10/25/1999 01981

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY POLICY ASSOCIATE 2

DEFINITION: This is 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 conducts 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. The employee works as member of a team of IT Specialists or individually under the direction of a higher level Specialist, and assists with the analysis of IT policies/processes throughout the Commonwealth IT enterprise, or within a particular state agency. Work involves assisting in the development, analysis, and implementation of IT strategies, policies, and plans for the Commonwealth enterprise or respective Agency. Assignments involve assisting higher level Specialists 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 serves as a team member and is responsible for assigned segments of projects of major significance that impact on agency policy, or works independently on IT policy projects with a narrow focus or for a segment of an Agency. When working within an Agency, 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. Work is distinguished from the next higher level by the more limited scope and complexity of assignments and by the supervisory controls placed upon work activities. Employees receive instructions upon initiation of a project and work is reviewed in detail through discussion, written reports, and evaluation of analysis techniques by a higher level Specialist.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Develops, designs, and conducts analytical studies on policy issues, problems, trends, and resource needs, and/or participates in the development, design, and conduct of analytical studies on complex policy issues, problems, trends, and resource needs which 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.

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

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 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 year as an Information Technology Policy Associate 1;

                                                                                                                                                                       or

Two (2) 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;

                                                                                                                                                                       or

One (1) year 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;

                                                                                                                                                                       or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training.