Senior IT Manager

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 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.

• 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.
• 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.
• Develop and maintain user interface designs, 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.
• 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.

• 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.

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent experience.

WSSB offers a student‑focused, mission‑driven environment that empowers blind and low‑vision individuals. The campus provides a range of state‑of‑the‑art facilities and resources.

The Washington State School for the Blind is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to inclusion in accordance with state and Federal laws. All protected classes are respected.

• Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD214 or other verification of military service.