About the Department
(Logo: Silhouette of Washington State with a lighthouse icon pointing to Vancouver)
The core purpose of the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) is to empower blind and low-vision individuals to reach their full potential. We believe in a future where every blind and low-vision student in Washington has the support and services they need to succeed. Our programs and services are provided across a diverse continuum of service options, including a range of short- and long-term programs with residential options at our Vancouver campus, outreach services in local schools and communities, access to specialized technology and resources through our Ogden Resource Center, and training opportunities for parents, educators, and related service providers through a combination of departmental efforts.
Our greatest resource at WSSB is our incredible staff. Our valued employees are continuously encouraged to improve how we serve our students and the community. WSSB’s core values include being student-centered, as well as a commitment to equity, accessibility, relationships, and continuous improvement.
Position Duties
Position Objective:
The Senior IT Manager ensures the streamlined operation of the IT department in alignment with agency objectives. This role plans, coordinates, directs, and designs IT-related activities, while also providing administrative direction and support for the department’s daily operations. The Senior IT Manager works closely with senior administration across all departments to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support cost-effective technology solutions.
This position also defines and implements IT policies, procedures, and best practices, and serves as the agency’s Chief Information Officer. The Senior IT Manager collaborates with other state agencies and vendors to ensure compliance, accessibility, security, and adherence to IT best practices. This role oversees multiple areas of IT that impact staff, students, partner agencies, and communities throughout Washington State. This position serves at the leisure of the Appointing Authority (superintendent) and is exempt from state civil service laws.
Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
Administrative Direction and Support
- Analyze, recommend, purchase, and evaluate new hardware, software, and communication systems based on departmental needs.
- Direct IT request priorities based on urgency and impact.
- Ensure follow-up with customers to confirm that incidents are resolved.
- Lead by example and provide guidance and leadership to IT staff.
Lead IT Operational and Strategic Planning
- Negotiate and administer contracts and service agreements with vendors, consultants, and outsourced providers.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to define business and system requirements for new technology implementations.
- Manage financial aspects of the IT department, including purchasing, budgeting, and budget reviews.
- Benchmark, analyze, report on, and recommend improvements for IT infrastructure and systems.
- Conduct asset management for IT hardware, software, and equipment.
- Perform IT policy development and planning, including fostering innovation, planning projects, and organizing and negotiating resource allocation.
- Report directly to the superintendent on project deliverables, resources, budget, and overall performance.
Lead Application and Web Development
- Develop user interface (UI) design, coding, testing, and implementation of application components and web services; write reusable code using industry- and agency-standard development tools and frameworks.
- Design and develop SQL database systems, as needed.
- Ensure all public-facing and internal web content is accessible.
- Assess delivery strategies, web technologies, and organizational impacts related to web-based development.
- Assist in customizing and adapting existing programs to meet user requirements.
Lead IT Security
- Ensure staff receive annual IT security training.
- Develop IT security training materials.
- Ensure timely communication of current security issues via email or newsletters.
- Stay informed of IT best practices and monitor security developments.
- Lead the creation of IT security audit documentation and coordinate with the State Auditor’s Office.
- Ensure departments follow OCIO-established security policies.
- Develop WSSB policies and procedures related to IT security.
Minimum Qualifications
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong understanding of IT management, strategic planning, budgeting, and time management, typically gained through a minimum of six years of IT management and security experience.
- Ability to develop websites and applications, with a focus on accessibility, using a variety of internal and external tools.
- Demonstrated leadership ability.
- Ability to create IT security policies and procedures.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent experience.
Other Qualifications
What We Offer
WSSB offers employees a student-focused, mission-driven environment that empowers blind and low-vision individuals to reach their full potential. Our beautiful 13.2-acre campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features state-of-the-art classrooms, a fitness center with a saline pool and floor-to-ceiling rock climbing wall, a brand-new track and field facility, an auditorium, a braille center, a low-vision clinic, the LIFTT program offering dorm-style housing, and much more.
Note:
The full salary range is posted for informational purposes only. New hires without State of Washington agency experience in a comparable position typically do not start at the top of the range, as these are considered senior or longevity steps. Education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered when determining final placement.
Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to individual status inquiries. Applicants may log in to Governmentjobs to check their application status. This position will remain open until filled. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time, so early application is encouraged.
How to Apply:
To begin the online application process, click the “Apply” button at the top of this announcement. To be considered, you must include the following in your application and complete any supplemental questionnaires:
- A completed online application profile, including education and employment history (applications stating “see my resume” or similar language will be considered incomplete);
- Permission to contact three professional references listed in your application, including at least one supervisor, with up-to-date contact information;
- Exclusion of salary history, and removal or redaction of private information such as Social Security number and date of birth.
Attachments may not be reviewed. If you wish to share materials such as a cover letter, resume, transcripts, or letters of recommendation, you may bring them to a scheduled interview. For questions regarding the application process, please email [email protected].
Union Inclusion:
This position is not represented.
The Washington State School for the Blind celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion in accordance with state and Federal laws regardless of religion, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, familial status (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Background inquiries of convictions and pending criminal charges will be conducted for all positions. Background checks shall be completed on applicants prior to their appointment to positions in the state of Washington which are directly responsible for the supervision, care or treatment of children. Information obtained from background inquiries will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's character, suitability, and competence to perform in the position applied for and may result in the denial of employment. Applicants are required to sign a release authorizing inquiry, and a background check will be conducted at the applicant's expense after a conditional offer of employment has been made. Failure to complete the authorization and background check shall disqualify the applicant from employment in these positions.
Veterans Preference:
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security number. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here. We thank you and are grateful for your service!
Additional Information: The state of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance with the application process, may call (360) 696-6321 and ask to speak to Human Resources or email [email protected]. Should you have any questions regarding this position, or the online application, please email [email protected].