Senior Technology Strategist (Public Safety Division)

City of Fort Lauderdale, FL

$94K — $146K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field
  • 5+ years of experience in technology project management or administration
  • Ability to obtain a valid State of Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire
  • Experience in public safety applications and risk assessments preferred
  • Demonstrated strategic leadership and effective relationship-building skills

Responsibilities

  • Lead a team of IT professionals and contribute to performance evaluations
  • Collaborate on planning and strategic technology initiatives
  • Develop and maintain project management frameworks
  • Conduct cost-benefit analyses for technology solutions
  • Recommend improvements for information systems methodologies
  • Manage technology projects and outside vendor coordination
  • Provide after-hours tech support as needed

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on advanced and critical technology initiatives
  • Engagement with public safety technology applications
  • Potential for professional development through leading strategic initiatives
  • Collaboration with a diverse team of IT professionals
  • Fulfilling career in public service and community safety
Full Job Description
Salary: $94,757.52 - $146,886.48 Annually
Location : 1901 West Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309, FL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: FP041-14
Department: Information Technology Services
Opening Date: 08/24/2026
Closing Date: 9/10/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

POSITION SUMMARY

This is advanced professional, technical, administrative and lead work of more than average difficulty in research, design, planning, procurement, and implementation of technology solutions; recommends technology for meeting business needs; leads technology upgrade initiatives; and collaborates with staff external to the immediate team as well as vendors. Position will have a focus in project management, application administration or technology support, either of which plays a lead role in a team setting.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.
  • Leads a team of information technology professionals as required, and provides input for hiring and work performance/evaluations
  • Works closely with the division manager on planning and strategic initiatives
  • Participates in the development, implementation and maintenance of a department-wide project management framework and reporting process
  • Develops cost-benefit analyses and statements
  • Makes recommendations for improvements in information systems methodologies and procedures
  • Develops, documents and implements workflows and procedures
  • Performs analysis and recommends purchases of new technology hardware, software and peripherals
  • Identifies information system problems; develops solutions and recommendations
  • Develops Request for Proposals (RFP) documents, serves as part of evaluation committee and provides narrative for selection recommendation
  • Manages or coordinates technology projects and other initiatives as assigned
  • Coordinates with outside vendors and City customer department personnel to ensure information technology initiatives are completed
  • Develops deployment schedules and task identification and resource assignment for technology projects and initiatives
  • Participates in various aspects of hardware, software application administration, support and maintenance
  • Coordinates response to technology incidents and communicates response progress to customers and other information technology team members
  • Provides after hours technology support as needed
  • Develops end user training plans and conducts training
  • Stays abreast of developments in the technology field
  • Performs related work as required
IT PUBLIC SAFETY DIVISION
  • Develops and deploys scripts and tools to automate or facilitate workflows

JOB REQUIREMENTS, PREFERENCES & WORK ENVIRONMENT

  1. Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or other related field.
  2. Five (5) or more years of experience planning and managing or administering technology related projects or systems.
  3. Additional qualifying experience or completion of coursework at an accredited college or university in a job-related field, may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience or education.
  4. Possess or be able to obtain a valid State of Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire.
  5. To claim Veterans' Preference, candidates must attach to the application a copy of military separation papers (DD214) and service-connected disability documentation (if applicable) to meet eligibility requirements as stipulated by Florida Statues. For additional information, please refer to the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs. (
PREFERENCES:
  1. Report writing experience with SQL, IPA, SSRS, and/or Crystal Reports.
  2. Ability to conduct risk assessment for Public Safety applications, identify vulnerability and propose solution while fostering effective working relationships with colleagues, management, and public safety agencies.
  3. Ability to manage and prepare justifications for IT Public Safety budget.
  4. Ability to analyze statistical data related to staffing and operations.
  5. Understand and apply technological concepts to optimize, automate and streamline Public Safety operations.
  6. Demonstrated strategic leadership, overseeing a multi-faceted approach to public safety response including team, customer, and business relationship-building.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
  1. An in-depth pre-employment background check including a limited scope polygraph will be conducted as part of the post offer onboarding process as this position is deemed security-sensitive.

As public servants, employees may be required to work immediately before, during, and/or after an emergency. All employees must be available and able to work assigned shifts as determined by their Department Heads.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The position is generally sedentary. Employees sit most of the time but may walk or stand for brief periods of time.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

HOW TO APPLY & SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
The City of Fort Lauderdale receives a high volume of applications, so not every applicant who meets the minimum qualifications will be guaranteed an interview. Candidates are selected for interviews based on how closely their education and work experience match the specific requirements of the position.

Applicants will be subject to an extensive selection and screening process, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written; oral and performance-based testing; skills assessment; interview; employment check, background investigation; medical examination; and drug screen. For Public Safety positions, the process additionally includes polygraph examinations and psychological evaluations. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position.

All applicants, including current City of Fort Lauderdale employees, need to fully detail their work experience on the employment application. Applicants must ensure that all required documents submitted are in a format that is acceptable, clear, and legible. It is the applicant's responsibility to update their online profile with accurate personal information, work history, education, and certifications each time they submit a new application. Incomplete applications may result in disqualification.
For technical support with your application, contact from 9 am to 9 pm EST, Monday to Friday, at (855) 524-5627 or email .
01

What is the highest level of education you have obtained from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science, information systems, information processing, project management, engineering, public or business administration, or a closely related field?
  • No college/university level education, or education is in an unrelated field
  • 1 year
  • 2 years or Associate's Degree
  • 3 years
  • 4 years or Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree

02

If you possess a Master's Degree, please indicate the area of concentration, educational institution, and year obtained. If not, please enter "N/A"
03

How many years of experience do you possess supporting technology in a public-safety, emergency-response, criminal-justice, or other mission-critical environment?
  • No experience
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 - 2 year
  • 3 - 4 years
  • 5-6 years
  • 7-8 years
  • 9 or more years

04

This security-sensitive position requires successful completion of an in-depth post-offer background investigation. Are you willing to participate in this process?
  • Yes
  • No

05

Which technologies have you used professionally? Select all that apply.
  • SQL
  • SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS)
  • Crystal Reports
  • Infor Process Automation (IPA)
  • Other reporting or analytics tools
  • None of the above

06

Please list any relevant certifications or specialized training, such as PMP, ITIL, CJIS-related training, CBPP, or comparable credentials.
07

Describe one significant technology project you planned or managed. Include the project's purpose, scope, timeline, stakeholders, staffing or resources, your role, and the outcome.
08

Describe your experience gathering business requirements and translating operational needs into technology solutions. If applicable, include experience with Police, Fire, emergency-response, or other mission-critical operations.
09

Describe your experience developing an RFP or similar technology solicitation. Include your role in requirements development, evaluation, vendor selection, or contract implementation.
10

Describe your experience managing vendors during a software or technology implementation. Include how you addressed deliverables, schedules, technical issues, and stakeholder communication.
11

Describe your experience leading a technical team. Include one example of how you addressed a significant challenge, competing priorities, or limited resources and the outcome achieved.
12

Describe your experience advising department leadership, command staff, or senior management regarding technology needs, risks, priorities, and recommended solutions.
Required Question

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