Description
SUMMARY:
The Software and Systems Engineering Manager is a people leader and senior technical expert responsible for guiding the team that designs, develops, administers, and supports the mission-critical technology systems for South Sound 911 and its partner agencies.
This role focuses on the strategic direction, performance, and professional development of the Software and Systems Engineering team. The manager is responsible for hiring, coaching, and performance management. While continuing to contribute as a senior technical expert guiding architectural decisions, the manager's primary responsibility is setting the team's strategic direction, managing the budget, and aligning the team's work with organizational goals and championing the division's leadership values and tenets.
Please see our Technology Team Values and Tenets here: https://southsound911.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TechnologyValues.pdf
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Lead, hire, mentor, and manage the performance of the Software and Systems Engineering team, fostering a collaborative culture and supporting professional development.
Champion and model the Technology division's leadership tenets: actively empower and trust the team, articulate the "Why" behind all initiatives, protect the team's psychological safety and focus, and listen, learn, and adapt to feedback.
Set the team's strategic direction, manage the departmental budget, and ensure the team's projects and priorities align with organizational goals.
Serve as the senior technical expert, guiding the team on architectural decisions, technical roadmaps, and the resolution of the most complex system issues.
Oversee the full life cycle of the agency's key applications, including Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Records Management Systems (RMS), and custom-developed software.
Collaborate with other technology leaders and agency stakeholders to plan and execute complex technical projects, upgrades, and integrations.
Foster innovation and continuous improvement by identifying emerging technologies, lead proof-of-concept initiatives, and build a culture that embraces learning and improvement. This helps ensure our systems evolve alongside industry advancements.
Promote effective change management with clear communication, stakeholder engagement, and user adoption during new technology rollouts or major process transformations.
Define and Track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Establish metrics for system uptime, software quality, and team productivity to ensure accountability and continuous operational excellence.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Fluent use of the English language, to include the ability to understand written and verbal instructions, understand and interpret complex rules and procedures, explain services, projects, programs and resources
Communicate orally and in writing using tact, patience and courtesy.
Ability to work appropriately with confidential material and information.
Ability to use technical skills to work with current technological tools and perform basic problem solving; work with a wide variety of data-driven applications, including service-based, client-side and web applications; use independent judgment and initiative when working alone, as well as appropriately utilize the expertise of colleagues.
Develop effective working relationships with peers, senior staff and customers.
Proficient with standard suite of Microsoft Office software and database applications, peripheral equipment, phone system.
Ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgment in problem solving and decision-making.
Organize work with many interruptions and multiple tasks to meet schedules and timelines.
Ability to travel to other local locations in a timely manner, as needed for performance of the job.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Baseline Qualifications
Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, a related STEM field, or equivalent practical work experience.
Experience: 12+ years of experience with a record of significant technical achievements, including at least 5 years of experience managing multi-disciplined technology teams.
Core Technical Skills:
Proficiency in an object-oriented programming language (e.g., C#/.NET, Java).
Experience with SQL scripting and database management concepts.
Understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and structured development environments.
Knowledge of IT service management (ITSM) principles and public safety system security and availability. Expertise in at least one of the team's core disciplines (e.g., C#/.NET development or mission-critical system administration with proficient knowledge across all areas.
Preferred Qualifications
Professional experience in a public safety or government IT environment.
Direct experience with CAD or RMS applications.
Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies.
Experience with reporting tools (SSRS, Crystal Reports) or RPA platforms.
Leadership Values:
People First: We build strong teams, empower individuals, and foster a culture of open communication and trust.
Purpose-Driven: Our work is rooted in public service and a commitment to making a positive impact on our community.
Integrity Always: We operate with honesty, transparency, and unshakable ethical principles.
Excellence in Action: We are driven to achieve measurable, high-quality outcomes and operational excellence.
Continuous Improvement: We are lifelong learners dedicated to the growth of ourselves and our team.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The agency operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year and work may be required at any time. Office environment with frequent interruptions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. This position will interact with employees and customers on a daily basis. Office environment is subject to 24/7 emergency call out and traveling to different locations to conduct work.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit at a computer terminal, frequent
walking both indoors and out; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently
required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, stoop, or kneel. The
employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job
include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee(s) in this job title. The statements are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of employee(s) in this job title. Furthermore, the job description does not establish a contract of employment and is subject to change at the discretion of the agency.
Requirements
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Baseline Qualifications
Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, a related STEM field, or equivalent practical work experience.
Experience: 12+ years of experience with a record of significant technical achievements, including at least 5 years of experience managing multi-disciplined technology teams.
Core Technical Skills:
Proficiency in an object-oriented programming language (e.g., C#/.NET, Java).
Experience with SQL scripting and database management concepts.
Understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and structured development environments.
Knowledge of IT service management (ITSM) principles and public safety system security and availability. Expertise in at least one of the team's core disciplines (e.g., C#/.NET development or mission-critical system administration with proficient knowledge across all areas.
Preferred Qualifications
Professional experience in a public safety or government IT environment.
Direct experience with CAD or RMS applications.
Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies.
Experience with reporting tools (SSRS, Crystal Reports) or RPA platforms.
Leadership Values:
People First: We build strong teams, empower individuals, and foster a culture of open communication and trust.
Purpose-Driven: Our work is rooted in public service and a commitment to making a positive impact on our community.
Integrity Always: We operate with honesty, transparency, and unshakable ethical principles.
Excellence in Action: We are driven to achieve measurable, high-quality outcomes and operational excellence.
Continuous Improvement: We are lifelong learners dedicated to the growth of ourselves and our team.
