IT Policy & Planning Senior Specialist

Responsibilities: Continually strengthen IT Governance by identifying, prioritizing, developing, documenting, maintaining, implementing, and communicating key information technology policies, processes, and procedures. Tasks Include:

• Provide agency leadership and guidance working with members of the ITD Extended Management Team and other IT Division staff to identify, prioritize, develop, document, maintain, implement, and communicate key division and agency information technology policies, processes, and procedures.
• Lead the change management effort for ITD. Working with project teams and division SMEs.
• Develop policies that are in compliance with both WaTech and DNR standards and that are ready for feedback, editing, and finalization by SMEs.
• Independently lead groups of SMEs to draft information technology policies, processes, and procedures in a timely manner.
• Facilitate a working group monthly or bi-monthly of SMEs.
• Implement a tracker of policies, processes, and procedures for the group to work on, and a sunset review schedule depending on priority.
• Report to leadership on this group's progress.
• Lead project teams of information technology professional staff and business customers, as needed, to identify and model technology governance processes used to accomplish a wide array of activities within the Agency.
• Independently analyze IT Processes and look for opportunities for business process improvement for efficiency.
• Occasionally provide policy and procedure updates in IT Coordinator Meetings.

• Provide leadership and guidance within a team of business partners and IT professionals regarding strategic planning, and the development, maintenance, and documentation of DNR s IT Portfolio to include:
  • IT Investments,
  • Disaster Recovery Plan, DNR s Continuity of Operations Plan.
• Completes all relevant forms, documentation, and reports as required by WaTech Policy on an annual basis.
• Prepares all final documentation so that it is ready for signature by the commissioner of Public Lands, including:
  • Compiling all necessary, and/or relevant documentation into easily accessible packets.
  • Proofreading and giving final approval on forms, processes, and policy documentation prepared by or with other DNR ITD staff.
  • Ensures that all documentation is ready for the commissioner in alignment with WaTech deadlines.
  • Coordinates communication and implementation of changes or additions to the Agency Disaster Recovery Plan and DNR s Continuity of Operations Plan.
• Ensure the information gathered is accurate and complies with WaTech and other State Policy and Standards.

• Collaborate with other ITD staff and/or customer representatives.
• Provide agency leadership staff with guidance and consultation on ITD contracts/ vendor management and ITD contracts.
• Coordinate with the PGS team to review contract contents.
• Develop, document, evaluate, and mitigate associated risk.
• Identify potential impacts to the agency, and the Information Technology Division regarding Vendor management policy, processes, contracts, and all other related documentation.
• Review ITD contracts ensuring compliance with all State contracting and procurement laws and regulations.

• In conjunction with ITD Operations, participate in a project team of information technology professional staff to update and document the IT Change Management Process to guide staff and document changes made to agency technology architecture. Outcome: a cohesive, concise Change Management Process that is documented, distributed, updated and communicated to staff and customers so that they are aware of how and what should be done when making changes to our technology landscape for: Improved day-to-day operational efficiency, use of standardized methods and procedures to minimize negative impact of change-related incidents on service delivery, and a searchable repository of change documentation for troubleshooting and historical purposes. Timely and high-quality communication to our customers.

• Participates in writing ITD contracts and ITD contract templates.
• Works with Vendor Manager to develop a vendor management plan.
• Creates vendor management training.
• Educates and supports contract managers with monitoring policy compliance with vendors in ITD.

• IT Disaster Management Team (DMT)
• Assess the nature and extent of the damage and determine what action to take.
• Initiate the IT Division Notification Tree.
• Assemble the IT Recovery Team as needed.
• Coordinate and monitor all recovery/restoration activities.
• Coordinate/communicate recovery activities with the Executive Emergency Management Team (EEMT).
• Coordinate activities and communicate with WaTech).
• Coordinate with the DNR Engineering Division and other agencies as needed

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or other related field AND Seven (7) years of relevant professional IT experience
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience developing and writing IT policies, procedures, standards, and documenting processes.
• Experience in IT Portfolio management providing a systemic approach and guidance on IT projects, risk management, investments, and related activities.
• Experience developing and writing IT policy, procedures, standards, and documenting processes for a large organization.
• Experience in IT Portfolio management providing a systemic approach and guidance on IT projects, risk management, investments, and related activities.
• 2 years of experience in public/state policy and standards, managing IT contracts. Policy writing, review, and applying WaTech or other oversight entity standards to IT contracts meet this qualification.
• Experience resolving conflicts with multiple SMEs during SOW development or SOW amendment development to a successful resolution.
• Ability to provide leadership and advice to IT management, staff, and customers in all aspects of IT Contracting, including reviewing SOWs, providing feedback on deliverables and SOWs, and reviewing for compliance.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.