Director of IT Operations and Security

Job Description:

Director of IT Operations and Security

Description

Job Description

Office of Information Technology

Annual Salary Range: $160,148 - $213,531

FLSA Exempt / Non-Union Represented

This position allows for up to four days of remote work per week

About the Office

The Office of Information Technology (IT) is responsible for enabling State Bar's internal and external stakeholders by the management, implementation, and maintenance of technology that supports the State Bar's mission and goals. The office's primary goals are to build and maintain functional capabilities, support innovation, and ensure that all systems are running smoothly, efficiently, and securely to meet the needs of the organization and its stakeholders.

About the Position

The Director of IT Operations and Security provides strategic and operational leadership for the State Bar's technology infrastructure, networking, end-user support services, and cybersecurity programs. This role ensures the delivery of reliable, secure, and efficient IT services that enable the organization to achieve its mission while protecting its information assets and systems.

The ideal candidate is a proactive and collaborative IT leader with extensive experience managing complex technology environments in public sector or enterprise settings. They have a strong track record in operational excellence, cybersecurity program implementation, and delivering high-quality end-user services. This individual excels at building and developing high-performing teams, driving continuous improvement, and aligning IT operations and security strategies with organizational goals. They are a clear and persuasive communicator who effectively engages both technical staff and executive leadership, and they are passionate about delivering reliable, secure, and customer-focused technology services.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for IT operations, infrastructure, and security to support the State Bar's mission and business objectives.
• Serve as a key advisor to executive leadership and staff by providing assessments, analysis, and policy guidance on technology strategy, operational risks, security matters, and other technology issues to influence decisions that impact organizational success.
• Contribute to IT strategic planning and organizational business continuity efforts, aligning operational initiatives with long-term goals.
• Lead, mentor, and develop IT operations teams, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee and ensure the effective delivery of IT services, including end-user support, service desk operations, and incident management to maintain high user satisfaction.
• Direct the planning, implementation, and optimization of technology infrastructure, leveraging advancements in cloud and emerging technologies to deliver reliable, scalable, and modern solutions that align with organizational needs.
• Evaluate and recommend emerging technologies that enhance operational efficiency, security posture, and organizational capabilities.
• Ensure the security and availability of the State Bar's information systems by establishing and enforcing robust cybersecurity strategies, policies, and standards.
• Provide executive oversight of risk assessments, vulnerability management, and incident response to protect the organization from cybersecurity threats.
• Ensure compliance with applicable data security, privacy regulations, and organizational policies through effective governance frameworks and controls.
• Oversee asset management and lifecycle planning for hardware and software to ensure compliance with procurement policies and effective utilization of resources.
• Develop, manage, and monitor operational and security budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources while delivering high-quality services.
• Establish and oversee performance metrics, controls, and processes to ensure effective management of IT operations and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with internal audit, compliance, and risk management teams to address security and operational requirements proactively.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with State Bar offices to understand business needs and deliver technology solutions that advance organizational goals.
• Oversee vendor and service provider relationships to ensure optimal delivery of outsourced services.
• May act on behalf of the Chief Information Officer in their absence, when directed.

Employment Standards

Knowledge of:

• Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies governing IT operations, security, and data privacy in public sector environments.
• Advanced principles of IT administration, strategic planning, operations, and policy development in governmental, legal, or judicial settings.
• Industry frameworks and standards, including ITIL for service management, NIST Cybersecurity Framework for security, PMBOK for project management, COBIT for IT governance, and methodologies such as Agile, DevOps, and Change and Release Management.
• Hybrid infrastructure architectures, including integration of on-premises systems with modern cloud platforms and technologies to deliver scalable, reliable, and secure IT services.
• Understanding digital tools, platforms, and methodologies that can promote organizational change and foster innovation.
• Budgeting, resource allocation, and fiscal management practices in public agencies.
• Leadership, team development, and personnel management, including effective practices in unionized environments.
• Methods for identifying, analyzing, and resolving complex organizational and technical problems.
• Institutional management and organizational effectiveness principles.
• Effective communication techniques for technical and non-technical audiences, including written reports and oral presentations.
• Public speaking, facilitation, and presentation skills for executive stakeholders and large groups.
• Organizational behavior, team dynamics, and conflict resolution strategies.
• Researching, evaluating, and implementing technology solutions aligned with business needs.
• Customer service management principles and internal consulting practices to deliver user-focused technology services
• Principles of effective personnel management in a union environment.

Ability to:

• Provide strategic leadership, direction, and vision for IT operations, governance, infrastructure, security programs, and staff development to meet evolving organizational goals.
• Develop departmental plans aligned with the State Bar's mission, vision, and strategic objectives.
• Lead, develop, and motivate diverse, high-performing technical teams while fostering a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and customer-focused service delivery.
• Analyze complex enterprise business, operational, and technology needs to formulate integrated, efficient, and cost-effective solutions.
• Evaluate and recommend technology strategies that maximize return on investment and operational outcomes.
• Build consensus and serve as an effective facilitator with multiple stakeholders of diverse views and needs.
• Work collaboratively with executives, directors, managers, and staff to resolve complex organizational and technical issues.
• Exercise expert independent judgment, set priorities, and make sound recommendations within areas of responsibility.
• Lead negotiations and oversee contracts with technology vendors to ensure cost-efficient and high-quality service delivery.
• Lead the State Bar's digital transformation initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer experiences, and drive innovation.
• Communicate clearly, concisely, and persuasively, both orally and in writing, with technical and non-technical audiences, executives, stakeholders, and governance bodies.
• Lead cultural and technological change initiatives effectively within the organization.
• Address and resolve conflict with tact and diplomacy, performing effectively under stress in complex or sensitive situations.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Oversee budgets, resources, and vendor relationships to ensure efficient and effective delivery of IT services.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a field Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field that develops skills related to essential duties or equivalent academic achievement.
• Master's degree is preferred and may substitute for up to two (2) years of experience.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• ITIL Foundation Certification

Experience:

• 8+ years of progressive experience in IT operations and security, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role.

Preferred certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• ITIL Foundation Certification

Applicants who meet the Minimum Qualifications will be required to successfully complete the

State Bar's selection process for this classification.

About the State Bar

The State Bar of California's mission is to protect the public and includes the primary functions of licensing, regulation, and discipline of attorneys; the advancement of the ethical and competent practice of law; and support of efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system.

Our Values

Clarity | Investing in Our People | Excellence | Respect | Growth Mindset

Learn more about our values.

DEI Statement

We are a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all of our employees and prospective employees experience fairness, dignity, and respect.

Learn more about our commitment to DEI.