruz
The City of Santa Cruz is in the midst of an exciting transformation, and we're looking for a dynamic IT leader to help drive it forward.
Major modernization initiatives are already underway, including a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, a next-generation Land Management platform, and a modern Asset Management solution. The Assistant Director of IT will play a pivotal role in shaping strategy, leading programs, managing vendors, and guiding a talented team serving both City staff and the Santa Cruz community.
If you're a seasoned IT leader who thrives in complex, fast-moving environments and wants to make a lasting impact, this is your opportunity.
Under general direction, the Assistant Director of Information Technology plans, organizes and supervises a subset of the daily operations, functions and services of the Information Technology (IT) Department; is responsible for overseeing a wide variety of IT programs, evaluates their effectiveness and implements appropriate changes; maintains IT-wide processes, procedures and standards needed to achieve goals and objectives; assists with the development and implementation of an overall strategic information management vision and plan; oversees new technology exploration areas as part of the aforementioned strategy; coordinates vendor sourcing and administration; administers a subset of the IT budget; and performs related work as required.
To learn more about the Information Technology department, please visit https://www.santacruzca.gov/Government/City-Departments/Information-Technology
The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Regular and Temporary vacancies in this classification that may occur during the life of the list. The eligible list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.
Recruitment #26-067
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:
The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
- On Thursday, 05/28/26 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:
- Application- online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process.
- Response to supplemental questions- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.
- Week of 06/01 and 06/08/26: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 06/15/26. Top candidates will be invited to a selection interview.
- Wednesday, 06/24/26: I nterviews will be held Wednesday, 06/24/26. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.
DESCRIPTION:
Under general direction, plans, organizes and supervises a subset of the daily operations, functions and services of the Information Technology (IT) Department; is responsible for overseeing a wide variety of IT programs, evaluates their effectiveness and implements appropriate changes; maintains IT-wide processes, procedures and standards needed to achieve goals and objectives; assists with the development and implementation of an overall strategic information management vision and plan; oversees new technology exploration areas as part of the aforementioned strategy; coordinates vendor sourcing and administration; administers a subset of the IT budget; and performs related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Assistant Director of Information Technologyis a senior management levelclassification responsible for personnel and program oversight of the City’s information technology function. This classification is distinguished from thenext lower classification of IT Manager in that the latter has responsibility for a division or subset of a division in the administration of one or more IT services. This classification is distinguished from thenext higherclassification of IT Director in that the latter has overall responsibility for the Information Technology Department.
Typical Duties
(May include but are not limited to those duties listed below):
- Provides IT leadership oversight and direction for the implementation of complex, multi-stakeholder technology and business solutions; coordinates across City departments, vendors, and integrators to ensure projects are delivered on scope, schedule, and budget.
- Supervises, trains and evaluates assigned IT managers and other IT staff; sustains a culture of personal and collective accountability within the divisions, monitors performance and provides feedback and coaching to employees; encourages teamwork and collaboration.
- Manages the day-to-day performance and delivery of information technology related activities and services.
- Contributes to the development of objectives, policies, strategies and long-term and annual plans for the IT Department to support the delivery of high quality and necessary services to the city.
- Enhances service levels and responsiveness to users through effective communications, collaborative work relationships, and a stable and reliable technology environment.
- Contributes to the optimal management of vendor, financial, and capital resources to achieve its strategies and objectives by helping to develop and administer the IT budget, contracts, and vendors; develops projections and fiscal impacts of new technology and applications.
- Works closely with the IT Director, other City departments, staff of other public agencies, and the general public to establish goals and policies consistent with the City’s and department’s goals, initiatives, and service levels.
- Plans, establishes, and maintains systems and business controls to support effective, efficient, and continuously improving information technology systems and services.
- Develops and implements performance metrics, quality standards and reporting of performance of the IT functions against established and agreed upon performance goals.
- In conjunction with the IT Director, plans, organizes, directs, and gives overall policy guidance and review to the continuing work and special projects of the information technology function.
