Information Technology Director - IT Project Management, 600451 (2026-03392)

Hawaii State Department of Education; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 130,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation and sick leave

Job summary

Hawaii State Department of Education seeks an Information Technology Director to lead the Office of Information Technology Services. The role directs strategic IT project management, staffing, budgeting, and process improvements across the department, reporting to the Assistant Superintendent.

Responsibilities include planning, governance, and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure technology initiatives align with educational goals and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Nine years of responsible professional experience in electronic processing systems analysis and/or computer programming, including five years in an education agency or system.
• Two years of supervision of professional staff in information systems development or related functions.
• Experience with IT project management in an educational environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of strategic and operational plans for IT project management services.
• Anticipate new projects and plan for technology project management needs.
• Develop and lead committees and advisory groups with stakeholders and experts.
• Advise on project management best practices and provide expert consultation.
• Manage branch staffing, recruitment, onboarding, and performance.
• Oversee branch fiscal resources, budgeting, licensing, and vendor management.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Project management

Staff supervision

Communication

Planning and budgeting

Education

Bachelors in information and computer sciences

Bachelors in management information systems with business administration

Job description

APPLICANTS MAY BE EDUCATIONAL OFFICERS, TEACHERS AND OTHER QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS

SPECIAL INTERNAL / EXTERNAL

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT ISSUED: This position is excluded from the Educational Officers' Bargaining Unit and will be filled as a clear line appointment.

A WRITTEN EXAMINATION/ASSIGNMENT MAY BE ADMINISTERED TO HELP DETERMINE POSSESSION OF THE KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES PORTIONS OF THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Information Technology Services, the Information Technology Director:

1.LEADERSHIP AND PLANNING:

• a) Leads the development of strategic and operational plans for IT project management services and support for the Office of Information Technology Services (OITS).
• b) Based on current and future department strategic direction and initiatives, anticipates possible new projects requiring technology project management services and plans for them accordingly.
• c) Develops, convenes, and leads committees and advisory groups which may include technology experts, department stakeholders and user groups, subject matter experts, external stakeholders and experts, etc.
• d) Provides expert consultation and guidance on project management best practices.
• e) Represents the department and OITS by serving as a technology expert on committees, boards, task forces, etc., as well as presenting information to various groups at the department, state, national, and international level.
• f) Serves as a member of the OITS leadership team, actively participates and contributes in the planning and implementation of strategic technology initiatives, department technology plans and strategies, problem/issue resolution and solutions.
• g) Monitors and researches trends and best practices within the technology and education industries to anticipate strategic direction changes, needs, opportunities, and impacts for OITS and the department.
• h) Advises team members and OITS leadership on issues related to projects being implemented.

2.ORGANIZATIONAL AND OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT:

• a) Develops priorities for the branch, in alignment with technology, department, and other strategic plans and direction, as well as based on technical and resource opportunities and/or constraints, vendor/product road maps, and other technology and education information.
• b) Evaluates and improves services and support provided by the branch, obtaining internal and external formal feedback through various feedback loops and methodologies.
• c) Establishes and maintains a portfolio of projects managed by the branch and advises leadership and sponsors of any risks, delays, and resource issues that may impact the success of the project.
• d) Ensures IT projects are executed in alignment with technology and department strategic plans.
• e) Serves as project manager on specified projects as directed by the OITS assistant superintendent.
• f) Ensures technology solutions managed by the branch are adequately maintained, supported, and performing as intended; addresses issues and incidents impacting services and performance of the solutions and ensures production changes are appropriately tested, vetted, and approved.
• g) Engages with business owners, stakeholders, and users to understand business needs and requirements as part of continuous improvement processes.
• h) Manages branch staffing resources including recruitment, hiring, orientation/on-boarding, performance evaluation/management, and other staffing resourcing and management activities.
• i) Identifies and implements a professional development and learning strategy to build and maintain institutional and staff knowledge and growth.
• j) Manages branch fiscal resources including development and oversight of the branch's annual budget and expenditure plans, technology acquisition processes (solicitation, contract development and execution, vendor management), annual licensing management and renewals; practices sound and ethical fiscal accountability methods.
• k) Oversees and directs the daily operations of the branch for and through direct reports.
• l) Effectively communicates information, plans, strategies, etc of the department and its leadership to branch staff to ensure appropriate input, actions, and implementation occurs and aligns to strategic direction.
• m) Develops and oversees the a process of continuous improvement of all branch resources and procedures, including the identification of areas of improvement, opportunities, and gaps; solicits input from branch staff, OITS leadership, and other impacted stakeholders to ensure collaboration and input results in successful improvement and operations; anticipates, identifies, and resolves complex obstacles to the success of the overall program as well as specific projects.

3.Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in information and computer sciences, or a bachelor's degree in business administration with specialization in management information systems.

Experience: Nine (9) years of responsible professional experience in electronic processing systems analysis and/or computer programming of which five (5) years shall have been in an education agency, program or system including two (2) years of supervision of professional staff in information systems development or related functions.

Desired Experience: At least seven (7) years of IT work experience, including four (4) or more years managing technology projects and portfolios. Experience with projects in multiple technologies and functions; experience with implementation, management, and maintenance of systems and solutions; experience in an educational environment preferred. Six (6) years related specialized experience, at least three (3) years of which must have been supervisory in nature. At least two (2) years experience in project management of large scale projects.

Combined Education and Experience: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be acceptable, as determined by the Department. Substitutions can be considered for the requirement of experience in an education program, agency or system.

Knowledge: Programming; electronic data processing; information systems in organizations; database systems; statistical data analysis; information systems analysis and design; management and organizational behavior; productivity management; principles and practices of supervision; laws, rules, regulations and administrative procedures pertinent to the areas of assignment.

Desired Knowledge: Extensive and expert knowledge in the use of project management methodologies and tools, resource management practices and change management techniques to perform and direct multiple large and complex project management functions of significant impact; IT management, leadership, and organizational behavior; theories, principles, and practices of IT; operation and management of computing systems to include emerging technology particularly as it relates to the education environment and administrative systems; principles of leadership and supervision.

Ability to: Plan, direct, coordinate and evaluate central staff services in information systems; recommend changes in procedures and practices to improve efficiency and economy; deal effectively with federal, state and departmental officials to accomplish program goals and objectives; provide department-wide advice; communicate effectively with others both orally and in writing; operate computer and various business machines.

Desired Ability to: Manage large, complex IT projects in an education setting; manage enterprise-wide systems and solutions.

SALARY RANGE: EOSR-10, $130,120 to $184,201.

Department of Education certificated employees will be placed on the salary range in accordance with Department regulations.

All others will be placed on the first step of $130,120.

NOTE: Department of Education employees will be placed on the salary range in accordance with Department regulations. All new external applicants will be placed on the initial step of the salary range. However, placement above the initial step of the salary range will be based on special characteristics and critical needs of the position, an applicant's exceptional qualifications, the availability of funds, and other relevant factors. Such appointments require prior approval.

WORK YEAR AND BENEFITS: This appointment will be on a 12-month basis with vacation and sick leave provided according to applicable regulations.

POSTING CYCLE: Vacant or unfilled positions may be internally and/or externally advertised on the 1st and/or 16th of any calendar month.

EDUCATIONAL OFFICER CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT: Priority for appointments shall be given to qualified and tenured educational officers in that class who wish to move to that position through lateral transfer or a voluntary demotion and second to all other qualified educational officers with tenure.

Robert Davis

Interim Assistant Superintendent

Office of Talent Management