Special Assistant (Director, Information Technology and Innovation Office)

Description Duties Description The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is a science-based, technology-driven agency with specialized scientific hardware and software requirements, and a strong commitment to working in an energy-efficient, sustainable, and paper-free environment. The Department is undertaking a generational investment in information technology systems and seeks an experienced technology leader who will strengthen DEC’s internal IT governance, coordination, and oversight practices to ensure that information processes, technology systems, and modernization efforts align with DEC’s strategic goals and are effectively executed in partnership with Office of Information Technology Services’ (ITS) Dedicated Support Team (DST) through secure, cost-effective systems and tools, and in accordance with the applicable NYS policies, including DOB Budget Bulletin H-0300.

The individual serving as the Director, Information Technology and Innovation Office, will report to the Deputy Commissioner for Risk and Innovation. The Director will oversee DEC’s Information and Data Governance Program, support IT project prioritization, and serve as the primary liaison with the DST to facilitate communication, improve resource alignment, enhance workflows, and ensure effective delivery of IT services, collaborating closely with ITS to advance DEC’s business needs.

DEC is charged to conserve, improve, and protect New York’s natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic and social well-being. The success of this critical mission is reliant on internal and external technology being reliable, secure, and resilient. The individual selected as Director will provide leadership, vision, and direction for creative problem-solving, drive internal agency governance for technology investments and information across DEC divisions, offices, and regions, enhance data and records management practices, and work with ITS to prioritize, plan, and direct the long-term, technology-driven strategies for DEC that include modernization of DEC’s legacy technology and new technology projects.

Responsibilities The Director of the Information Technology and Innovation Office is a key leadership role whose responsibilities will include but not be limited to the following:

• Oversee the Information Technology and Innovation Office (ITIO) and review the performance of direct subordinate staff. The ITIO will set internal policies, standards, and procedures for requesting, using, and managing technology and automation within DEC, as well as coordinate with the DST on the planning and execution of IT projects across DEC divisions, offices, and regions. The office will facilitate alignment of technologies in collaboration with ITS to enhance DEC’s operational capabilities, improve customer and partner interactions, enable internal workflow, support robust reporting, manage risk, and reduce cost.
• Meet with other Executive and Senior staff members and DST staff to identify and communicate technical needs, requirements, priorities, and implementation approaches for IT projects, considering operational fit, flexibility, implementation costs, and ongoing cost of operations.
• Quickly become familiar with the complexities of the DEC’s mission, current technologies, and active IT initiatives to set priorities and sequencing for DEC’s Technology Transformation and Modernization Task Team and ensure alignment with DEC’s objectives.
• Develop an annual budget for ITIO in coordination with the Deputy Commissioner for Risk and Innovation, Deputy Commissioner for Administration, and the Director of Fiscal Management to ensure that DEC’s technology remediation and modernization initiatives are appropriately planned, governed, aligned with DST-led implementation efforts, and consistent with DOB Budget Bulletin H-300 through secure, cost-effective systems, tools, and supports as set forth in Budget Bulletins. Work with the Division of Fiscal Management to address IT funding issues, letters of intent, chargebacks, and other payments and plans for funding future projects.
• The Director will monitor the status of all ongoing and proposed projects, provide guidance, and coordinate with the DST and stakeholders to address issues, risks, and conflicts that arise.
• Coordinate …