Director of Information Technology at TOWNSHIP OF MONTCLAIR – MONTCLAIR, New Jersey

Summary: Provides strategic and operational leadership for all Township information technology functions, including enterprise network infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud services, unified communications, business applications, and end-user support. Directs the planning, implementation, and governance of technology systems that support municipal operations across all departments. Responsible for ensuring the reliability, security, and continuous improvement of the Township's technology infrastructure and digital services.Serves as the Township's senior technology advisor to the Township Manager and department heads. Develops and executes the IT strategic plan, manages the technology budget, and ensures compliance with applicable regulatory, security, and data governance requirements. Work is performed under the general direction of the Township Manager.Supervisory Responsibilities:Direct supervision of IT operations staff and contracted technology support resources. Responsible for hiring, performance management, professional development, and succession planning within the IT function.3. Physical Demands and Working Conditions:Primary: Office Environment• Ability to regularly use hands to handle, operate, and configure IT equipment including servers, switches, and cabling.• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and work in server rooms and network closets.• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds (equipment, UPS units, etc.).4. Essential Functions:The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this position.IT Strategy & Governance• Develops and executes a multi-year IT strategic plan aligned with Township goals, including technology modernization, digital transformation, and operational efficiency initiatives.• Develops, implements, and enforces IT policies, standards, and governance frameworks to ensure data accuracy, security, privacy, and regulatory compliance.• Manages the IT operating and capital budgets, including forecasting, procurement, and cost optimization across all technology investments.Infrastructure & Operations• Oversees the design, deployment, and management of enterprise network infrastructure including LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, VPN, VoIP telephony, and cloud environments (Microsoft 365, Azure).• Manages server infrastructure, virtualization platforms, storage systems, and backup/disaster recovery solutions to ensure business continuity.• Monitors network and system performance, ensuring high availability, minimizing downtime, and driving proactive incident resolution.• Manages unified communications systems including Cisco VoIP telephony, Cisco Webex video conferencing and collaboration, and related UC platforms.Cybersecurity & Compliance• Establishes and maintains the Township's cybersecurity posture, including endpoint protection, firewall management, intrusion detection, identity and access management (Cisco ISE), DNS-layer security (Cisco Umbrella), Cisco Security Cloud, and security awareness training.• Ensures compliance with CJIS security requirements for access to state and national law enforcement information systems.• Leads incident response planning and coordinates with relevant agencies during cybersecurity events.Application & Business Systems Support• Manages the Township's portfolio of enterprise applications including public safety CAD/RMS systems, financial/ERP systems, permitting, GIS, and citizen-facing digital services.• Partners with departments to identify process improvement and automation opportunities, evaluating and deploying technology solutions that enhance service delivery.• Provides end-user support leadership, ensuring timely resolution of help desk tickets and high levels of customer satisfaction across all departments.Vendor & Stakeholder Management• Negotiates and manages contracts with technology vendors, consultants, and service providers. Coordinates with purchasing to ensure compliance with public procurement requirements.• Works closely with department heads and elected officials to align technology investments with Township priorities and strategic objectives.• Performs other duties as assigned by management.5. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities• Expert knowledge of enterprise networking (LAN/WAN/SD-WAN), cloud platforms (Microsoft 365, Azure), virtualization, and modern server environments.• Strong understanding of cybersecurity frameworks, risk management, incident response, and compliance requirements (CJIS, NIST, CIS Controls).• Working knowledge of public safety technologies including CAD/RMS systems, body-worn cameras, and related law enforcement technology platforms.• Proficiency with Cisco networking technologies (switches, routers, wireless controllers), Cisco VoIP/Webex unified communications, and Cisco security platforms (ISE, Umbrella, Security Cloud).• Experience with IT service management (ITSM) practices and tools; ITIL framework knowledge preferred.• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage technology budgets and vendor relationships.• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills with the ability to communicate effectively with technical teams, department heads, and elected officials.• Ability to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the productivity and workflows of subordinate employees.• Ability to perform highly detailed work on multiple concurrent tasks under changing priorities.• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of the position.6. Education, Experience, and Special RequirementsEducation/Experience:Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, or a closely related field, combined with five or more years of progressively responsible experience in enterprise IT operations, including five years of experience in a leadership role overseeing infrastructure, application support, and/or end-user services. Experience managing multi-team environments and complex technology budgets required.Prior experience supporting public safety technologies, law enforcement applications, and CAD/RMS systems is required.Preferred Certifications:ITIL Foundation, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, Project Management Professional (PMP), or equivalent credentials will be considered favorably.Salary Range: $85,827-$140,355. Full-time, salaried, exempt. Salary commensurate with experience. Salary will be specific to the job level and considers the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to: education, experience, licensure, certifications, geographic location, and internal equity. Compensation decisions depend on the circumstances of each candidate. The Twp also provides a comprehensive compensation/ benefits package which includes health benefits (Medical/Dental/Vision); generous PTO, retirement plan and pension.Closing Date: This job posting will remain open until filled; the Township reserves the right to offer the position at any time during the recruitment process.