- Directs the implementation of parts of the City’s information technology strategic roadmap and maintains productive relationships, working collaboratively to resolve internal and external user issues and concerns.
- Manages and schedules work projects and planned completion dates.
- Oversees the analysis, design, and delivery of systems and applications; engages with departmental stakeholders to align technology solutions with City business objectives; directs systems design, development, testing, deployment, and documentation.
- Establishes controls on data, technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) use policies; analyzes procedures and recommends improvements.
- Oversees the implementation and operation of physical and cyber-security, AI and information management.
- Selects, supervises, and evaluates the work of consultants and integrates the work of the consultants into the City’s information technology function; writes requests for proposals (RFP) and bid specifications for technology solutions; reviews RFPs and bids and makes decisions and recommendations.
- Plans and coordinates major research or administrative projects.
- Oversees the maintenance of information technology records and files.
- Ensures that staff is provided with training and development to perform their duties in a technically competent manner, safely and to meet pre-established standards.
- Attends and participates in professional and community meetings; stays current on issues relative to information technology.
- Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, squatting, stooping, crouching, kneeling and reaching in the performance of daily activities; repetitive hand movements and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard; both near and far vision in performing computer installation and repair; color vision to accurately interpret visual displays. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, carry, drag and push equipment and materials weighing up to 40 pounds is also required. Additionally, attendance at multi-day off-site training sessions, weekend and evening work, and after-hours emergency call outs may be required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of education and experience that provides the below knowledge, skills, and abilities with any required licenses is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of the following:
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems or a closely related field; and,
- Five (5) years of full-time experience planning, developing, implementing and maintaining information technology programs and projects, which includes strategic planning, systems analysis, process re-engineering and/or the installation, maintenance and repair of network infrastructure, computer systems and equipment, applications; and,
- Four (4) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in Information and Technology, including setting direction, influencing outcomes through others, and managing performance and accountability. Experience may include directly leading and managing complex and cross-functional IT initiatives with responsibility for team performance, vendor oversight, and delivery of results in a matrixed or unionized environment.
Knowledge:
- Principles and practices of process re-engineering, systems analysis and design, strategic planning, project management and organizational change management.
- Principles and practices of leadership, management and supervision; performance management, team building, conflict resolution and training.
- Current industry standards and best practices, product availability in hardware and software and recent information technology trends and innovations.
- Most aspects of information technology operations including but not limited to networks, security, personal computers, communications, applications, field technical services, service level administration, metrics, sourcing, hosting and business continuity.
- Vendor management, contract negotiations and on premise as well as subscription service architectures.
- Principles of budget preparation and monitoring.
Abilities:
- Supervise, train, and evaluate the work of assigned staff.
- Manage complex projects and initiatives that include the analysis, design, development, and implementation of applications, security and hardware infrastructure.
- Evaluate options, develop alternatives, and justify recommendations, with special emphasis on an enterprise, county-wide level.
- Maintain awareness of current technology, trends and practices of the trade.
- Develop and make effective presentations using visual aids and other communication tools.
- Apply executive level organizational leadership and management skills including those related to communication, collaboration, strategic planning, problem-solving and decision-making, planning and prioritizing, and workforce development and succession planning.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Maintain cooperative working relationships with Department staff, representatives of other departments, contractors, elected officials, citizen interests, and the general public.
- Make independent, risk-based decisions.
- Ensure safe work practices.
Licenses and Certificates:
- Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver’s license.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience working in, or delivering technology services to, public sector or government agency environments.
- Experience overseeing the governance and administration of enterprise government applications such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), land management, or utility billing systems.
Career Ladder
- Assistant Director of Information Technology
- Information Technology Manager
- Network and Systems Administrator or SCADA Network and Systems Administrator
- IT Project Manager
- IT Business Systems Analyst III
- Business Systems Analyst I/II; Programmer Analyst I/II
- IT Specialist III
- IT Specialist I/II
