Job Description

Position Overview:

Nestled on the powerful Bay of Fundy, Saint John is a beautiful, historic, and vibrantly urban city - surrounded by breathtaking and rejuvenating nature experiences. Saint John is growing and is well-positioned for the continued prosperity of residents and future business prospects. During this time of growth, the City of Saint John is seeking an experienced information technology leader to join the management team as the Assistant Chief Information Officer (Assistant CIO).



The Assistant CIO provides leadership and operational direction for the City of Saint John's IT service area. Reporting to the Chief Information Officer (CIO), the Assistant CIO oversees the daily operations of IT infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity, service delivery, and support services.



This role ensures that technology systems are reliable, secure, and aligned with organizational goals. The Assistant CIO acts as the operational bridge between strategic IT direction and effective day-to-day service delivery, ensuring that technology supports municipal operations, employees, and citizens efficiently. Reporting directly to this position are two (2) IT managers, and directly indirectly, 14 additional team members.




This is an exciting opportunity to play a key leadership role in shaping the future of municipal technology. The successful candidate will contribute to delivering innovative, secure, and efficient digital services that enhance how the municipality operates and serves its residents.



Key Responsibilities:



Operational Leadership



Oversee the daily operations of the IT Service area, including network infrastructure, enterprise systems, cybersecurity, user support, and data management.


Manage service delivery standards, ensuring that IT operations are efficient, responsive, and meet organizational needs.


Develop and monitor operational KPIs, service levels, and performance metrics.


Coordinate and prioritize technology initiatives in collaboration with the CIO and business units.


Ensure IT continuity and disaster recovery capabilities are maintained and tested regularly.


Team Management



Provide leadership, coaching, and mentoring to IT staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.


Oversee resource allocation, workload distribution, and succession planning within the IT team.


Manage performance evaluations, training, and development plans for IT staff.

Governance, Policy, and Compliance



Implement and enforce IT policies, procedures, and standards in alignment with municipal governance and security frameworks.


Support the CIO in developing and maintaining IT governance models, cybersecurity policies, and compliance with municipal, provincial, and federal regulations.


Ensure adherence to procurement policies and vendor management standards for IT products and services.


Attendance at Council or committee meetings may be required to present on technology governance, policy, and/or compliance.


Service Management and Customer Focus



Lead IT service management processes (incident, problem, change, and asset management).


Promote a service-oriented approach to IT operations with a focus on user satisfaction and continuous improvement.


Partner with internal departments to understand business needs and translate them into effective technology solutions.


Technical Oversight



Oversee the design, maintenance, and optimization of the municipality's technology environment, including networks, servers, cloud services, communications, and security infrastructure.


Coordinate with vendors and managed service providers to ensure reliable delivery of technology services.


Support the implementation and maintenance of enterprise applications, including ERP, GIS, document management, and collaboration tools.


Strategic Support



Assist the CIO in developing and executing the IT strategic plan and technology roadmap.


Identify opportunities for digital transformation and process automation to improve service efficiency.


Contribute to technology budgeting, forecasting, and capital planning.

Essential Qualifications:

Education and Experience:



Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related discipline. Master's degree or PMP/ITIL certification considered an asset.


Minimum of 8 years of progressive IT management experience.


Demonstrated experience managing IT operations, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and enterprise systems.


Proven success leading multidisciplinary IT teams and managing complex projects.


Pre-requisites:



Must be Security Cleared as per City standards.


Must take Oath of Confidentiality.


Must have a valid Class 5 Driver's License.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:



Strong understanding of ITIL-based service management and governance practices.


Knowledge of ERP systems and GIS technology.


Experience administering and optimizing Microsoft 365 (M365) to enhance digital service delivery, support collaboration across departments, and ensure the reliability and security of corporate IT infrastructure.


The successful applicant may be eligible to participate in a Flexible Time Options Program which includes the option of working a 4 or 5-day work week, subject to business requirements.



Equal Opportunity Employer:



We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live and which we serve. We encourage and support applications from Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minority groups. Candidates who belong to such groups, who are qualified, will be given preference at the time of selection.



Applications will be accepted through our online system only. Qualified applicants should submit their cover letters and resumes to:



City of Saint John

Attn: Hiring Committee

www.saintjohn.ca (careers)