Assistant Director of Information Systems

Summary

This position is open until filled.

A first review of applications will take place during the week of March 29, 2026. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date.

*This position will be required to be in person. No remote work available.*

If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Assistant Director of Information Systems in our Information Systems Department. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website.
Under general administrative direction, the Assistant Director of Information Systems serves as a strategic and operational leader for the City’s Information Systems (IS) environment. This role partners closely with the Chief Information Officer (CIO) to translate organizational needs into well-structured, reliable, and secure information systems solutions. The Assistant Director is responsible for enterprise information systems planning, governance, process maturity, and operational effectiveness, ensuring systems and services consistently support City operations and service delivery.

This position is ideal for a forward-thinking strategic planner who values clear structure, defined processes, thorough documentation, and continuous improvement within an Information Systems organization.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Partner with the Chief Information Officer (CIO) to develop and execute multi-year Information Systems plans and roadmaps, aligning systems initiatives with City goals, operational priorities, and available resources.

Establish and maintain Information Systems governance, including standards, policies, procedures, and architectural guidelines, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and City policies

Lead systems portfolio planning and prioritization, ensuring projects and enhancements are sequenced and resourced based on organizational value, risk, and capacity.

Promote a culture of process discipline, documentation, and operational consistency across all Information Systems functions.

Oversee day-to-day Information Systems operations, including applications, enterprise systems, infrastructure, networks, cybersecurity controls, telecommunications, and end-user support services.

Implement and refine structured service management practices by defining and monitoring service levels and performance measures, and identifying opportunities to standardize systems, streamline workflows, and improve operational efficiency.

Guide the evaluation, selection, implementation, and lifecycle management of information systems, software applications, hardware platforms, and related services.

Ensure Information Systems are secure, resilient, and scalable, and proactively identify, communicate, and mitigate risks related to information systems, data, privacy, and records-management.

Maintain awareness of emerging information systems technologies and practices, recommending solutions that provide practical and sustainable value.

Lead efforts related to systems integration, data management, reporting, and information flow across departments.

Support the development and execution of the City’s information security and risk management practices, including controls, assessments, incident response, and business continuity.

Assist in the development and administration of the Information Systems budget, including forecasting, cost monitoring, and long-term systems planning.

Oversee vendor relationships, contracts, and licensing to ensure effective service delivery, fiscal responsibility, and compliance.

Align staffing, skill development, and resource allocation with Information Systems priorities and workload demands.

Lead, mentor, and develop Information Systems staff with an emphasis on clear roles, defined expectations, accountability, and professional growth.

Establish structured onboarding, training, and knowledge-transfer practices while fostering a collaborative, service-oriented team culture grounded in accountability, continuity, and continuous improvement.

Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, department heads, and external partners on Information Systems capabilities, limitations, and planning.

Translate technical and systems-related concepts into clear, actionable information for non-technical audiences.

Prepare and present staff reports, recommendations, and analyses to leadership, boards, and committees.

Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

Information Systems strategy, planning, and governance.
Systems operations, service delivery models, and process design.
Information security principles, risk management, and compliance.
Enterprise applications, databases, infrastructure, and networks.
Systems integration, data management, and reporting practices.
Public-sector budgeting, procurement, and vendor management.
Principles of supervision, training, and performance management.

Ability to:

Manage and direct complex Information Systems programs and services.
Design and implement structured, repeatable systems and processes.
Analyze operational needs and system performance to drive improvements.
Balance long-term planning with day-to-day operational leadership.
Communicate clearly and effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Build collaborative working relationships across departments.
Establish clarity and consistency within evolving operational environments.

Minimum Requirements

Education/Training:
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in computer science, information systems, business administration or a related field. A Master’s degree is highly desirable.

Experience:
Eight years (full-time equivalent) of increasingly responsible information systems program management experience including three years of management and administrative responsibility.

Supplemental Information

NOTE: For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's web site. The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended. A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions. Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen. Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to appear for testing. All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English. Types of tests may include written and/or oral examination, physical agility, practical exam or other appropriate job-related selection process. When testing is completed, candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list in the order of their test score. Selection for appointments is made from names certified on the eligibility list.

All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment. After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of their employment. The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify®.

The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire. New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment.

Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department. If you require reasonable accommodation in the testing process, such as an alternate means of testing, you must contact the Human Resources Department by the final filing date to complete a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

Note: Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1786.53, the City of Escondido shall provide to all job candidates a copy of any records of arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment which was obtained in the course of conducting an evaluation for employment, assignment, and/or promotion. A copy of this information, if received by the City, will be given to candidates within seven days of the City's receipt.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE

Eligible individuals are those who meet the following criteria:

• Served in the U.S. armed forces
• Received an honorable discharge
• Did not retire from military service
• Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time.

Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD-214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.

ABOUT OUR CITY

The City of Escondido is a prominent agricultural, commercial hub and residential center of North San Diego County. Located a short 30-minute drive from the beach, the mountains or downtown San Diego, Escondido residents enjoy the pleasure of a rural lifestyle with all the benefits of suburban living. Escondido is a diverse, vibrant community with many amenities. The city offers attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, a variety of art galleries, entertainment venues, and a state of the art hospital. Established in 1888, the city's rich past brings charm and stability to the community; yet integrated with Escondido's treasured heritage is a progressive future, bright and brimming with promise.

EOE The City of Escondido does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.

The City of Escondido offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

The Benefits of Choice program offers you a range of benefits. You choose the coverage that is right for you, your family and your budget. Read this e-Guide for an overview of your options, with links to additional details and forms.

For a more detailed overview of this benefits package, please visit the Management Benefit Summary

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

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• City of Escondido

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