Director of Technology Infrastructure and Security

Overview

At Community Transit, we're committed to connecting people to the places and opportunities that matter most. Behind the reliable transportation our communities depend on is a complex technology environment that keeps our organization connected, secure, and moving forward.

We're looking for a Director of Technology Infrastructure and Security to lead the development of strategy and execution for our technology infrastructure and cybersecurity programs. This position reports directly to the Chief Information Officer, and is an opportunity to shape a resilient, secure, and scalable technology environment that supports our operations today while preparing us for future growth.

As Director of Technology Infrastructure and Security, you will:

• Develop and implement infrastructure solutions for network, compute, and storage based on business needs, cybersecurity, resilience, accessibility, cost, and operational requirements.
• Strengthen and evolve the existing IT infrastructure while establishing a clear long-term vision for our technology environment.
• Evaluate existing tools and processes, identify opportunities for improvement, anticipate downstream impacts, and develop the pathways and integrations needed to support a scalable, resilient technology ecosystem.
• Advise the CIO, Executive Team, and leaders across the agency on all matters relating to cybersecurity in planning, implementation, awareness, and response.
• Lead and develop a strong, technically skilled, collaborative team, fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and continuous improvement.
• Work closely with your team, peers in Information Technology, trusted vendors, and business partners to sustain resilient environments and information protection best practices.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and collaborative leader who brings strong technical judgment, curiosity, and a continuous improvement mindset. You're comfortable navigating complex challenges, balancing competing priorities, and making thoughtful decisions that consider both immediate operational needs and long-term organizational goals. You build trust, empower your team, and communicate effectively with both technical and nontechnical audiences. Candidates may come from various industries, with public-sector experience considered a plus.

Why Community Transit?

Here, your work goes beyond keeping systems running. You'll have the opportunity to influence technology decisions at the executive level, lead meaningful improvements, and help shape the infrastructure and security capabilities of a growing organization that provides an essential public service.

You'll join a collaborative team where your technical expertise, leadership, and ideas can make a lasting impact - not just on our organization, but on the communities we serve.

If you're ready to lead people, solve complex challenges, and shape the future of Community Transit's technology environment, we'd love to hear from you!

Essential Duties

• Directly oversee the design and support of Community Transit's computer networks and related technology, encompassing physical and virtual networks, VoIP telecommunication networks, and data centers. Provide strategic and operational leadership for infrastructure services. Develop and implement division goals and objectives consistent with the mission, critical success factors, and values of Community Transit.
• Develop and implement a robust information security strategy to ensure the protection of sensitive or proprietary information. Assess and mitigate security risks. Ensure appropriate protection from breaches and threats that could lead to damage, loss, or legal consequences. Continuously evaluate controls and processes to protect against emerging threats and vulnerabilities. Advise business leaders in all aspects of cybersecurity.
• Lead cybersecurity awareness and compliance across the agency. Develop and implement an incident response plan, including backup and recovery policies. Coordinate disaster recovery planning and testing, and set standards for infrastructure hardware, peripheral purchases, machine configurations, Firewall/Security/VPN configuration, and change control. In a cybersecurity incident, perform duties of Incident Commander including onsite leadership. Direct the response of IT and other agency staff and authorized to take all necessary actions to safeguard agency systems, data, and personnel.
• Remain current on relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards regarding information security. Ensure compliance with applicable requirements. Work with regulatory agencies, auditors, and stakeholders to address compliance issues. Maintain relationships with other federal, state, and local agencies related to cybersecurity.
• Supervise and inspire staff, prioritizing and assigning work. Set goals and evaluate performance, providing timely and appropriate feedback, coaching, and recognition. Make hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations. Train staff and offer professional development opportunities. Promote courtesy, sensitivity, and respect in all staff programs and activities.
• Develop short- and long-term plans for the agency's computer network/IT assets. Initiate actions for continual improvement. Provide technical direction and maintain policies, procedures, and standards.
• Provide leadership and expertise for enterprise-wide projects involving IT infrastructure. Lead multiple governance groups including, among others, Technology Acquisition, IT Preservation, and Digital Security groups.
• Manage network and data center vendors. Participate in the development and negotiation of all service contracts. Establish security requirements and standards for vendors and monitor compliance.
• Prepare estimated operating and capital budgets for approval by the Director. Reconcile budget variances and manage the divisional budget.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• 10 years of experience leading technical teams, including a combination of Network Engineering, IT operations/infrastructure, applications management, data center management, or cybersecurity.
• 10 years of combined professional experience in Network Engineering, IT operations/infrastructure, applications management, data center management, or cybersecurity.
• 5 years of experience in a senior cybersecurity role.
• 5 years of experience in a leadership role.
• Must possess a valid WA State Driver’s license at time of hire for driving a CT company vehicle.

An equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the job duties is also accepted.

Knowledge Requirements

• Advanced knowledge of networking architecture, design, security, performance, and management methods.
• Advanced knowledge of cybersecurity concepts, threats and red-teaming, engineering and process best practices, and incident management.
• Advanced knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of information systems and resource management in hosted, physical, and virtual environments, and service-based systems.
• Working knowledge of Network Engineering best practices related to service management, service delivery, and total cost of operations.
• Working knowledge and demonstrated skill in resilient IT operations, backup and recovery, networking, security, and telephony operation and administration.
• Working knowledge of project management methodologies.
• Current and future trends in the IT industry and business planning.

Skill Requirements

• Fostering an inclusive workplace by upholding Community Transit’s core values in support of the organization’s vision and mission. Inspiring team commitment, pride, and trust while promoting
• cooperation and motivating members to achieve shared goals. Demonstrating courtesy, sensitivity, and respect in all interactions.
• Staff management and leadership encompassing prioritization, assignment, performance evaluations, staff training, and decision-making in hiring, termination, and disciplinary matters.
• Effective oral, written, and computer-based communication.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• MS Office, MS support utilities, and third-party support utilities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Creation and implementation of budgets.
• Effective at balancing and addressing competing priorities within defined time constraints.
• Handling sensitive, confidential, and proprietary material with professionalism.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field.
• Cybersecurity certification or equivalent.
• Certification in ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) or a comparable IT service management framework.

Working Conditions

Hybrid telework may be available. Availability is at management discretion and may not be available for this position based on the nature of the work. Work is performed in an office environment and requires the use of office equipment and technology. You will be required to move throughout and between different office buildings and may need to complete tasks in noisy environments. You may also be required to lift and carry materials up to 10 pounds occasionally.

Other: When responding to incidents, you may be required to work in person, on site, and outside of regular business hours.

Application and Selection Process

• Only on-line applications accepted. 
• Applicants for this job may be considered for other openings up to six months after the date this position is filled.
• Applicants who meet the minimum requirements may be scheduled for an interview as well as a variety of tests to demonstrate knowledge, and skills for the position.  The evaluation process may include interviews, background check, reference checks and various performance tests.

Employee Benefits

• Employees (and their families) are covered by medical, dental, vision, basic life and disability insurance.
• Employees participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and have the option to enroll in the agency’s deferred compensation plan.
• In addition to WA Paid Sick Leave, employees in this position, accrue of 24 days of Paid Time off (192 hours) in their first year and ten (10) paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Full list of all benefits and details can be found here.

If you are related to or share the same living quarters of a current Community Transit employee, please let your Recruiter know as your eligibility for this position may be affected.

Community Transit provides a tobacco-free and drug-free work environment.  As a recipient of federal funds, Community Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on a basis prohibited by Federal, State or Local law.  We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.  EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, protected veteran status or disability.

Compensation: 136538 to 204806 (USD)