In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
- Demonstrated experience managing complex enterprise network environments, including routing, switching, firewalls, wide area network/local area network optimization, and cloud or hybrid connectivity.
- Experience supervising, coaching, and developing technical staff; building high-performing teams; and managing performance in a unionized/state service environment.
- Strong understanding of information security principles, secure network architecture, and adherence to state and federal security policies, including National Institue of Standards and Technology frameworks, State Administrative Manual 5300, Statewide Information Management Manual requirements, and coordination with the Information Security Office.
- Experience developing and implementing IT policies, standards, and procedures to ensure network reliability, availability, confidentiality, and compliance.
- Demonstrated ability to lead technology projects from planning through deployment, including experience with project management methodologies, budgeting, and resource allocation.
- Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to nontechnical audiences, executive leadership, and external partners, both verbally and in writing.
- Experience preparing reports, presentations, or strategic plans related to network health, service management, or IT infrastructure.
- Strong customer-service orientation with demonstrated ability to collaborate with business units, vendors, and cross-functional IT teams.
- Experience managing or supporting 24/7 mission-critical environments, preferably in public safety, emergency response, or similarly high-availability settings.
- Knowledge of Information Technology Infrastructure Library, service management best practices, and incident/change management processes.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze complex technical issues, evaluate emerging technologies, and provide strategic recommendations aligned to departmental goals.
- Experience with budget development, contract management, procurement, and vendor negotiations within the state IT environment (e.g., Department of General Services/procurement processes, California Department of Technology requirements).