Information Technology Applications Manager

GENERAL SUMMARY

The IT Applications Manager (ITAM) is a senior leadership position responsible for the strategic planning, development, implementation, maintenance, and support of all software applications for the Maine Judicial Branch (MJB). This role reports directly to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and is responsible for managing the portfolio of MJB applications and ensuring that all applications including case management systems, justice partner integrations, e-filing portals, financial, HR, and other operational systems are secure, available, efficient, and meet the needs of jurists, court staff, and the public.

The ITAM oversees the full application lifecycle, from requirements gathering and design to testing, deployment, maintenance, and end-of-life planning, while also supervising a team of developers, business analysts, testers, trainers, and contractors. In conjunction with the CIO and the Director of Data and Project Management, the ITAM takes a forward-thinking approach to develop strategic plans and budgets for MJB s applications portfolio, ensuring all projects align with the Judicial Branch s strategic vision. As a member of the OIT management team, the ITAM is responsible for helping to ensure OIT meets the MJB s business objectives and is responsible for coordinating and facilitating information sharing between MJB departments and partnering agencies e.g., Dept. of Public Safety, Bureau of Motor Vehicle, and the Executive Branch OIT. The ITAM may serve as Acting Chief Information officer during periods of absence.

Salary Range:

Grade 22, $106,496.00 - $136,843.20

What We Offer:

At the Maine Judicial Branch, we value our employees, which is why we offer great benefits. In addition to competitive pay, we provide:

• Work-life balance: 13 paid holidays, 2+ weeks of vacation leave, and 12 paid sick days every year.

• Gym membership and childcare reimbursement programs

• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

• Health insurance coverage (85%-100% employer-paid for employee-only plan)

• Health insurance premium credit (5% decrease in employee premiums)

• Dental insurance (100% employer-paid for employee-only plan)

• Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts

• Defined Benefit Pension plan contributions

• Voluntary deferred compensation (retirement savings 457 Plan)

• Tuition Reimbursement each year

• Employer-paid life insurance (1x annual salary)

• Longevity pay after 10 years of employment

• Temporary disability payments

• Additional wellness benefits

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS*

• Application Strategy & Planning:
  • Works with MJB leadership, committees, business analysts, and users to define project scope and align application strategy with the MJB's business goals and strategic plan.
  • Oversees the application portfolio, identifying opportunities for new technologies, enhancements, and process improvements to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Coordinates with MJB leadership to manage and govern requests for new applications and substantial changes to existing.
  • Develops and executes long-term and short-term strategic plans, including application budgets and resource allocation.
  • Stays current with industry trends and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and low-code applications, to identify opportunities for process improvement and efficiency.
  • Develops and manages the applications budget, ensuring resources and funding align with portfolio needs.
  • Partner with MJB Departments to proactively determine how applications could streamline processes and meet changing operational needs

• Project and Development Management:
  • Acts as a project manager on designated projects, monitoring progress, budgets, and timelines.
  • Manages the full software development life cycle (SDLC) for new and existing applications, from concept through delivery.
  • Directs and participates in the design, development, testing, deployment, and project management of applications including, but not limited to, the integrated case management systems and public-facing portals.
  • Provides technical leadership to development staff and contractors, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet established standards.

• Customer Support:
  • Manages and oversees change control processes and methodologies.
  • Develops and oversees User Group sessions to promote effective utilization and continuous improvement of MJB Applications.
  • Oversees the development and execution of application support plans to ensure alignment between IT resources, organizational support needs, and defined service level expectations.

• Team Leadership and Supervision:
  • Supervises, mentors, and evaluates the performance of a team of application developers, business analysts, quality assurance testers, and contracted support staff by conducting performance appraisals, providing coaching, and helping to develop professional growth plans.
  • Ensures consistent quality, performance standards, and training across the team.
  • Conducts regular team meetings to communicate objectives, policies, and procedures.
  • Manages day-to-day operations for the applications team, including task assignment, workload balancing, and resource allocation.

• Vendor and Stakeholder Relations:
  • Prepares RFPs (Requests for Proposals), drafts contracts, and other procurement documents as needed.
  • Manages vendor relationships, contracts, and service level agreements for third-party software and integrated applications. Includes oversight, approval, and payment of invoices.
  • Serves as a key liaison between technical staff, judicial officers, court administrators, other state agencies, and court service providers.
  • Communicates software and data issues to senior management and provides regular status reports on projects.

• Compliance and Security:
  • Develops and enforces application security policies and best practices in coordination with IT security staff.
  • Ensures that applications and procedures comply with state and federal regulations concerning data security and access to information.
  • Assists in the development and testing of disaster recovery and business continuity plans related to judicial systems.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE POSITION:

• Bachelor's Degree: A degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field.
• An equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the work may be substituted for the degree requirement.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible technical experience in application development and management.
• Minimum of 2 years with proven experience leading and supervising a team of IT professionals.
• Experience with integrated case management systems and other relevant judicial or government applications is highly desirable.
• Experience in a government or judicial setting is highly desirable.
• Experience working with court case management systems and a strong understanding of judicial business requirements is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM THE JOB:

• Technical Skills:
  • Knowledge of software development, database management practices, cloud computing, systems integration, and IT project management methodologies.
  • Understanding of relevant programming languages and platforms.
  • Knowledge regarding how various software applications and IT systems interact and how changes affect business operations and performance.
  • Experience implementing and using various n-tier application environments, (e.g. Production, Stage, Test, Training, Dev, etc.).
  • Expertise in identifying, analyzing, and resolving complex software and system issues quickly and effectively.
  • Ability to manage the Judicial Branch s application budgets, assess costs and benefits of new projects, and justify funding for initiatives.
  • Understanding security protocols, risk assessment strategies, and compliance requirements to safeguard applications and data.
  • Knowledge of project management strategies and strong ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
  • Awareness of emerging technologies & industry trends such as cloud computing (AWS, Azure), AI/machine learning integration, and DevOps practices.
  • A keen understanding of the organization's business processes, financial processes, and constraints to align technological solutions with strategic goals.
  • A strong end-user orientation and the ability to ensure applications are user-friendly and provide effective business and technical support.

• Leadership and Management:
  • Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage technical teams and complex projects.
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical information to non-technical audiences.
  • Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills to identify information system needs, troubleshoot complex problems, and develop effective, secure solutions