Information Technology Services Director (At-Will)

Job Description

Description

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will be an experienced information systems professional with a high degree of emotional intelligence and the ability to build effective working relationships with Department and City staff, consultants, and others contacted in the course of work. They will draw upon their experience in contract administration, budget management, staff development, performance management, and continuous improvement to enhance service delivery and overall operational effectiveness. The selected candidate will demonstrate strong political acumen, technical expertise, and clear, effective communication skills, enabling them to collaborate with varied audiences as well as confidently deliver public presentations.

The successful candidate will prioritize staff’s professional development with a focus on mentoring and to sustain a positive, collaborative work culture. They will take a hands-on approach as a working department head and be committed to an inclusive, collaborative, and team-based work environment.

Excellent technical and communication skills with the ability to explain complex concepts in a manner that is understood by a variety of audiences at different levels of experience and expertise will be essential for the next Director. They will be very skilled at process improvement and time management with a proven record of bringing projects to completion on time and within budget.

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

Experience: Seven (7) years progressively responsible experience in the administration of information technology systems including analysis, implementation, programming; including four (4) years of management and supervisory experience.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field.

License/Certificate: Due to the performance of some field duties which requires the operation of a personal or City vehicle, valid and appropriate California driver's license and acceptable driving record are required.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

The salary for this position is $160,980 to $247,500 annually with placement in the range dependent on qualifications. The Information Technology Services Director is a full-time at-will position in the City's Management and Confidential Group (unrepresented employee group) with the following benefits package:

9/80 or 4/10 Work Schedule: The City requires in-office presence to effectively support our team and operations. Our positions are fully on-site with no remote work options available.

Retirement: California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS) plan which offers reciprocity between agencies. Classic Tier II employees, who have been in the CalPERS system and are new to the City of El Segundo, will receive 2%@60 formula. Employees new to the City and CalPERS, and do not belong to a reciprocal agency of CalPERS, will receive the PEPRA formula of 2%@62. Classic employees are required to contribute 8% of pensionable income towards their retirement benefit; PEPRA employees are required to contribute 7.5%.

Social Security & Medicare: The City of El Segundo participates in Social Security. The City matches the employee contribution which is 6.2% of salary. Federal mandate requires all employees hired or rehired by any government agency on or after April 1, 1986 to participate in Medicare. The City matches the employee's Medicare contribution, which is 1.45% of salary.

Health Benefits: CalPERS medical, MetLife dental and VSP vision plans are offered. A monthly contribution of $1,850 is provided ($932 per month for medical and $918 per month in flex dollars). Flex dollars may be used towards medical premiums, deferred compensation, flexible spending, or dependent care accounts. Dental and vision coverage is provided by the City.

Retiree Medical: Employees that service retire concurrently from CalPERS and the City of El Segundo after a minimum of five (5) consecutive years of full-time service with the City shall be eligible for the PEMHCA amount of $932 plus a City contribution to equal the total monthly medical contribution for Management & Confidential active employees.

Voluntary Binding Arbitration: $10,000 payment.

Leave Benefits: Vacation Leave is earned at a rate of 4.15 hours per pay period. Years of service in a CalPERS or similar agency may be used for placement in a higher vacation leave accrual tier. Sick Leave is earned at 8 hours per month.

Administrative Leave: Up to 80 hours per calendar year, based on City Manager approval. There is no cash value to this leave. One day per calendar year of Personal Leave which is available to use after 6 months following the appointment date.

Holidays: Twelve (12) paid holidays including one floating holiday which is added to your leave bank on January 1 every year.

Cell Phone: City phone provided.

Life Insurance: City paid policy of $50,000.

Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts: Optional participation.

Section 457 Deferred Compensation Plan: Optional participation in Mission Square (formerly ICMA-RC) plan.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

A cover letter addressing your professional information technology services management experience and resume is required with your online application. Should you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Human Resources at (310) 524-2335. Application materials must be received by 5:00 p.m., September 30, 2026.

