Acting Deputy Director of Business Information and Technology Services at San Diego Association of Governments – San Diego, California

Overview and Summary of Department and Position

The Business Information and Technology Services (BITS) department plays a pivotal role in supporting the agency's mission by providing innovative and efficient technology solutions. BITS is responsible for ensuring the seamless operation, security, and advancement of SANDAG’s IT infrastructure and business information systems. The BITS department is dedicated to fostering a secure, reliable, and innovative IT environment that empowers SANDAG to achieve its objectives and better serve the community. Through strategic planning, robust cybersecurity, and a commitment to excellence, BITS ensures that SANDAG remains at the forefront of technology and information management.

Role

The Deputy Director of Business Information and Technology Services (BITS) will plan, direct, manage, and oversee the activities and operations of the BITS Department; coordinate assigned activities with other departments, the Board of Directors, Policy Advisory Committees, member agencies, and outside organizations; and provide highly responsible, technical, and complex professional support to the Senior Director of Data Science and other Executive staff.

• Assume full management responsibility and leadership for the programs, projects, and activities of the BITS Department and its functional technology domains of Infrastructure, Enterprise Applications & Digital Workplace, Regional Transportation Services (Toll Operations), Cybersecurity, Technology Business Operations, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Data Governance.
• Direct, plan, manage, and coordinate the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; establish, within organization policy, appropriate resource and staffing levels; allocate resources accordingly.
• Participate in the selection of personnel; assign and review the work of professional, technical, and administrative support staff; establish employee performance expectations and evaluate performance; provide or coordinate employee training; work with employees to improve job-related skills and competencies; implement discipline and performance improvement plans if necessary.
• Meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods, procedures, and necessary resources.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of program/project delivery methods and procedures; assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement; direct the implementation of changes.
• Plan, manage, and coordinate the BITS department’s section of the annual Program Budget; direct the forecasting of additional funds needed for staffing, resources, equipment, and/or supplies; direct the monitoring and approval of expenditures; direct the preparation and implementation of budgetary adjustments as necessary.
• Represent the BITS department, to other departments, the Board of Directors, Policy Advisory Committees, elected officials, outside agencies and organizations, and/or community groups; explain and interpret department programs, policies, and activities; respond to, negotiate, and resolve sensitive, significant, and controversial issues.
• Participate in the development and review of agendas for Board of Directors, Policy Advisory Committee, and working group meetings; oversee and coordinate the preparation of agenda reports and staff presentations when needed.
• Prepare and present written, oral, and visual reports to the Board of Directors, Policy Advisory and stakeholder committees, outside agencies and organizations, and/or community groups.
• Advise or participate in the preparation of region-wide and project specific plans, studies, and programs; ensure near-term work products are consistent with technology policies and plans.
• Provide strategic and technical leadership for the development and implementation of plans and programs. Coordinate with other teams to provide technical expertise.
• Oversee the preparation and review of technology efforts for plans, programs, and projects.
• Analyze the effects of new legislation on technology programs, projects, and plans for the agency.
• Develop and maintain technology partnerships that support agency goals; establish working relationships with local, state and federal agencies, and stakeholder organizations.
• Conduct a variety of organizational and operational studies, investigations, audits, and reviews; recommend modifications to department programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
• Provide complex staff assistance to the Senior Director of Data Science and other Executives.
• Participate on a variety of committees and task forces; attend and participate in professional group meetings; and stay abreast of new trends in technology, innovation, and strategy.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities, as assigned.

• Eight years of increasingly responsible, professional information technology experience, including four years of supervisory and management experience.
• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with major course work in Information technology, computer science, management information systems, or computer engineering, or a related field. A Master’s degree is highly desirable.

• Experience managing comprehensive technology programs, including operational characteristics, practices, and activities across a public agency.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and evaluate technology programs, policies, and projects using organizational and management best practices.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations applicable to technology initiatives and public sector compliance.
• Knowledge of complex principles and best practices in technological development, deployment, and administration.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more key technology areas, including infrastructure, enterprise applications, tolling operations, cybersecurity, technology business operations, and AI and data governance.
• Experience developing and maintaining strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Understanding of the political, economic, and social factors that impact technology practices within public agencies.
• Awareness of legal and ethical issues related to privacy, cybersecurity, and public sector technology operations.
• Experience identifying and managing funding sources from federal, state, and local entities for technology programs.
• Proficiency in advanced project management concepts to lead cross-functional teams and complex initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, train, and evaluate professional and support staff within a technology organization.
• Experience preparing and managing complex budgets, including the ability to allocate limited resources effectively.
• Ability to lead public involvement processes and manage public relations related to technology efforts.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, resource allocation, and coordinating multidisciplinary teams and initiatives.
• Skilled in negotiation, conflict resolution, and reaching consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Experience fostering effective team dynamics and collaboration across departments and functions.
• Strong understanding of written and spoken English, including grammar, composition, and editing standards.
• Proficiency with modern business communication tools and equipment used for project and program coordination.
• Skilled in using computer systems and software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite) for research, analysis, and documentation.
• Familiarity with safe driving principles and practices applicable to job-related travel.
• Proven ability to provide leadership and direction for agency-wide technology initiatives.
• Skilled in developing, implementing, and overseeing goals, objectives, and procedures to deliver effective technology services and projects.
• Ability to organize, direct, and coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and effectively delegate authority and responsibility.
• Experience hiring, supervising, coaching, and evaluating staff performance in alignment with organizational goals.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to gain cooperation and resolve conflict through communication and persuasion.
• Demonstrated ability to promote teamwork and collaboration within and across departments.
• Skilled in listening actively and identifying shared interests to help resolve complex issues or disputes.
• Knowledge of how to interpret and apply internal policies, public laws, regulations, and procedures to technology initiatives.
• Experience managing large-scale budgets and allocating resources to optimize operational impact.
• Ability to research, analyze, and implement new methods and procedures for improved service delivery.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate problems, explore alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Skilled at identifying and responding to organizational needs, concerns, and challenges.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced and deadline-driven work environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and professionally.
• Experience preparing administrative and management reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with agency staff, public officials, community organizations, and the public.
• Proficient in using enterprise systems, software applications, and modern office equipment to perform a wide range of professional tasks.