IT Transformation Director - Department of Public Health

The IT Transformation Director is responsible for developing and executing the Agency's IT transformation strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and long-term technology roadmaps. This role will lead strategic IT initiatives, collaborating with Enterprise Services to define and select the appropriate technology stack for modernization efforts and new solutions. Key responsibilities include driving the approval of new IT initiatives by developing business cases, preparing prerequisite documentation, and influencing stakeholders to secure funding and executive buy-in. The Transformation Director also leads the evaluation and development of RFQs/RFRs to support procurement processes.

In the execution phase, the role oversees the implementation of key initiatives, whether through in-house teams or external vendors, ensuring successful delivery of projects such as application modernization and new technology solutions. Additionally, the Transformation Director develops and manages transition plans to operationalize new systems, considering people, processes, technology, and financial impacts. Strong stakeholder management is critical in this position, requiring collaboration with agency leadership, vendors, and cross-functional teams. The role also serves as a key liaison with Procurement, Legal, HR, Budget, Portfolio Management, CTO, CDO, Security, Enterprise Applications, and EOTSS to ensure compliance and seamless execution of IT strategies.

The primary work location for this role is 250 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02108. The work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 9:00AM to 5:00PM EST. This position would be expected to follow a hybrid model of reporting to work that combines in-office workdays and work from home days as needed. Occasional travel, weekend, and on-call support may be required.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement an Agency IT strategy aligned with business objectives, ensuring technology investments support organizational goals.

• Create and maintain technology roadmaps to guide modernization efforts and future IT initiatives.

• Collaborate with Enterprise Services and Chief Strategy and Operations Office to evaluate and select the appropriate technology stack for digital transformation.

• Develop business cases for new IT initiatives, including cost-benefit analysis and risk assessment.

• Prepare and document prerequisite information to support project approvals.

• Present and influence key decision-makers to secure funding and executive buy-in for new initiatives.

• Work in coordination with the Portfolio Office to align proposed initiatives with overall IT governance and strategic priorities.

• Lead the implementation of key IT transformation initiatives, such as application modernization and deployment of new technology solutions.

• Manage cross-functional teams and vendors to ensure timely and successful project execution.

• Oversee project milestones, risk mitigation, and change management to achieve desired outcomes.

• Develop comprehensive transition plans to ensure a smooth hand off of new solutions to operations.

• Address key aspects of transition, including workforce planning, process optimization, technology integration, and financial considerations.

• Coordinate with operational teams to ensure readiness and sustainability of new implementations.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with agency leadership, vendors, and key stakeholders.

• Serve as a liaison for various teams including Procurement, Legal, HR, Budget, Portfolio, CTO, CDO, Security, Enterprise Applications, and the Executive Office of Technology Servies and Security (EOTSS).

• Facilitate communication and collaboration between technical and business teams to align IT initiatives with organizational needs.

Competencies:

• Decision Making: Ability to make decisions that are guided by precedents, policies, and objectives. Regularly makes decisions and recommendations on issues affecting a department or functional area.

• Problem Solving: Ability to address problems that are highly varied, complex, and often non-recurring, requiring staff input, innovative, creative, and Lean diagnostic techniques to resolve issues.

• Written Communications: Ability to communicate complex information effectively in writing, in English, to all levels of staff, management, and external customers across functional areas.

• Oral Communications: Ability to verbally communicate complex concepts in English and address sensitive situations, resolve conflicts, negotiate, motivate, and persuade others.

• Knowledge: Ability to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of concepts, practices and policies with the ability to use them in complex varied situations.

• Teamwork: Ability to create a collaborative and respectful team environment and improve communication and cooperation.

• Customer Service: Ability to lead operational initiatives to meet or exceed customer service standards and expectations in assigned unit(s) and/or across multiple areas in a timely and respectful manner.

• Budget Management: Ability to establish budget goals and objectives. Prepare annual budgets and forecasts based on organizational priorities and financial data. Monitor budget performance and variances, analyzing trends and providing recommendations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five (5) to ten (10) years of proven experience in IT management and contract negotiation.

• Strong understanding of project management methodologies and best practices, with experience leading complex IT projects from initiation to completion.

• Five (5) to ten (10) years of experience with the software development lifecycle (SDLC), cloud-based solutions, and SaaS technology offerings, including implementation, integration, and ongoing management of relevant platforms and services.

• Strong understanding of IT budget management methodologies and best practices, with experience in financial planning, cost optimization, and aligning IT expenditures with business objectives.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.

• Proven ability to influence and collaborate with cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment between IT initiatives and business goals.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on strategic planning, operations and business delivery.

Pre-Offer Process:

A criminal and tax history background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori.

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.

For questions, please the contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) seven (7) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in IT administration or IT management, of which (B) at least three (3) years must have been in a managerial capacity.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 ("Regulation") requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.