Candidates deemed to be the most qualified as reflected in their materials will be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include virtual screening interviews and then an in-person interview at the City of El Segundo. Candidates are encouraged to apply early for maximum consideration.

THE POSITION

Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, and directs the activities of a comprehensive municipal Information Systems Department; serves as a member of the City's Executive Management team; provides highly responsible and professional staff experience to the City Manager and City Council.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives general administrative direction from the City Manager. Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical, and administrative support staff.

Essential Job Functions

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following duties and responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list of duties and responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

• Positions in this classification typically perform a full range of duties at a level of complexity represented by the following types of responsibilities:
• Develops, implements, and manages an Information Systems Plan including the review, evaluation, and maintenance of the Plan.
• Confers with other City departments and divisions, vendors and with outside agencies to determine current and future information technology needs and strategies.
• Formulates goals, objectives, and programs to meet the technology needs of City staff, City Council, and the community, ensuring alignment with the City's Strategic Plan. Makes oral and written recommendations to department heads, city manager and/or City Council on user needs.
• Maintains current knowledge of technological trends and developments and operating practices essential to implementing successful new technology programs.
• Ensures compliance with local, state, federal mandates, regulations and best practices.
• Responds to and resolves sensitive or the most complex questions or concerns.
• Prepares and administers the department budget.
• Directs development of requests for proposals and selection processes for consulting and technical services. Administers and monitors vendor contracts to ensure compliance with performance measurements, timelines, and budget.
• Provides for and/or conducts staff development; establishes work methods and standards; initiates corrective action and/or disciplinary action and responds to grievances and complaints according to established personnel policies and procedures.
• May serve on various committees, boards, and task forces.
• Regularly and predictably attends work.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Knowledge of:

• Contemporary information systems environments, hardware platforms and software applications and peripherals.
• Disaster recovery, firewalls, and computer security methodologies and procedures.
• Business and financial computing systems.
• Computer programming and logic.
• Project planning and management techniques.
• Hardware and software procurement, integration, and acquisition.
• Development of training programs.
• Principles and practices of effective supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Project management principles and practices.
• Procedures and techniques of budget preparation and administration.

Skill in:

• Assessing objectives and operational requirements to develop, implement and evaluate appropriate programs, operational policies, and procedures.
• Analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of proposed actions and implement solutions in support of goals.
• Interpreting and applying City policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Exercising sound judgement in making decisions.
• Leading, developing, motivating, and evaluating staff.
• Conducting technical information systems training programs.
• Using personal computers and office related software.
• Conducting complex technical research and analysis and preparing clear, concise, and comprehensive reports.
• Public speaking.
• Gaining cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Communicating effectively orally and in writing.
• Working under pressure, handling significant problems and tasks that arise simultaneously and/or unexpectedly.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, other City employees and the public.

QUALIFICATIONS:

A combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Seven (7) years progressively responsible experience in the administration of information technology systems including analysis, implementation, programming; including four (4) years of management and supervisory experience.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience in a government agency is desirable.

License/Certificates: Due to the performance of some field duties which requires the operation of a personal or City vehicle, valid and appropriate California driver's license and acceptable driving record are required.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, City of El Segundo employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

The City of El Segundo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives to build and sustain an environment that values diversity, welcomes opportunities to engage and understand others, and fosters a sense of belonging.

PERS Retirement:

Miscellaneous employees - Tier I -2% @ 55 . Tier II - 2%@60 for individuals employed by the City on or after 12/30/12 who are already PERS members. Tier I and II members pay 8% of pensionable income. Single highest year coordinated with Social Security and Medicare. PERS 2%@62 for new employees/members hired on or after 1/1/13. Three year average coordinated with Social Security and Medicare. Members pay 50% of normal cost (6.75%).

