Software Development Manager

North Dakota Office of Attorney General; Bismarck (ND); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

PSLF program

Job summary

North Dakota Office of Attorney General in Bismarck seeks a Software Developer Manager to lead the IT/CJIS team, direct application development, set technical direction, and own the operation of critical statewide systems used by law enforcement, courts, and partners.

This in-person role offers mentorship, cross-department collaboration, and opportunities to modernize the agency's applications, including FBI/NCIC integrations, with a focus on reliability, security, and long-term planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer information systems, or another computer related field and four years of required work experience.
• Two years of the required work experience must be within the last four years.
• Experience leading developers, technical projects, or major application initiatives.
• Ability to communicate technical information to both technical and nontechnical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and provide direction to application development staff and contractors.
• Assign and prioritize project work, maintenance, modernization, and production support.
• Lead the analysis, design, development, testing, implementation, and support of agency applications.
• Set technical direction for architecture, databases, integrations, security, and deployments.

Skills

C# / .NET

SQL Server

Technical leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field

Tools

Git

Azure DevOps

REST / SOAP

Job description

The IT/CJIS team supports a broad mix of programs, including criminal justice, the Crime Laboratory, Lottery, Gaming, Finance, criminal background checks, concealed weapon licensing, sex offender registration, and other Attorney General functions. The work ranges from internal business applications to statewide systems and integrations used by law enforcement agencies, courts, government partners, and the public.

This position has significant ownership of the agency's application environment. The Software Developer Manager sets technical direction, participates in application design and modernization, assigns and prioritizes work, and is responsible for the reliable operation of the systems supported by the development team.

The portfolio includes North Dakota's technical communications with the FBI and other criminal justice partners for fingerprints, criminal history records, warrants, protection orders, and related information. It also includes applications that support the business and regulatory work of the Attorney General's Office.

This is a good opportunity for an experienced developer or technical leader who wants to lead a capable team, remain involved in important technical decisions, and take ownership of systems that have a direct impact across North Dakota.

What We Offer

Tools & Environment

Day-One Readiness: Walk into a fully equipped workspace with all the supplies, technology, and equipment you need to succeed immediately.

Premium Workspace: Enjoy a clean, safe, and dedicated professional office environment.

Convenient Commuting: Skip the stress with free, dedicated on-site parking.

Modern Break Amenities: Relax in our fully stocked with supplies (cutlery, plates, napkins, etc.) lunchroom featuring an ice machine and a dedicated vending area.

Our Culture & Community

In-Person Mentorship: Accelerate your career growth with direct, daily access to experienced leaders.

Integrated Culture Model: Work in a collaborative environment built on an integrated system that connects team members across departments.

Office Celebrations: We love to recognize milestones, birthdays, and achievements with regular team celebrations.

Fun Traditions: Participate in our weekly "Snack Week" rotations and casual Friday jeans days (supporting local charities through voluntary donations).

True Work-Life Balance: We respect your personal time while offering a vibrant office community that builds genuine connections beyond the standard 40-hour work week.

This position is an in-person position, located in Bismarck, North Dakota. All normal work hours will be conducted in person, in an office setting. No remote work or hybrid work is available.

Duties and Tasks

• Supervise and provide direction to application development staff and contractors.
• Assign and prioritize project work, application maintenance, modernization, and production support.
• Lead the analysis, design, development, testing, implementation, and support of agency applications.
• Set technical direction for application architecture, databases, integrations, security, development practices, and deployments.
• Work with agency divisions to understand their needs and develop practical technology solutions.
• Oversee integrations with the FBI, courts, law enforcement agencies, state agencies, vendors, and other external partners.
• Coordinate projects involving program staff, developers, contractors, vendors, and agency leadership.
• Lead the technical response to significant production issues.
• Establish standards for source control, code review, testing, documentation, deployment, and change management.
• Plan for application modernization, replacement, technical debt, staffing, licensing, and other long-term technology needs.
• Ensure applications comply with agency, state, federal, security, and confidentiality requirements.
• Support budgeting, procurement, vendor management, and contract administration as needed.

In addition to the monthly salary, this position includes the following benefits:

• fully paid health insurance for employee and family (with a wellness rider included)
• option to participate in employee-paid dental and vision for employee and family
• participation in the state NDPERS defined benefit retirement plan
• option to participate in the 457 deferred compensation plan
• option to contribute to a medical spending account
• earning annual leave and sick leave

Employees in this position are eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer information systems, or another computer related field, and four years of required work experience as described below. Additional work experience, as described, may substitute for up to two years of the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Two years of the required work experience must be within the last four years.

Experience Must Include

• The full application development life cycle.
• Development or technical leadership using C#, .NET, Microsoft SQL Server, or similar enterprise technologies.
• Leading developers, technical projects, or major application initiatives.
• Supporting applications in a production environment.
• Communicating technical information to both technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Preference will be given to applicants with the following (not required):
• A degree with a major in computer science, computer information systems, or another computer related field
• Supervising software developers or other technical staff.
• Directing contractors or technology vendors.
• C#, ASP.NET, .NET Framework, modern .NET, Razor, Blazor, JavaScript, or VB.NET.
• Microsoft SQL Server, Entity Framework, stored procedures, database design, or SQL Server Reporting Services.
• REST or SOAP services, message queues, NServiceBus, MSMQ, or other integration technologies.
• Git, Azure DevOps, automated builds, testing, deployment, or release management.
• Microsoft Entra ID, Active Directory, single sign-on, or identity and access management.
• Modernizing or replacing legacy applications.
• Project planning, requirements analysis, budgeting, procurement, or contract administration.
• Government, criminal justice, law enforcement, laboratory, financial, gaming, regulatory, or other secure business environments.
• CJIS, NCIC, FBI, NIST, or similar security and information-exchange requirements.
• Must demonstrate:
• The ability to lead technical staff and establish clear priorities and expectations.
• Strong technical judgment and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to manage several applications, projects, and operational needs at the same time.
• The ability to explain technical issues and options clearly.
• The ability to work effectively with agency staff, leadership, vendors, and external partners.
• The ability to remain organized and provide direction during production issues.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive information.
• Successful completion of the interview process, reference checks, and standard background and criminal record checks to determine knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform Software Developer I tasks.

About Team ND

"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt

More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.

Total Rewards

The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. Sect. 23-12-10.