Head of Technology

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Under direction of the Chief Administrative Officer, the Head of Technology designs and champions a thoughtful, comprehensive and multifaceted Information Technology (IT) strategy for YAI and its affiliates (the “YAI Network”), to support its mission and vision to advance the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) on a 24/7 basis across multiple states and through a variety of services. Provides expert guidance relating to IT strategies, infrastructure, business applications and data, operations, security, privacy and best practices in the information and technology realm. Collaborates with senior leadership, external vendors and functional teams to assess the agency’s IT needs and challenges, evaluate strategies, applications and systems, make recommendations and implement solutions that effectively support and optimize operations, promote increased efficiency and mitigate risks. Provides overall direction, oversight and management of IT services, including IT department staff and IT service providers to ensure agency needs are met, information is appropriately safeguarded and enhancements or other implementations are effectively communicated and supported.

Collaborates with senior leadership to develop an overall technology roadmap considering scalability, data use optimization, harmonization of business applications and AI use cases. Creates precise and detailed execution plans to achieve successful rollouts addressing all aspects of implementation, including project planning and management, resource planning, budgeting, data collection and recovery, system analytics, business continuity and vendor contracting. Serves as YAI Network’s HIPAA Security Officer, developing, implementing and overseeing YAI’s security policies and procedures as they relate to health information protected under HIPAA and other applicable laws.

Key/Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Provides overall direction and oversight for YAI Information Technology (IT) operations and initiatives including data management systems, network architecture, information security and IT support services, ensuring all IT-related needs of the YAI Network are met using cost-effective, innovative and appropriate strategies that align with strategic plan and goals.

• Assesses, evaluates and provides insights and recommendations to Chief Administrative Officer on agency-wide IT strategy and infrastructure, leading the design of a thoughtful, forward-thinking and comprehensive IT strategy and execution plans tailored to the agency’s priorities with a focus on increasing effectiveness and improving organizational performance.

• Collaborates with senior leadership team and IT service providers to align, direct and prioritize IT strategies with key initiatives and strategic goals, partnering with appropriate staff to address information and technology needs and supporting cross-functional teams in achieving optimal use of systems.

• Assesses and evaluates current IT structure and systems to identify risks, challenges and opportunities to enhance technical solutions using emerging technologies to modify delivery, processes and/or systems to better support the agency and address new and changing IT needs.  

• Builds a framework for long-term goals designed to position YAI for success and continuous improvement, including detailed plans addressing timelines, resources and deliverables and modifies accordingly based on changing initiatives, practicality, stakeholder feedback and analytics measuring effectiveness of efforts.

• Develops and implements disaster recovery plans and business continuity strategies that utilize the most up-to-date technology and methods to provide for essential service delivery in the face of emergencies, such as system or network outages, and support timely and complete recovery/return to normal operations.

• Manages and oversees the day-to-day activities of the YAI Network IT team, ensuring delivery of excellent service and support for IT needs agency-wide through appropriate staffing, workforce and performance management.  

• Identifies and implements appropriate information security and cybersecurity measures and effectively manages IT risks to protect YAI Network information and systems, including performing third-party risk assessments on IT vendors.

• Manages large-scale IT projects and implementations involving external vendors and/or YAI staff, driving projects to completion within anticipated timelines and budgets, ensuring collaboration across functions and tracking progress to achieve desired outcomes.

• Identifies, engages and liaises with external IT vendors and service providers to support YAI Network’s IT-related needs including negotiating and managing contracts, monitoring SLAs and supporting implementations.  

• Participates in the development and management of the staffing, revenue and/or expense budgets for the department.

• Stays abreast of and effectively communicates applicable Federal, State, Local, regulatory and agency regulations, maintaining awareness of changes, identifying and presenting solutions for managing risks and meeting requirements and remains current with trends, best practices and emerging technologies.

• Assists with the implementation of governance, controls and compliance with Federal, NJ, NY and CA privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009 and their implementing regulation (collectively known as HIPAA) and all other information security or privacy regulations.

• Performs all duties of HIPAA Security Officer as indicated in YAI’s Designation and Job Description of HIPAA Security Officer policy (HP 1.02) with responsibility for all related security policies, procedures and safeguards including security training, awareness and consultation as well as compliance, monitoring, investigation and enforcement of information security. 

• Complies with and ensures that staff complies with all Federal, State, Local and other relevant regulatory agency requirements and ensures cooperation with appropriate entities in any inspection, inquiry or investigation.

• Performs all other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements including education, experience, licensure/certification, etc. and essential physical capabilities (e.g. lifting, assisting lifting, standing, etc.)

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or closely related field; and

• Ten (10) or more years of experience in Information Technology, including at least five (5) years of experience in a leadership role involving the implementation and management of large-scale IT initiatives and information security and development of IT controls to ensure security and integrity of organizational data in a multi-site/multi-state organization; and

• Proficiency in designing and implementing comprehensive IT strategies and infrastructure for a complex organization operating across multiple states and many locations; or

• Satisfactory combination of education, experience and/or training.

• Extensive knowledge of PC and related hardware, operating systems, applications and software engineering, data integrations, workflow optimization, cloud-based architectures, networking principles and technologies and strong familiarity with innovative technologies and systems.

• Knowledge of information security technologies, legislation and standards, including protected health information and HIPAA. 

• Excellent relationship, people, and project management skills.

• Exceptional communication skills; credible and polished communicator both written and verbal.

• Strong planning, organizational and decision-making skills, including the ability to anticipate roadblocks and think strategically.

• Ability to collaborate, negotiate and build consensus and to effect transformational change.

• Ability to report on-site to our Manhattan office at least three (3) days per week in accordance with the Agency’s Return to Office Policy and to travel occasionally across states of operation.

• Ability to meet essential physical demands of position, including the ability to sit for extended periods, lift and carry files or documents weighing up to 10 pounds and move around the office.

Preferred Qualification Requirements (desired requirements beyond MQRs above)

• Master’s degree in an IT-related field

• Familiarity and/or experience with healthcare applications and solutions, including electronic health record and with healthcare IT standards

• Relevant certifications such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and/or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Compensation

$175,000 - $195,000 per year depending on skills and experience

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam or disabled veteran. YAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To ensure fairness, safeguard transparency, and promote an equitable workforce environment, YAI Network prohibits the practice of nepotism in the workforce and hiring process.