Information Technology Manager

City of Gardena; Gardena (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Gardena seeks an experienced Information Systems Division Director to lead the IT team within the Administrative Services Department. The role oversees hardware, software, networking, security, GIS, and user support to align with city policies and infrastructure investments.

Responsibilities include strategic planning, project oversight, vendor management, and budget development to ensure reliable and secure information systems for the city.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or closely related field is required.
• Experience: Five (5) years of professional and supervisory IT experience, including two (2) years in management/supervision.
• Master’s degree in IT or related field highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Directs, plans, and oversees the Information Systems Division within Administrative Services.
• Develops IT policies, infrastructure investments, and security strategies.
• Manage division budget, personnel, contracts, and capital expenditures.
• Lead enterprise IT projects, cybersecurity initiatives, and AI governance efforts.
• Assess and improve network, data, and system security and uptime.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Project management

Cybersecurity

GIS

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in information technology or related field

Master’s degree in information science/IT or related area

Tools

GIS software

SQL databases

Microsoft Exchange

Networking equipment

Job description

Under administrative direction, directs, plans, and oversees the work of the Information Systems Division, within the Administrative Services Department, including computer hardware, software, networking, operating systems, telecommunications, security administration, cyber security, GIS, and user support applications; develops recommendations on various information technology policies, applications, and infrastructure investment; and performs other related duties as assigned. Reports directly to the Director of the Administrative Services Department or his/her designee.

Representative Duties

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class.

• Establishes information technology goals, objectives and policies to address City infrastructure needs, user requirements, and to oversee City’s internet, extranet, and intranet presence, as well as computer networks, hardware, software, telecommunications, systems, security, GIS applications, cybersecurity and related departmental operations, activities, and enterprise solutions;
• Develops, organizes, and supervises division resources by identifying and establishing priorities, work plans, and timelines by managing projects and assignments; evaluates division and contractor performance in conformance with established objectives. Assess division and City needs;
• Selects, trains, motivates and evaluates division personnel; provides staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; establishes staff goals and monitors progress; recommends salary increases, and institutes disciplinary action as needed;
• Leads, plans, and manages IT projects of varying size and complexity, including enterprise applications deployment, database modernization, cybersecurity initiatives, infrastructure upgrades, and audio/visual enhancements;
• Analyze threats, perform vulnerability assessments, enforce security policies, protect data, and make security protocol recommendations related to Cybersecurity;
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance: documented responsibilities, policies, training, traceability, provide guardrails and continuous oversight;
• Assesses department computer and telecommunication requirements and usage; designs network and systems architecture and configurations, including acquisition, installation, and servicing plans, and contract delivery, milestones, and payment terms, and disaster recovery plans to meet City’s need;
• Prepares division budget, including planned personnel, operating, contract services, and capital investment expenditures and cost projections given analysis of project and work requests;
• Monitors performance of wide area networks, local area networks, internet services, software, and hardware for conformance with specifications and standards; confers with users regarding needs and systems requirements; analyzes information systems practices, and procedures, and institutes changes to increase uptime, efficiency, and user convenience and satisfaction;
• Researches information technology systems, applications, and trends related to hardware, software, networks, and other applications such as audio visual, broadcasting, and telecommuting; works with other information technology professionals and industry resources and conveys pertinent information and recommendations to the Director of Administrative Services or his/her designee;
• Monitors the management and operations of audio and video equipment, local cable channel, recording and broadcasting of City meetings ensuing broadcast connectivity to cable channels and the internet, in addition to the local City cable channel.

Education and Experience

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in information technology, computer science, or a closely related field is required. A Master’s Degree in Information Science, Information Technology, Computer Programming, Network Administration or similar area is highly desirable in addition to the required level of experience and education.

Experience: Five (5) years of responsible professional, technical, and supervisory experience related to information technology is required, including two (2) years of management and supervisory experience.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Information systems, software, hardware, storage, and networks, client-serves, security systems and directories, and telecommunications industry standards, trends, principles, and practices;
• Related computer products, goods, and services;
• Microsoft desktop, server, and operating systems and networking systems related to a range of hardware such as servers, hubs, switches, routers, firewalls, related components, software, and utilities programs;
• Microsoft Exchange administration and SQL database administration practices, websites, and broadcasting;
• GIS applications;
• Cybersecurity;Information systems planning practices and user requirements;
• Project management practices;
• Contract administration practices;
• Principles of supervision and evaluation; and
• Customer service practices.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, assign, review and evaluate the work of staff;
• Organize and allocate projects and assignments to meet deadlines;
• Read, analyze and comprehend complex hardware and software specifications and problems;
• Evaluate trends and anticipate City’s information technology needs and user requirements;
• Motivate employees to complete tasks;
• Analyze systems, software, and hardware performance and recommend investments in information technology resources;
• Operate computer hardware and modern office equipment; word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications software;
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing;
• Prepare and present clear and concise reports and correspondence;
• Interpret and apply standards, policies, procedures, and regulations; and
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other City department staff, management, users, consultants, contractors, and vendors, and other agency representatives.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is constantly required to sit, stand and walk. Finger dexterity and light grasping is required to handle, feel, or operate computer hardware and standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms above and below shoulder level. The employee occasionally lifts and carries records and documents typically weighing less than 25 pounds. Sensory demands include the ability to see, talk, and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee works in office conditions with controlled temperature settings

License

Must have and maintain a valid California Class C Driver’s License.

Special Condition

Conflict of Interest Statement

Testing Process:

• Minimum Qualification Screening - Pass/Fail
• Supplemental Questions - Pass/Fail
• Oral Interview - 100% of total score

*Testing process is subject to change

Candidates must pass all examinations to be placed on the eligible list.

Possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to the next step in the selection process. All candidate materials will be carefully evaluated and only those considered best qualified will be invited to the next step in the selection process