Director of Infrastructure & Special Systems

Distinguishing Characteristics:

The Director of Infrastructure & Special Systems is responsible for the design, development, support, maintenance and future roadmaps for a number of strategic Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) infrastructure platforms at Tucson International Airport (TUS) and Ryan Airfield (RYN) including but not limited to: Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Inside/Outside plant (ISP/OSP), fiber optics, Access Control System (ACS), Video Management System (VMS), voice (radio/cell/desktop), Data Center (servers/storage), and Parking and Revenue Control System (PARCS). Provides professional planning, analysis, development, coordination, implementation, documentation of technology strategies, develops long-term technology initiatives and investments for the TAA, and identifies uses of technology to meet operational, security, and business requirements.  Exercises leadership managing a variety of IT personnel, creating TAA IT policies/procedures, and assists in formulating technology strategy and the vision for TAA overall technology platforms. 

Essential Functions: 

The following functions and all other functions not included in this job description are to be performed in the best interests and for the greater good of TAA.

• Support and advocate for TAA’s Mission, Vision, Guiding Principles and act as a champion and role-model of TAA’s Cultural Fundamentals.
• Responsible for the implementation, maintenance, administration and operation of the TAA infrastructure, which includes but is not limited to the following:  Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN, Data Center (servers/storage) operating and updating Virtual Machine (VM) software; Access Control Systems (ACS), Video Management System (VMS), Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communications, radio, wireless (WiFi, Private Wireless), inside/outside plant (ISP/OSP), Parking and Revenue Control System (PARCS), video information display systems, and airport paging system. 
• Plan, organize, control, integrate and evaluate the work of assigned IT personnel.   Lead the department’s operational and strategic planning for specific systems to identify long term information and technology needs, ensuring IT plans, goals and objectives focus on achieving the TAA mission. 
• Assist with developing the IT department’s annual budget in alignment with organizational goals and monitor execution of the budget during the year.  Administer the development, compilation and implementation of TAA’s IT Strategic Plan to enhance organizational operations.  Develop a long term IT capital investment strategy and budget based on data analysis and evolving operational needs.
• Plan, assign, and supervise the work of assigned IT personnel, following appropriate policies, practices, and procedures; ensure that proper protocols are utilized to safely complete all tasks and responsibilities; enforce personnel rules and regulations and work behavior standards with respect and impartiality.
• Hold direct reports accountable for accomplishing functional responsibilities and delegated tasks and differentiate between high and low performers.  Coach and provide leadership and development opportunities for direct reports.
• Maintain performance records for and completes the employee performance evaluation process for employees per established guidelines and deadlines; monitor and evaluate the performance of personnel using established, standardized criteria.
• Keeps abreast of emerging technologies, research, identify and evaluate information technology trends and practices that are of relevance to the airport environment.  Analyze and communicate how technology alternatives can be leveraged to improve business and operational efficiency, reduce costs, or otherwise increase the effectiveness of TAA.
• Identify and evaluate information technology and assess the feasibility of alternative technological approaches necessary to meet business strategy and infrastructure requirements.
• Make presentations and/or recommendations to TAA management on technology and related topics, including long range technology directions, strategies, and return on investment analysis.
• Assist with Project Management and prioritization for Capital projects and initiatives that affect IT infrastructure and special systems.
• Assist in the development of comprehensive written PM plans which: identify and mitigate IT risk; incorporate internal/external resource requirements; establish schedules and timelines; maintain budget and actual cost details; track progress and outcomes.
• Define, implement and maintain IT policies and procedures that follow IT and industry best practices.  Utilize technical standards and methods.
• Create, maintain, and monitor results of TAA IT cybersecurity standards to ensure privacy of data, security of IT processing facilities, activities, infrastructure and special systems.
• Create and maintain all TAA information technology infrastructure diagrams and as built(s) utilizing MS Visio.   
• Assist with the creation of a disaster recovery and business continuity plan along with incident response plans/procedures to ensure that adequate protections are in place to ensure the security of TAA IT infrastructure and special systems.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Information Technology Directors of other airports to broaden awareness of technology developments and trends in airport operations and infrastructure systems that may be relevant to TAA.
• Be responsive to airport emergencies and situations that may involve loss of human life or property; support public safety and operational response to emergencies; utilize Incident Management System (ICS)/National Incident Management System (NIMS) protocols and procedures; coordinate and/or participate in after-action emergency de-briefing with appropriate departments and stakeholders.

The above listed functions are not necessarily all the essential functions.  Job duties and functions may be expanded or reduced by management based on future changing needs and job requirements.

