Senior Director of Technology Services

Boston; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The Boston Police Department seeks a Senior Director of Technology Services to provide executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight of the department's technology environment.

You will report to the Chief of the Bureau of Administration and Technology and drive the strategy, security, reliability, and modernization of mission-critical systems supporting 24/7 public safety operations.

Qualifications

• Eight+ years in enterprise IT with at least five years in senior supervisory or managerial roles.
• Bachelor's degree strongly preferred; master's degree desirable; substitutions considered.
• High proficiency with enterprise IT solutions.
• Certifications such as ITIL, PMP, CISSP preferred.
• Public-sector or 24/7 operational environment experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive-level leadership and strategic direction for BPD technology.
• Oversee performance, security, reliability, and modernization of mission-critical systems.
• Ensure SLAs and CJIS standards compliance.
• Direct incident response for outages and cybersecurity events.
• Manage IT infrastructure including data centers, networks, cloud services, and enterprise apps.
• Oversee budgets, contracts, and procurement for technology systems and services.
• Align initiatives with city-wide standards through DoIT partnership.
• Recruit and develop IT professionals and foster a culture of collaboration.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Troubleshooting skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology / Computer Science / Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Job description

The Senior Director of Technology Services provides executive-level leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight of the Boston Police Department’s (BPD) technology environment. Reporting directly to the Chief of the Bureau of Administration and Technology, the Director is responsible for developing and executing the Department’s technology strategy and overseeing the performance, security, reliability, and modernization of mission-critical technology supporting BPD’s 24/7 public safety operations.

• Establish and execute a comprehensive IT strategy that aligns with BPD’s mission, operational priorities, and long-term organizational goals.
• Provide strategic direction on technology policy, standards, and modernization initiatives.
• Monitor emerging technologies and translate innovative ideas into actionable plans that enhance public safety operations, data transparency, and departmental efficiency.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Commissioner, command staff, and senior City officials on matters related to technology strategy and security.
• Oversee the performance, stability, and security of mission-critical systems in a 24/7 operational environment.
• Ensure compliance with Service Level Agreements (SLAs), CJIS standards, and departmental security policies.
• Direct incident response for major outages or cybersecurity events, coordinating with internal teams and external partners as required.
• Lead change management processes and enforce technology governance policies.
• Manage IT infrastructure operations, including data centers, networks, telecommunications, cloud services (IaaS, PaaS, DaaS), and enterprise applications.
• Evaluate, select, and implement technology solutions that improve service delivery and operational effectiveness.
• Oversee asset management, contract management, and public procurement processes for technology systems and services.
• Serve as executive sponsor and approver for major technology projects.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Partner with the City’s Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) to align BPD technology initiatives with citywide standards and strategic objectives.
• Lead and provide executive oversight to a multidisciplinary technology organization consisting of sworn personnel, civilian employees, contractors, and consultants across multiple technical and operational disciplines.
• Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing IT professionals.
• Establish a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and customer-centered service.
• Create professional development plans and implement workforce training programs to enhance capabilities.
• Ensure systems meet operational, analytical, and reporting needs for departmental leadership.
• Support initiatives that advance data-driven decision-making and improve transparency.
• Drive digital transformation efforts that modernize workflows, enhance efficiency, and improve user experience.
• Promote a customer-service-focused approach to technology delivery.
• Ensure technology investments provide value and align with public safety needs.
• Develop, oversee, and manage the Division’s technology operating and capital budgets, ensuring the strategic allocation of resources and fiscal accountability for technology investments, contracts, systems, and services.
• Provide executive oversight of technology procurements, vendor relationships, contract negotiations and administration, and major technology investments in accordance with City procurement requirements.
• Performs related work as required.

• At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in enterprise information technology, including at least five (5) years in a senior supervisory or managerial capacity overseeing complex technology operations, programs, or teams.
• A bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field is strongly preferred. A master's degree in a related field is desirable. Appropriate substitutions based on education and experience may be considered.
• High proficiency with enterprise IT solutions.
• Professional certifications such as ITIL, PMP, CISSP, or comparable technology, project management, or cybersecurity credentials are preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of public-sector technology environments, with experience supporting law enforcement, public safety, emergency response, or other complex 24/7 operational environments strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale IT projects and budgets.
• Strong communication, leadership, and team-building skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues.

Opportunities

The position will provide the successful candidate an operational leadership role in a large, complex organization. Training opportunities in management, leadership development and various IT-related fields will be available to further the professional development of the candidate.

CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK REQUIRED

PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TEST REQUIRED

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: Non-Union/MM2-12

Hours per week: 35