Senior IT Manager

Description

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.

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.

• 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…