Position Requirements: 

• A Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution in Management Information Systems, Computer Science, Business or a closely related field.
• At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in Information Technology with specific focus on hardware infrastructure management, network, data center, inside/outside plant (ISP/OSP); with five (5) years of supervisory experience.
• An advanced degree in Management Information Systems, Computer Science, Business or a closely related field is preferred. 
• Experience in a public agency or an airport environment is preferred. 

Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to demonstrate aptitude for the position will be considered.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

      Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and techniques of information technology management including infrastructure design, hardware, data center, ISP/OSP (Inside Plant\Outside Plant) and other specialized systems such as Access & Parking control, video and paging systems, Audio/Visual, etc.
• Operating principles, methods, practices and limitations of IT infrastructure systems, communication systems and other unique systems found in a commercial airport environment.
• Methods, tools, and techniques associated with project management.
• Principles and methods of long-range strategic technology planning and systems acquisition.
• Contemporary principles and methods of effective management and supervision.
• Information security technologies, as related to vulnerability management, intrusion detection/prevention, incident management/response, and risk assessment/mitigation methodologies.
• Research methodology and statistical analysis.
• Principles and practices related to public administration, including budgeting, purchasing, and maintenance of public records.
• Business English, grammar composition, office practices and procedures, and proficient to produce all necessary documents.

Skill in:

• Directing and managing staff efficiently and effectively
• Comprehending and implementing requirements of complex, technical information.
• Communicating clearly and effectively, negotiating and advocating, both orally and in writing.
• Organizing and critical thinking.
• Using a variety of computer-based technologies.
• Using independent judgment.
• Providing team leadership.
• Performing tasks with a high degree of accuracy, confidentiality, attention to detail with mature judgment to function in compelling, high stress, fast-moving work environment, with deadlines and multiple projects, to initiate and organize responsibilities without constant supervision, and to take independent action relative to work problems requiring immediate solutions. 
• Initiating and completing quality work that furthers the mission and goals of the department and TAA’s strategic plan.

Ability to:

Environmental Requirements

• Work primarily in a typical, temperature controlled administrative office setting in a semi-enclosed work space or office.
• Be outdoors for periods of time year-round to visit various airport facilities.
• At times, work in a high-noise environment and extreme weather.

Mental Requirements

• Plan, organize, integrate, and manage a comprehensive technology program, including system development, administration, and the delivery of computer/network/communications services.
• Identify technology issues and opportunities, analyze problems and alternatives, and develop sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Possess strong problem-solving skills, lean six sigma methodologies and a focus on operational metrics that will increase performance and stability.
• Making decisions keeping in mind all aspects of an organization; strategy, people, structure, rewards, and processes
• Assess user technology requirements, set priorities, and allocate resources to most effectively meet needs in a timely manner.
• Evaluate complex technology and IT strategies; make prudent recommendations that maximize return on investment.
• Represent TAA effectively in meetings on a variety of technology issues.
• Consistently demonstrate excellent problem solving skills.

Physical Requirements

• Communicate in English via telephone, radio, and cellular telephone, (at times) in a high noise environment, with sufficient clarity to be understood by others.
• Hear and understand sounds coming through a radio, a standard telephone receiver, or other outside sound sources.
• Read, write, and speak the English language in an articulate, fluent manner.
• Perform tasks with a full range of bodily movements, including lifting (up to 50 pounds), pushing, standing (for periods of two to three hours at a time), walking, reaching bending, kneeling, twisting, and crawling.
• Perform work in a confined space that may require regular and prolonged bending, working on irregular surfaces, and pulling/pushing job related material or equipment.
• Distinguish colors by a practical test in all lighting conditions.
• Deliver effective public presentations.

General

• Be able to work special hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays, and be available to be on call 24 hours/7 days per week to respond to the airport in the event of an emergency.
• Understand that dissemination of information outside of job requirements is based on “need-to-know” and maintain discreet and professional sense of confidentiality due to sensitive nature of job functions.
• Remain focused and decisive in stressful situations using sound judgement and perform tasks with a high degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and function in a fast-paced work environment with deadlines and multiple projects.
• Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of a variety of practices and procedures, including Federal, State, and local laws and regulations governing TAA.
• Be sensitive and aware of actions and reactions of employees, tenants, Board and Authority members, consultants, the public and outside agencies, and inform supervisor of appropriate concerns.
• Respond to emergencies as a member of TAA’s Emergency Response Team.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

• Valid Arizona Driver’s license.
• Must obtain and maintain access to the Security Identification Display Area (SIDA).
• Meet and maintain the ability to drive personal or airport vehicles and obtain authorization to access the Non-Movement Area on the Air Operations Area.
• Must successfully complete the National Incident Management System (NIMS) 100, 200, 700, and 800 course requirements and certification within the first year of assuming the position.
• As an employee, you are deemed to be essential personnel as part of TAA’s emergency response and must respond to airport incidents as requested/required.