Director, Information Technology

Description

Reimagine Executive Talent. Support Public Service.

The County of Santa Clara is not just any government agency - it’s a premiere public agency known for technological ambition, operational excellence, and forward-thinking leadership. With a workforce of over 23,000 employees across 30+ departments, the County delivers essential services in health, social services, public safety, housing, and core government operations. Our teams are driven by a shared commitment to provide for the needs of a dynamic community, provide quality services, and promote a healthy, safe, and prosperous community.

To meet the evolving technology needs of our public safety and justice systems, we are seeking a strategic, collaborative, and visionary technology leader who understands the critical intersection of innovation, mission-critical systems, interoperability, and security.

As the Director of Information Technology, with a primary emphasis on public safety and justice, you will not simply guide systems - you will help shape the digital foundation that supports law enforcement, corrections, emergency response, and community protection in one of the most dynamic regions in the nation. This is your opportunity to build a secure, resilient, integrated technology environment that directly enhances public safety and community services for millions of residents.

Your Mission

Lead the development and execution of a cohesive technology vision that strengthens the County’s public safety and justice ecosystem. Reporting directly to the Chief Information Officer, you will oversee complex, mission critical technology platforms, coordinate enterprise-wide systems integrations, and ensure that the County’s investments elevate both operational efficiency and excellence in service.

What Makes This Role Unique

Mission Critical Impact: You will support the technology backbone of the Sheriff’s Office Enforcement and Custody Bureaus, Probation Department, District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, County 911 Communications, Office of Emergency Management, and related public safety and justice partners. These systems must be highly secure, interoperable, reliable, and responsive 24/7.

Public Safety Driven Innovation: From data interoperability to digital evidence systems, field mobility, emergency communications, and case management platforms — you will help modernize how public safety and justice agencies serve and protect the community.

Enterprise Leadership: You will serve on IT governance boards that shape Countywide technology direction, focusing on mission critical systems, cross department workflows, and the technology infrastructure that connects public safety operations with broader County services.

Equity & Community Trust: Technology plays a defining role in equitable justice. You will help ensure systems are transparent, ethical, and designed to support fair outcomes for all residents.

View the full job specification on our career site.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Technology Leadership

• Lead development and deployment of integrated, enterprise-wide public safety and justice technology systems aligned with County values and operational needs.
• Anticipate future requirements such as next generation 911, digital evidence expansion, secure mobility tools, data privacy, and cross agency collaboration platforms.
• Strengthen governance and oversight to ensure high-quality, cost-effective services supporting safety critical operations.
  
  

People Leadership

• Guide, mentor, and develop IT teams with a focus on the unique demands of public safety and justice environments.
• Set vision, standards, and expectations for high reliability, rapid response, and excellence in mission critical technology support.
• Build team capabilities in cybersecurity, data integration, system interoperability, and emerging technologies.
  
  

Operational & Financial Stewardship

• Direct largescale technology projects across multiple justice partners, ensuring delivery of secure, compliant, on time , on budget solutions.
• Oversee resource allocation and investments to modernize public safety systems and improve operational readiness.
• Establish transparent SLAs to support uptime, continuity of operations, emergency response needs, and customer satisfaction.
  
  

Change Management & Innovation

• Modernize legacy justice systems with modern cloud, data, analytics, and mobility tools.
• Lead change initiatives that balance innovation with safety, confidentiality, and legal requirements.
• Represent the County on committees shaping integrated public safety and justice technology solutions.
  
  

What You Bring

• A bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Business/Public Administration, or a related field.
• Ten to fifteen years of IT leadership experience in complex organizations, with expertise in public safety or justice systems, or sensitive, mission critical technology domains.
• At least five years in senior level IT management over seeing high risk, high impact technology environments.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build high trust relationships with executive leaders, sworn personnel, justice partners, and community facing stake holders.
• Proven ability to modernize systems, enhance interoperability, and lead change across multidisciplinary environments.
• Deep understanding of cybersecurity, compliance, continuity of operations, and technology strategies supporting public safety and justice systems.
  
  

What Success Looks Like

Within 6–12 months, you will:

• Build alignment with public safety and justice leaders on technology priorities.
• Launch critical modernization efforts to improve reliability, integration, and data quality.
• Establish clear goals, performance standards, and communication strategies.
  
  

Over Time, You Will

• Strengthen County wide interoperability and streamline justice workflows through modern technology platforms.
• Advance cybersecurity, resilience, and system reliability for mission critical operations.
• Position the County of Santa Clara as a national leader in public safety and justice technology innovation.
  
  

Why Join Us?

• Play a pivotal role in strengthening safety and justice for one of California’s most diverse communities.
• Shape technology strategy in a region known for creativity, innovation, and social impact.
• Partner with dedicated public safety and justice professionals who are committed to serving the community with integrity.
• Enjoy a collaborative, inclusive, and mission driven culture — with a competitive annual and comprehensive benefits.
  
  

Virtual Executive Insight Session: Director, Information Technology

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More About Our Competitive Executive Benefits

Strategic Financial and Retirement Benefits

• CalPERS pension with reciprocity across most California public agencies (2.5% @55 for Classic Members,2% @62 for Non-Classic Members)
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan with both pre-tax and Roth options, up to IRS limits
• $325,000 in term life insurance plus $300,000 in accidental death and disability coverage
• Eligible employer under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
  
  

Executive-Level Health, Wellness, and Family Support

• Premium health insurance options (Kaiser, HealthNet, Valley Health Plan) with up to 96% County-paid coverage
• Fully covered dental (Delta or Liberty) and vision (VSP) plans for individuals and families
• Employee Assistance Program, Dependent Care Assistance, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Access to wellness and leadership development programs designed to support executive performance and resilience
  
  

Leadership Mobility, Time Off, and Professional Growth

• 39 days of annual leave with a cash-out option, plus 13 paid holidays
• Relocation assistance to support seamless transitions
• Tuition reimbursement and internal executive development programs
• To learn more about benefits, check out our dedicated page .
  
  

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Ready to join the leadership team? Apply now.

Learn more about the County and the impact you can have as a leader.

Application Process and Key Dates

Filing Deadline: Monday, August 24, 2026

This recruitment may close or be extended as early as 10 days after posting. Early application is strongly encouraged. Please check the website regularly for updates.

Apply at: https://esa.santaclaracounty.gov/career-seekers

What To Include In Your Application

• Résumé
• Cover Letter (maximum 3 pages) Describe why you are the ideal candidate, highlighting relevant leadership experience and accomplishments.
• Describe why you are the ideal candidate, highlighting relevant leadership experience and accomplishments.
  
  

Next Steps In The Process

Following mutual interest, a comprehensive background investigation and reference check will be conducted. Finalists will be asked to provide at least five professional references, with prior authorization obtained by Executive Services.

Questions regarding this Executive recruitment may be directed to Quynh Truong, Executive Services at quynh.truong@esa.sccgov.org

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