10/25/1999 01982

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY POLICY SPECIALIST 1

DEFINITION: This is advanced professional work in information technology (IT) policy analysis, development, and technical consulting for Commonwealth enterprise and inter-agency 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 functions as a team leader; a member of a team under the direction of a higher level IT Specialist or Manager involved in the analysis of broad, complex issues; or works independently on special projects assigned by a higher level Specialist or Manager. Work is characterized by projects that focus on analyzing, planning, and implementing IT initiatives, which are consistent with the IT strategic direction of the Commonwealth enterprise. An employee in this class will develop IT strategies, policies, and plans for the Commonwealth enterprise or Agency. Assignments involve providing guidance and direction to Agency executives and IT Managers; ascertaining the feasibility of project proposals; reporting on the progress of IT projects; presenting findings, recommendations, and status reports orally and in the form of executive summaries; facilitating cooperation and support from Agency staff and contractors; and managing project implementations. An employee in this class may supervise lower level Associates. At the Agency level, an employee in this class functions as a team leader and/or works independently on Agency IT resource management projects and is responsible for leading IT implementations, under the direction of the Agency's Policy Manager or Chief Information Officer. At the Agency level, 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 the use of theoretical/applied program and specialty area knowledge, and on advanced analytical techniques. Employees receive general instructions as to the scope of the assignment, objectives to be met, and results and output to be achieved. Work is reviewed for results through discussion, written reports and evaluation of analysis techniques by a higher level Specialist or Manager.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Develops, designs, and conducts analytical studies of complex policy issues, problems, trends, and resource needs which have significant impact on enterprise IT resource management and agency practices.

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

Drafts policies, 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.

Serves as lead analyst on selected projects, and is responsible for project results.

Manages outsourced contracts and vendors to implement IT programs and policy.

Supervises lower level Specialists and Associates.

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 plan, assign, and manage the work of subordinates.

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

Ability to learn 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 as an Information Technology (IT) Policy Associate 2;

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Three (3) years of technical experience in IT resource management 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;

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Two (2) years of technical experience in IT resource management or policy analysis work and a Master'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;

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training.