Director, Public Safety Solutions Development

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION; New York (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

NYC Office of Technology and Innovation seeks a seasoned Computer Systems Manager to lead the Integration & Engineering and QA teams in a 24/7 public safety context. Based in Brooklyn, the role unifies cross-functional groups and aligns technology with regulatory requirements.

The successful candidate will oversee the Solutions Development Environment, drive testing and evaluation, and partner with city agencies and vendors to deliver mission-critical solutions for NYC Public Safety.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in CS with 3+ years of IT leadership experience.
• Bachelor’s degree with 4+ years of IT leadership experience.
• High school diploma with 6+ years of relevant IT leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership to unify IT teams across functions.
• Oversee the management and development of the Solutions Development Environment (SDE) to mirror production systems.
• Lead testing, analysis, and validation of new software for potential integration into NYC Public Safety operations.
• Direct the transition and integration of the Business Analysis and SDE support teams.
• Establish and maintain best practices for solution development, testing methodologies, and proof-of-concept evaluations.
• Partner with stakeholders including operational teams, city agencies, and technology vendors.
• Develop and implement resource optimization strategies to maximize efficiency.
• Identify operational needs and emerging technology opportunities to strengthen public safety service delivery.
• Maintain accountability for team performance and adherence to NYC Public Safety policies.
• Oversee special projects and initiatives as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving under pressure

Education

Master’s degree in computer science

Bachelor’s degree in CS

High school diploma with 6+ years experience

Tools

QA frameworks

Data analytics platforms

Public safety IT tools

Networking tools

Job description

OPEN TO CURRENT CITY EMPLOYEES PERMANENT IN THIS TITLE ONLY

The Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) leverages technology to drive opportunity, improve public safety, and help government run better across New York City. From delivering affordable broadband to protecting against cybersecurity threats and building digital government services, OTI is at the forefront of how the city delivers for New Yorkers in the 21st century. Follow us on social media @NYCOfficeofTech, and visit www.nyc.gov/oti to learn more.

At OTI, we offer great benefits, and the chance to work on projects that have a meaningful impact on millions of people. You'll have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and collaborate with other passionate professionals who share your drive and commitment to making a difference through technology.

The Director of Public Safety Solutions Development will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Integration & Engineering team, unifying functions across Quality Assurance, Business Analysis, and Data Analytics to optimize delivery of solutions for NYC Public Safety. This senior leadership role will centralize responsibilities related to testing, analyzing results, understanding project requirements, and managing the Solutions Development Environment (SDE)-a mission-critical platform housing all PSEM software applications at an operational level equivalent to production.

The SDE serves as a robust, controlled environment for proof-of-concept testing, technology evaluations, and integration of new solutions into existing public safety systems. By consolidating these functions under one leader, this role will streamline workflows, improve operational efficiency, and enhance outcomes for both citizens and visitors of NYC.

The Director of Public Safety Solutions Development will play a pivotal role in ensuring that NYC Public Safety remains at the forefront of technological innovation, enabling seamless integration of new tools, telephony systems, and networking solutions to protect and serve the city’s residents and visitors effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership to unify and direct the Integration & Engineering, Quality Assurance, Business Analysis, and Data Analytics teams.
• Oversee the management and development of the Solutions Development Environment (SDE) to ensure it mirrors production systems and supports rigorous technology testing and evaluation.
• Lead efforts to test, analyze, and validate new software applications and system enhancements for potential integration into NYC Public Safety operations.
• Direct the transition and integration of the Business Analysis and SDE support teams under this leadership role, ensuring a seamless change management process.
• Establish and maintain best practices for solution development, testing methodologies, and proof-of-concept evaluations.
• Partner with stakeholders-including operational teams, city agencies, and technology vendors-to align solution development with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and implement resource optimization strategies to maximize efficiency and reduce redundancies across functions.
• Assist in identify operational needs and emerging technology opportunities to strengthen public safety service delivery.
• Maintain accountability for team performance, professional growth, and adherence to NYC Public Safety policies, standards, and quality benchmarks.
• Oversee special projects and initiatives as assigned.

HOURS/SHIFT

Day - Due to the necessary management duties of this position in a 24/7 operation, candidate may be required to be on call to work various shifts such as weekends and/or nights/evenings.

WORK LOCATION

Brooklyn, NY

This position is open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program.

Please indicate in your cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55-a program.

OTI participates in E-Verify

#LI-DNI

COMPUTER SYSTEMS MANAGER - 10050

Minimum Qualifications

1. A master's degree in computer science from an accredited college or university and three (3) years of progressively more responsible, full-time, satisfactory experience in Information Technology (IT) including applications development, systems development, data communications and networking, database administration, data processing, or user services. At least eighteen (18) months of this experience must have been in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity in the areas of applications development, systems development, data communications and networking, database administration, data processing or in the supervision of staff performing these duties; or 2. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and four (4) years of progressively more responsible, full-time, satisfactory experience as described in "1" above; or 3. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent, and six (6) years of progressively more responsible, full-time, satisfactory experience as described in "1" above; or 4. A satisfactory combination of education and experience equivalent to "1", "2" or "3" above. However, all candidates must have at least a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and must possess at least three (3) years of experience as described in "1" above, including the eighteen (18) months of administrative, managerial, executive or supervisory experience as described in "1" above.

Preferred Skills

The succesful candidate should possess the following:

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in technology solution development, systems integration, or public safety IT.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing large-scale test environments and leading multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of public safety operations, mission-critical systems, and integration best practices.
• Proven ability to work with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders in a complex organizational environment.
• Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Strong analytical skills and a track record of addressing complex challenges in high-pressure environments.
• Proficiency in managing software and hardware for public safety operations.
• Experience with QA frameworks, business analysis tools, and data analytics platforms.
• Knowledge of proof-of-concept and rapid prototyping methodologies.
• Familiarity with 24x7 operational environments and high-availability systems.
• Strong knowledge of telephony systems, networking, and mission-critical communications infrastructure.

Residency Requirement

City Residency is not required for this position

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.