Public Safety employees - Police Tier I - 3%@50 for individuals employed as of 10/5/12. Police Tier II- 3%@55 for individuals employed by the City on or after 10/6/12. Fire 3%@55 for current employees and individuals hired by the City who are already in PERS. Single highest year. Employees pay 12% of pensionable income. PERS 2.7%@5 7 for new safety employees/members hired on or after 1/1/13. Three year average final compensation. Members pay 50% of normal cost (12%).

Social Security: The City matches employee’s Social Security contribution, which is 6.2% of your salary and is made on a pre-tax basis. The 2022 Social Security income cap is $147,000. Public Safety positions are exempt from Social Security (Police Chief, Fire Chief, Fire Battalion Chief).

Medical -The City provides health plans through CalPERS. Total monthly medical contribution of$1,650 per month ($932per month for medical and $718per month for flex dollars). Flex dollars may be used toward a medical premium, deferred compensation plan, or flexible spending/dependent care allocations. Employees are responsible for paying any out-of-pocket balance of the medical plan premium through a pre-tax payroll deduction. Dental and vision benefits will be provided by the City.

Retiree Medical: Executive Management, Mid Management, and Confidential employees service retiring concurrently from the City of El Segundo after a minimum of five full-time years of service and CalPERS on or after June 21, 2022, shall be eligible for a retiree medical benefit equal to the PEMHCA amount filed by the City with CalPERS supplemented by a City contribution to a healthcare reimbursement account. The amount of the healthcare reimbursement supplement shall be no more than the amount necessary to cover the health insurance premium cost for the employee and eligible dependent(s) for the selected CalPERS health plan, but in no event shall the total monthly contribution (PEMHCA contribution + healthcare reimbursement account) exceed the amount provided to active employees in the Management Confidential Series. For 2022, this total monthly contribution is $1,650 per month.

Auto Allowance: Executive Management positions that are not provided a City vehicle shall recieve an auto allowance in the amount of $400. Employees provided an auto allowance are inelgible for mileage reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program :

Deferred Compensation: For Executive positions that are required to contribute to Social Security (City Manager excluded), a City contribution of 6.2% to a 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan, up to the annual Social Security base, evenly distributed over 24 pay periods per year. Participation in a 457 Deferred Compensation Program with pre-taxed salary deferrals is voluntary. Voluntary participation in Mission Square 457 Deferred Compensation plan.

Optical/Dental: VSP Vision and MetLife Dental HMO or PPO fully paid for employee and eligible dependents.

Flex Plan: Section 125 Plan, allows for payment of employee-paid insurance, medical treatment, and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Council excluded.

Life Insurance : $50,000 term life policy provided by City; employee can purchase additional self and dependent coverage at group rates.

Long-Term Disability: City provides Executive LTD which pays 75% of first $12,000 of employee's salary less the amount of any other income, up to a total of $2,500. Applies to non job-related occurrences. 90 day waiting period. Council excluded.

Holidays: 11 fixed paid holidays plus 1 day of personal leave/floating holiday per year. Council excluded.

Vacation Leave : 96 hours (1-5 years); 120 hours (6 - 10 years); 144 hours (11 - 14 years): 200 hours after 14 years. Leave can be used after 6 months of service. Annual cash conversion option. Employees on "E" step accrue vacation based on total years of service in a PERS or comparable agency. Council excluded.

Sick Leave: 8 hours per month.Council excluded.

Administrative Leave: City Manager may award up to 80 hours per calendar year. Leave has no cash value. Council excluded.

Bereavement Leave: Three (3) working days (or 40 hours where travel is 500 miles or more) for qualifying incident. Council excluded.

Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $2,000/year for work-related college courses. Council excluded.

Cell Phone Stipend : $120/mo for Department Heads who opt to use their own personal device.

Other: Voluntary participation in Credit Union; Payroll Direct Deposit; Long-Term Care (premiums paid by employee).

8/2022

Closing Date/Time: 10/7/2026 5:00 PM Pacific