Position Summary
In collaboration with the Deputy Director, sets and leads the technology strategy and objectives for the NHA and establishes the Authority's technology vision and goals. Monitors and maintains the Authority's technology infrastructure and systems, both on-premise and in the Cloud, to ensure optimal performance. Responsibilities and oversight include but are not limited to: servers; networks; voice/data/video communications; internal and external websites; remote connectivity; information security; applications and databases; backups and data integrity; and facility access and security systems at all Authority locations.
Essential Duties:
• Plans, budgets for, analyzes and tests, selects, configures and installs new technology, including desktop, laptop, iPads, voice, data, and video communications, servers, and cloud applications. Performs troubleshooting of same and takes corrective action to resolve.
• Facilitates collaborative technology goal setting with other departments.
• Directs and supervises the activities and work of junior IT staff. Recruits, mentors, and inspires junior IT staff.
• Designs or acquires, implements, tests, and maintains the technology and preventive measures to implement the Agency's information security and cybersecurity policies and protocols to protect against unauthorized access or disclosure, data breach, malware, and other threats to the Authority's data and systems.
• Prepares and submits to the Director the IT Department Operating and Capital Improvements budget needs.
• Plans and specifies purchases of technology equipment and software for all locations and establishes partnerships with IT goods/services providers. Prepares Request for Proposals and bid documents.
• Directs and oversees the work of IT subcontractors or vendors. Manages vendor contracts and relationships.
• Serves as Project Manager for all IT-related projects: determines schedule and resource allocation; creates budget; coordinates with other project stakeholders; prepares status reports. Also serves as IT liaison for all other Authority projects, including new and renovated facilities.
• Prepares project status, department budget, and department performance reports for Supervisor. Prepare presentations on same as requested.
• Assesses departmental and user training needs and recommends and develops training programs appropriate to individual or group needs.
• Keeps accurate and current inventory of all technology equipment and software and software licensing.
• Participates on the Norwalk Housing Authority's and City of Norwalk's Emergency Management Teams and assists in the establishment and testing of the Authority's disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
Education and Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in a Computer Science or Technology discipline.
• Three years' experience in an Information Technology leadership position.
• Five years of direct hands-on experience with IT systems and network administration. Thorough knowledge of a variety of communications protocols, network architecture (routers, switches), operating systems (Windows /Active Directory, Unix) and virtualization. Thorough knowledge of Internet connectivity and firewall security. Strong knowledge of Microsoft Exchange and Office 365.
• Three years prior Help Desk experience installing equipment, responding to user requests, troubleshooting and resolving technology issues, including coordinating outside vendor assistance.
• Experience supporting video surveillance systems a plus.
• Ability to direct and supervise the work of technical staff and vendors as required and on a project basis.
• Ability to deal effectively with others in team/workgroup activities.
• Ability to develop a budget and manage budget performance.
• Ability to implement security systems and controls.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with all levels of staff, vendors, and subcontracts/consultants.
• Ability to interpret and apply Federal, State and local requirements, laws, policies, regulations and procedures applicable to technology systems and software.
Special Requirements:
• Must be bondable.
• Possession of a valid State of Connecticut Driver's License.