10/25/1999 01980

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY POLICY ASSOCIATE 1

DEFINITION: This is beginning level professional work in information technology (IT) policy analysis, development, and technical consulting for Commonwealth enterprise and interagency IT resource management in the Office of Administration, or for Agency wide IT resource management within an Agency Policy or Chief Information Officer's Office.

An employee in this class participates in studies and projects to identify key information technology policy issues which impact on the priorities established for the Commonwealth, and to draft information technology policy recommendations in concert with the development of programs and initiatives consistent with Administration goals and objectives. Work involves participating as a team member under the direction of higher level IT Policy Specialists or Associates in the development, analysis, and implementation of IT strategies, policies, and plans for the Commonwealth enterprise. Assignments involve assisting higher level Specialists or Associates in the provision of guidance and direction to Agency executives and IT Managers; ascertaining the feasibility of project proposals; reporting on the progress of IT projects, including the development of final reports that contain policy recommendations and strategic plans; facilitating cooperation and support from Agency staff and contractors; and managing project implementations. At the Agency level, an employee in this class participates as a team member, and is responsible for assigned segments of projects of major significance that impact on agency policy. At the Agency level, an employee in this class is responsible for collaborating with the Office of Administration's Office for Information Technology to ensure that agency plans are consistent with enterprise initiatives, and that Agency and OA/OIT plans are fully communicated to all affected parties. Emphasis at this level is on learning theoretical, applied program and specialty area knowledge, as well as using beginning level analytical techniques. This level is distinguished from the next higher level by the participatory nature of assignments under the direction of a higher level Specialist.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Participates in the development, design, and conduct of analytical studies on complex policy issues, problems, trends, and resource needs that have significant impact on enterprise IT management and agency practices.

Participates in the review of agency IT plans/requests to determine their feasibility, the efficient use of resources, and consistency with statewide initiatives.

Participates in the development, coordination, implementation, and reporting of strategic plans.

Participates in drafting policy, legislation, regulations, directives, and program proposals required to implement IT policies.

Researches IT issues, identifies potential policy conflicts, prepares/presents summary reports, and identifies IT opportunities throughout the organization.

Performs related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the basic principles and methodologies used to collect, analyze, and present statistical, technical, or administrative data, including the use of tables and graphs.

Knowledge of available data sources, trends, and current and emerging .developments in information technology.

Ability to apply information technology in automating, streamlining, or expanding services for agency or Commonwealth business applications.

Ability to learn the basic methods and techniques of a technical specialty associated with IT management such as client-server computing, telecommunications systems, imaging, video conferencing, geographic information systems, CASE tools, disaster recover/security, local/wide and metropolitan area networks, radio, telecommuting, application development, electronic document management, and electronic commerce.

Ability to review basic policies and technical issues, conduct research, and develop general IT recommendations.

Ability to interpret and apply the Commonwealth's policies and procedures for procuring IT commodities and services.

Ability to learn beginning level work measurement, quantitative analysis, critical path, distribution analysis, and other analytical techniques used in program analysis and planning.

Ability to plan, coordinate, and manage multiple projects concurrently, and which may involve managing teams of specialists comprised of Commonwealth employees and/or vendors.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with various levels of employees including executive management, agency program managers, staff, and vendors.

Ability to present findings, recommendations, and status reports orally and in the form of executive summaries.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One (1) year of technical experience in IT resource management methods or policy analysis work and a Bachelor's Degree in Public or Business Administration, Policy Analysis and Planning, or a related field, which included or was supplemented by 6 college level credits in information technology;

                                                                                                                                                                                or

A Master's Degree in Public or Business Administration, Policy Analysis and Planning, Information Resource Management, or a closely related field, which included or was supplemented by 6 college level credits in information technology;

                                                                                                                                                                                or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training.