Director of Information Technology

Director of Information Technology

Department: IT Department

Reports To: Deputy Executive Director
FLSA Status: Salaried - Exempt

Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to provide supervision to the IT functions of the Cambridge Housing Authority (“CHA” or “Authority”), including hardware and software acquisition and implementation, in order to establish efficient and user-friendly systems. The incumbent must understand the impact of technology on operational and organizational issues and is expected to foster a technological framework that operates to support both the initiative and the staff responsible for doing the work.

All activities must support the CHA’s strategic goals and objectives and produce results that accomplish the goals of the Agency. 

Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) provides long-term rental housing and rental assistance to more than 5,500+ low-income families, elders and disabled individuals through its Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Programs in and around Cambridge, MA. Cambridge Housing Authority has been awarded national affordable housing accreditation and became the seventh affordable housing provider to receive AHAB accreditation. The designation of “Accredited Affordable Housing Organization” reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting high performance standards established by the affordable housing industry and to providing quality, well-managed housing.

Compensation and Benefits

CHA offers a competitive compensation commensurate to experience. Benefits package includes health and dental insurance, paid time off (sick, vacation, and personal), paid holidays, life and disability insurance options, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, retirement pension and deferred compensation 457b plans, and more. CHA employees enjoy flexible work schedules including hybrid work from home arrangements.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Education and/or Experience

Ten years of experience in information technology, and at least five years’ experience in a leadership role. Experience in project management or supervision, especially projects that require changes to programs, roll-out of new procedures, policy, software, or similar organizational changes is preferred. Previous experience managing technology and staff is preferred. Must possess a valid Massachusetts driver’s license and be insurable under CHA policies.  An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

 

Technical Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have experience managing IT services in a hybrid on-premises/cloud environment and should be familiar with cybersecurity standards and best-practices, including NIST 800-171. Must be able to adapt quickly to an ever-changing information technology landscape and assemble technical and organization data into information useful to support evidence-based decisions. Demonstrated ability to select and successfully implement new software and hardware.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The below statements describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position.  This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Maintains inventory of technology assets, while ensuring these assets are appropriately defended against cybersecurity threats
• Serve as thought-leader and subject matter expert for technology-related matters.
• Represents the Authority at public, industry, and other events and meetings
• Develops, implements and updates 3-year IT plan
• Supervises IT staff and provides back-up support on an as needed basis
• Develops training and otherwise assists departments in the adoption of new technology solutions and platforms
• Oversees the deployment and appropriate maintenance of the CHA’s housing management software. Partners with other department heads to ensure employees obtain appropriate levels of training
• Develops the Authority’s technology infrastructure in support of its strategies and goals.
• Works with IT and other department staff on meeting all aspects of HUD reporting requirements
• Keeps abreast of current technological development/trends in area of expertise.
• Identifies and analyzes training needs of IT staff based on the CHA’s technology strategy.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

 

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

 

Behavioral Competencies

Commitment: Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and works hard/smart to achieve them; strives for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and brings issues to closure; persists despite obstacles and opposition.   

Customer Service: Meets/exceeds the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identifies, understands, monitors and measures the needs of both internal and external customers; talks and acts with customers in mind; recognizes working colleagues as customers. 

Effective Communication:  Ensures important information is passed to those who need to know; conveys necessary information clearly and effectively orally or in writing; demonstrates attention to, and conveys understanding of, the comments and questions of others; listens effectively.  

Responsiveness and Accountability:  Demonstrates a high level of conscientiousness; holds oneself personally responsible for one's own work; does fair share of work.  

Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Strategic Capacity and Leadership:  Provides direction by clearly and effectively setting course of action for department and subordinates; manages performance by providing regular feedback and reinforcement to subordinates.  Makes decisions based on ethical and social responsibility principles.

Program and Project Management:  Plans, manages, and evaluates specific activities in order to deliver the desired outputs.  Strategically and efficiently takes appropriate partners in the planning, execution and implementation of projects.

People Management and Empowerment: Directs the activities and development of team, while respecting their individuality and the benefit of diverse ideas and approaches. 

 

Job Competencies

• Knowledge of policies, procedures, goals, objectives, operational entities, requirements and activities as they apply to the assigned area of responsibility in the CHA
• Demonstrated expertise and knowledge of administration management and operations
• Proficient with the principles of organizational management, personnel administration and supervision
• Knowledge of state and federally supported affordable housing programs
• Knowledge of project management principles and practices
• Working knowledge of IT systems and understanding of technology as applied in the work place
• Ability to research, verify, analyze, evaluate, and communicate information and incorporate results as required 
• Ability to use statistical information and present data clearly and concisely
• Ability to prepare written reports and analysis
• Ability to understand financial documents, budgets, and reports
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Authority staff
• Demonstrated expertise in identifying possible conflicts or delays and develop alternative actions to ensure work is complete. 
• Demonstrated skill in interpreting the Agency's strategic goals and structure and applying these expectations to the performance of the department’s actions and deliverables.
• Demonstrated skill in communicating ideas in both technical and user-friendly language, and clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.
• Ability to work with limited supervision and make sound independent decisions.
• Ability to be cognizant of problems, needs, and attitudes of the physically, socially, and economically disadvantaged
• Ability to establish positive working relationships with representatives of community-based organizations, other agencies, Agency management and staff, and the public

 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to maintain a stationary position, operate computers and other office equipment, move about the office, attend onsite and offsite meetings, and communicate. The employee must be able to accurately exchange information in person, in writing and via e-mail and telephone. The employee must occasionally transport up to 25 pounds.

 

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

 

COVID NEW HIRE PROTOCOLS

Cambridge Housing Authority seeks to keep a safe and healthy work environment for all our employees. To do so we require new employees to comply with our Vaccination Policy as outlined below.

 IMPORTANT: VACCINATION POLICY FOR NEW EMPLOYEES

Prior to the start of employment, new employees must have received either a single dose COVID-19 vaccine (J&J) or the first dose of a two-dose vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna). The second dose of a two-dose vaccine must be completed as soon as possible but no later than 45 days following the start of employment or within the recommended waiting period of the vaccine received, whichever is first. Your cooperation with this policy is required and helps us ensure a safer work environment for everyone.