DTI Chief of Policy

DE; Allentown (Lehigh County); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan

Dental plan

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Job summary

The Department of Technology & Information (DTI) seeks a Chief of Policy and Communications (CPC) to shape policy, craft communications, and lead innovation across Delaware’s IT landscape. The CPC serves as chief policy advisor to the CIO and coordinates legislative needs and proposals for Governor’s consideration.

Reporting to the CIO, the CPC builds partnerships with state agencies, oversees statewide egovernment initiatives, and guides strategic planning, IT centralization, and cross‑agency

Qualifications

• 5+ years in state government, with experience in senior management positions preferred.
• Expertise in short- and long-term strategic planning that produce innovative technology solutions across multiple disciplines.
• Thorough understanding of state budgeting and legislative processes.
• Understanding of IT concepts and practices and the use of technology by agencies to meet service delivery goals.
• Past experience in implementing IT solutions is preferred.
• Strong relationship building and relationship management skills, along with the ability to communicate and collaborate with diverse personalities.

Responsibilities

• Provide policy recommendations to the CIO and review legislative proposals for consideration by the CIO and others.
• Act as the liaison between the CIO and other agencies, Governor’s staff and General Assembly.
• Coordinate activities within DTI to meet the Department’s strategic goals.
• Research and analyze issues of strategic importance and report performance measures to the CIO and staff.
• Oversee the design and content for DTI websites and social media; develop the DTI brand for consistent presentation.
• Develop talking points for the CIO and draft press releases; coordinate multiagency press events.
• Lead statewide technology initiatives and IT Centralization planning with senior state agency management.

Skills

Strategic planning

Budgeting

IT governance

Relationship management

Communication

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Public policy

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Introduction

Looking for a rewarding career in the fast‑paced technology industry? Look no further! The Department of Technology & Information (DTI) is Delaware’s central IT organization committed to providing technology services and collaborative solutions for Delaware while working to improve the lives of Delawareans through advanced technologies that innovate government services. Employment with DTI is an opportunity to work in a collaborative environment that offers opportunities for professional development. DTI employees have the chance to work with 'best in class IT companies' offering our employees experience operating with some of the most talented in their field. In addition to recruiting and retaining the best and brightest, DTI acknowledges and values the diversity of our employees. DTI recognizes that fostering a diverse workforce provides remarkable benefits in terms of innovative thinking, increased collection of skills and experiences, greater teamwork, and higher morale. To learn more visit DTI’s Website at https://dti.delaware.gov/ DTI offers a robust hybrid work policy for employees whose job duties are conducive to working remotely.

Summary Statement

The Chief of Policy and Communications (CPC) serves as a member of the DTI Senior Team and is responsible for shaping policy, developing communications, facilitating innovation and establishing the departments’ brand. Primary responsibilities include acting as the chief policy advisor to the Chief Information Officer (CIO). The CPC is the Legislative liaison supporting Legislative needs and develops legislative proposals for approval by the CIO and for consideration by the Governor’s Office. The CPC provides support for the CIO in communicating with the public, members of the media, the General Assembley, customer agencies and the Governor’s office. The CPC is responsible for researching and making recommendations to the CIO and other members of the Senior Staff on strategically important issues affecting the Department and/or the use of information technology resources by agencies. In addition, build partnerships with senior management of state agencies to coordiate/faciliate technology strategies. The CPC will also serve as the liason with the Government Information Center. The CPC will lead the planning and oversight of statewide egovernment initiatives. The CPC is responsible for the strategy and planning of IT Centralization (ITC). CPC responsibilites also include reviewing and approving: business case requests and all technology purchases for the State over $10K; IT positions in accordance with ITC planning; CAI contractual positions across the State; and IT Grants in coordination with the Clearing House. The CPC is responsible for providing leadership to the Strategic Communications Manager (PIO) and Change Management team. In limited instances, the CPC may be called upon to directly manage projects of a highly sensitive or strategically important nature. The CPC will report to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and work closely with all members of the CIO’s Senior team and Team leaders.

Selective Requirement

Selective Requirements must be met in addition to the job requirements. Applicants who do not possess the selective requirement will not be qualified:

• Bachelor’s Degree required (or equivalent experience).
• Advanced degree in public policy, public budgeting or public administration preferred.

Essential Functions

• Provide policy recommendations to the Chief Information Officer. Review legislative proposals and prepare legislative proposals for consideration by the CIO and others. Participate in the Governor’s Policy Team and the legislative session on behalf of DTI.
• Act as the liaison between the CIO and other agencies, members of the Governor’s staff and members of the General Assembly.
• Coordinate activities within DTI on behalf of the CIO to meet the Department’s strategic goals.
• Research and analyze issues of a critical or sensitive nature or that have strategic importance to the Department or the State’s use of IT resources. Compile and report performance measures to the CIO, DTI staff and externally. Oversee the development and updating of the DTI strategic plan.
• Directly manage issues of strategic importance to the Department, or oversee groups of employees within the Department working on sensitive or important issues. Oversee the design and content for DTI websites and social media. Work with agencies to identify egovernment initiatives. Develop and manage the DTI brand to ensure consistency in presentation and delivery of services.
• Communicate with members of the public, the media and others outside the Department on behalf of the CIO. Develop talking points for the CIO. Draft press releases and coordinate DTI/multiagency press and other special events.
• Manage ITC strategies and planning by collaborating with senior management of other state agencies. Lead and plan statewide technolgy initiatives.
• Directly manage issues of strategic importance to the Department, or oversee groups of employees within the Department working on sensitive or important issues.

Job Requirements

• 5+ years in state government, with experience in senior management positions preferred.
• Expertise in short-and long-term strategic planning that produce innovative technology solutions for implementation across multiple disciplines.
• Thorough understanding of state budgeting and legislative processes.
• Understanding of IT concepts and practices and the use of technology by agencies to meet service delivery goals.
• Past experience in implementing IT solutions is preferred.
• Strong relationship building and relationship management skills, along with the ability to communicate and collaborate with diverse personalities across the organization on a variety of cross-functional projects.
• General experience that provides a good basic knowledge of the principles of organization, management, and administration.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have a high energy level, strong work ethic, customer service orientation, ability to exercise discretion and high integrity.

Conditions of Hire

• Pre-employment Drug Testing: Upon a conditional offer, you must undergo pre-employment drug testing as part of the hiring process.
• Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.
• All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.

Benefits

• Group Health Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, Prescription, Flexible Spending (Health and Dependent Care), Long & Short Term Disability Insurance, Group Universal Life Insurance, Accident & Critical Illness Insurance, Health Management Programs.
• 21 paid vacation days, 15 paid sick days, 13 paid holidays, Up to 12 weeks paid Parental Leave.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $4,000 annually.
• State funded learning opportunities, mentor programs and professional development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access to support services such as Professional Counseling Services, Legal Services, Financial Services.
• Employer & Employee Funded Pension Plan as well as an Employee Funded Retirement Savings Plan available.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/agencies/index.shtml.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling [phone] or by visiting delawarerelay.com. If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call [phone] or email [e-mail]. The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

Selection Plan

Ongoing Application Review