Director, Technology Ideation

The New York City Administration for Children's Services of Office of Information Technology (OIT) department has the responsibility to provide high quality, reliable, sustainable technology services and support to meet the needs of the families and children we serve through ACS and its vendor partners and other city agencies.

The Director of Technology Ideation at the Administration for Childrens Services (ACS) in New York City plays a pivotal role in identifying and recommending innovative technology solutions and automation possibilities to enhance the agency's operations. Reporting to the Assistant Commissioner of the Center for Technology Ideation and Management within the Office of Information Technology (OIT), the Director will lead a team and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive ideation efforts and identify opportunities for new technology adoption.

Key responsibilities will include but not limited to:

Technology Ideation and Innovation:

• Lead and facilitate technology ideation sessions to identify opportunities for automation, enhancement, and innovation within ACS.

• Collaborate with the relationship management team and business stakeholders to understand operational challenges and pain points.

• Stay informed about emerging technologies and trends to recommend solutions that can improve ACS's efficiency and effectiveness.

Technology Solution Recommendations:

• Evaluate potential technology solutions, automation tools, and software platforms that align with ACS's strategic goals and mission.

• Provide clear and well-documented recommendations for technology adoption, outlining the benefits, risks, and cost-effectiveness of each solution.

• Collaborate with the cross-functional teams within the Office of Information Technology to ensure alignment with the division goals and overall technical standards.

Team Leadership and Collaboration:

• Supervise and mentor a technology ideation engineer or team, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation.

• Work closely with cross-functional teams to explore and validate technology ideas and solutions.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners, vendors, and technology providers.

Project Management and Execution:

• Drive the development and execution of proof-of-concept projects for new technology solutions.

• Work closely with the PMO to monitor and track progress, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.

• Collaborate with project managers and teams to ensure successful implementation of recommended solutions.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain detailed records of technology ideation activities, findings, and recommendations.

• Prepare reports and presentations for senior leadership, summarizing ideation efforts, opportunities, and proposed solutions.

Minimum Qualifications

1.A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college in computer science, engineering, human computer interaction, interactive media, digital and graphics design, data visualization, communication or a related field, and four years of satisfactory full-time experience related to the area(s) required by the particular position and a specialization in a relevant technology, process, methodology and/or domain; or

2.An associate degree from an accredited college in computer science, engineering, human computer interaction, interactive media, digital and graphics design, data visualization, communication or a related field, and six years of satisfactory full-time experience related to the area(s) required by the particular position and a specialization in a relevant technology, process, methodology and/or domain; or

3.A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, and eight years of satisfactory full-time experience related to the area(s) required by the particular position and a specialization in a relevant technology, process, methodology and/or domain; or

4.Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1", "2", or "3" above.

Preferred Skills

The preferred candidate should possess the following: - Industry certifications in innovation management, ideation, or technology strategy.

• Experience working in government or public sector organizations.

• Familiarity with child welfare and social services systems.

• Knowledge of automation technologies, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in technology ideation, innovation, or related roles.

• Strong understanding of emerging technologies and their potential applications.

• Proven experience in identifying and recommending technology solutions to address business challenges.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.