DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Overview    FLSA: EXEMPT. This is an executive leadership position within the La Crosse County Information Technology Department, selected by and reporting directly to the County Administrator. The Information Technology Department consists of a multidisciplinary team responsible for infrastructure services, enterprise applications, and cybersecurity. The department includes approximately 27 full‑time staff members and operates through a functional management team of three managers and three supervisors who work collaboratively to deliver secure, reliable, and innovative technology solutions for all County departments. This role provides strategic leadership and vision, ensuring that technology plans and initiatives align effectively with the business needs of the County of La Crosse. The IT Director is responsible for developing and empowering a high‑performing team that delivers exceptional service to County leaders and staff. In addition, the role oversees and administers the Information Technology budget required to purchase, maintain, and support technology systems and emerging technology initiatives.   Essential Leadership Functions    Act with Integrity and Build Trust  Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty in all interactions  Speak up appropriately, even when expressing unpopular viewpoints  Actively listen and remain open-minded to diverse perspectives  Drive for Results  Set clear goals and objectives to motivate self and others to achieve outcomes  Seek new opportunities to improve processes and drive sustainable results  Hold self and others accountable through consistent evaluation and monitoring  Develop Talent and Effective Teams  Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and growth  Provide mentorship and support to help self and others reach full potential  Recognize and leverage diverse strengths within self and team  Lead with Vision and Strategy  Understand and communicate a compelling vision that aligns with organizational goals  Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to achieve long-term objectives  Connect daily work to the bigger picture, inspiring self and others to contribute meaningfully  Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking  Navigate complex situations by considering multiple perspectives  Adapt quickly to changes and uncertainties in the work environment  Make critical decisions using analytical skills, experience, and input from others  Build and Maintain Effective Relationships  Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the organization  Influence others through coaching, consulting, and team-minded thinking  Develop and sustain partnerships that create positive outcomes for all stakeholders  Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service  Understand and address the needs and concerns of the community  Incorporate community perspectives into decision-making processes  Drive initiatives that create positive impacts beyond the organization  Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence  Show self-awareness and manage emotions effectively in challenging situations  Seek and respond constructively to feedback, even in the face of setbacks  Balance empathy with accountability when leading self and working with others    Essential Job Functions Oversees and directs the activities of the Information Technology Department leaders and teams. Leads and defines Information Technology Vision and Strategic Plans for IT Systems and Business Departments Technology needs. Ensures IT Team and key systems have defined performance measurements. Oversees IT projects ensuring deadlines and business sponsors objectives and goals are being met. This includes assisting Project Leaders with acquiring resources and coordinating efforts through third-party contractors or consultants to deliver projects and systems according to plan. Leads IT team to research and stay current with new technology solutions and changes in the Information Technology field. Provides cost forecasting for all information technology activities, short and long-term.  Holds team accountable for the management and oversite and coordinating compliancy, security and IT policies needed to conduct IT operations and IT activities. Prepares and presents reports and materials in oral and written form to keep County Administration and County Board informed of department's activities. Coordinates and submits annual budget for the department and the budget for Information Technology needs for the County offices and end users. Develops IT teams to foster and maintain good customer relationships. Responsible for hiring, supervision, training, motivation, evaluation, discipline, scheduling work design and activities within the department. Leads IT team to execute smooth delivery of IT services through a defined Service Model that delivers a high performing request fulfillment system. Leads IT team to oversee and coordinate vendor contracts and vendor relationships used to deliver IT solutions. Monitors and coordinates budget expenditures. Physical

Requirements:
This position primarily involves sedentary work at a desk, requiring the ability to sit for extended periods while using a computer and other office equipment. The role also requires occasional walking between County campus buildings to meet with departments, including navigating hallways, stairs, and outdoor pathways as needed. The employee must be able to lift and carry light items such as laptops or paperwork and maintain the physical ability to move throughout various work areas. This

job description
is not intended to encompass every job duty or responsibility but is only illustrative. This position is required to perform other duties as may be assigned or required. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of the networks and software architectures needed for large-scale enterprise systems. In-depth knowledge of IT Project Management, Process Improvement and Gap Analysis methodologies.  Knowledge of application and database designs for large-scale systems. Knowledge and ability to prepare, forecast and oversee the IT budget. Ability to understand and oversee accounting practices needed for the IT Department budget.  Ability to create, develop, oversee, and implement IT policies and IT procedures. Ability to lead, develop, and motivate. Ability to review and assess staff performance and staff development. Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment with no supervision.   Ability to apply critical thinking and apply good judgement to all situations. Training, Experience and Other Requirements Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with a major emphasis in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or closely related field. 10 years of IT experience with a minimum of 5 years at a senior IT level. System-wide experience with a large organization in enterprise-wide software and hardware systems. Experience leading large scale IT operations with multiple locations and extension enterprise-wide hardware and software systems. Proven effective management and leadership skills, as well as technical expertise, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills. May consider other relevant combinations of education and experience that provide equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.