DIR OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS

City of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 113,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Chicago seeks an experienced Director of Information Systems to lead IT strategy, operations, and support for the Department of Planning and Development and the Department of Housing. The role requires aligning technology with public service goals and coordinating with city leadership, DTI, and external partners to deliver reliable, secure, and innovative technology services.

You will manage day-to-day IT operations, including infrastructure, cybersecurity, software applications, and

Qualifications

• Eleven years of experience in data processing systems design, implementation, and management with supervisory responsibilities.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field with substantial data/IT management experience.
• Master’s degree or higher in Computer Science or related field with leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Direct staff in analyzing business practices and developing computer, project and data management systems to automate operations.
• Oversee planning, design, and maintenance of networks to support information systems.
• Prepare the annual IT budget for hardware, software and related supplies.
• Coordinate training and liaise with DTI and vendors on system installation and modification.
• Oversee development, enhancement and installation of Web applications for City Intranet and Internet.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology/Systems or related field

Master’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Information Technology/Systems or related field

Eleven years of work experience in data processing systems design, implementation, and management

Job description

Director of Information Systems

Job Number: 421274

Starting Salary: $125,316.00

Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on 11/6/2026

Director of Information Systems (IT Director), serves two departments at the City of Chicago; the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and the Department of Housing (DOH). The IT Director leads the IT strategy, operations, and support for DPD and DOH, ensuring technology solutions align with organizational goals and public service needs. IT Director must be a strategic leader; overseeing the planning, implementation, and maintenance of IT systems, including several computer, project and data management systems, that support DPD and DOH’s mission-critical functions. The IT Director must be a collaborator and work closely with department staff, city leadership, internal partners, including the Department of Technology and Innovation (DTI), and external partners to deliver reliable, secure, and innovative technology services. The IT Director manages day-to-day IT operations, including infrastructure, cybersecurity, software applications, and user support. The IT Director identifies opportunities to enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and improve digital services for both internal teams and Chicago residents.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Directs staff in analyzing the business practices and operations of two City departments and developing computer, project and data management systems to automate operations and improve information processing
• Works with departmental managers to re-design organization operations and apply information technology solutions to identified business needs
• Oversees the planning, design, and maintenance of networks to support information systems
• Researches and identifies technology needs of users and pursues cost efficient means for meeting those needs
• Directs staff in monitoring and maintaining the operations of local and wide area network (LAN/WAN) systems
• Oversees the development and modification of user and operating systems applications
• Oversees the installation of computer hardware and software including the provision of training and technical support to users
• Assures the quality, functionality, connectivity, and compatibility of the department's computer software and hardware equipment
• Manages personnel responsible for overseeing information technology support
• Coordinates training in computer systems and applications for department users
• Works with systems consultants and oversees the work of contractors in the development, installation, and modification of computer, project and data systems
• Prepares the annual budget for the purchase and maintenance of hardware, software, and related supplies for the department
• Oversees the development, enhancement and installation of Web applications for the City Intranet and Internet, as required
• Reviews information technology (IT) specifications detailed in new requests for proposals and contracts, as required
• Serves as a liaison to DTI and vendors on system installation and modification projects
• Performs related duties as required

Location: 121 North LaSalle

Days: Monday - Friday

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM THE CAREER SERVICE

Qualifications

• Eleven (11) years of work experience in data processing systems design, implementation, and management, of which five (5) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position, OR
• Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology/Systems or a directly related field, plus nine (9) years of work experience in data processing systems design, implementation, and management, of which five (5) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position, OR
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology/Systems or a directly related field, plus seven (7) years of experience in data processing systems design, implementation, and management, of which five (5) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position, OR
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Information Technology/Systems or a directly related field, plus six (6) years of experience in data processing systems design, implementation, and management, of which five (5) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position

Selection Criteria

This position requires applicants to complete an interview which will include a written exercise and/or a skills assessment test as part of the interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the oral and written parts of the interview will be selected.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience, the City of Chicago has adopted ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA), and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates.

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer and Fair Chance Employer

City of Chicago
Brandon Johnson, Mayor

Job Posting: Oct 16, 2026, 12:00:00 AM | Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External: Nov 6, 2026, 11:59:00 PM

BU: 00 | Salary: $125,316.00/Year Pay Basis:Yearl