Cedar Falls Utilities is a thriving municipal utility provider and operates on a not-for-profit basis for public benefit in the community of Cedar Falls, Iowa. CFU plays an integral role in making Cedar Falls a great place to live and work. CFU operates four separate enterprises offering electricity; natural gas; water; high-speed internet, cable television and telephone services to its customers.
Cedar Falls Utilities is governed by a five-person Board of Trustees. All Trustees are residents of Cedar Falls and appointed by the Mayor and City Council to six-year terms. Each Trustee has the responsibility to represent the interests and needs of the Utilities’ customers balanced to the best interests of the Utilities. This is accomplished through the hiring and overseeing of the General Manager/CEO of the Utilities. The Board provides the necessary guidelines and authorizations for the work of the General Manger/CEO via governance policies. Cedar Falls Utilities employs an average of 195 employees.
About the Position
Under general direction from the General Manager/CEO, the CTO / Director of Communications Services serves as a visionary for the organization and provides oversight and direction in the areas of Communications Operations, Information Systems, Information Technology / Security. The Director serves as a strategic partner identifying opportunities for business growth and maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction. The Director is responsible for the fiscal and operational success of the Communications Utility, providing internet, video and phone services to our community of 45,000 residents. This position is also responsible for all four Utilities’ corporate information systems, operational technology infrastructure, and cybersecurity.
The Director serves as a leader to four management team members, including the Communications Services Manager, Information Systems & Meter Reading Manager, Network Engineering Supervisor and Information Technology and Security Supervisor. Key responsibilities include setting business strategy for functional areas, providing operational leadership, building a pipeline for new products and services, developing effective working relationships and building a high performance team while exemplifying CFU’s Core Values. Demonstrated abilities to forge relationships with key partners, maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders and deliver optimum business outcomes is critical to the success of the position.
Compensation & Benefits
Salaried, FLSA exempt position. Starting wage is based upon individual qualifications. Pay Range is $130,640 – $179,163.
Travel is required to attend conferences and meetings.
Full-time benefits package including health, dental, vision and life insurance.
Responsibilities
Provides leadership, support, and development to employees consistent with CFU’s vision & mission to successfully execute the business unit’s role and to promote employee behavior supportive of the business unit’s model.
Prepares and implements departmental objectives that align with the strategic plan for business units; Assists and supports the executive team with implementing the company’s strategic plan across all business units.
Maintains full management responsibility for the functions, plans and direction of the operation and maintenance of the Communications Operations, Information Technology / Security and Information Systems departments and the related systems and equipment.
Develops, reviews, approves and monitors capital, operating and personnel budgets. Creates business plans for new products and services to ensure financial viability.
Participates with other agencies in the procurement and management of communications bandwidth; provide operations management for all work related to the design, engineering, construction, maintenance and operation of the communications utility to assure the success of the core products and services that are provided.
Establishes within CFU Policy, appropriate service and staffing levels, monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocates resources accordingly to assure performance of the Communications Utility manifests into competitive rates, high quality service and excellent reliability and outage management.
Communicates the actions and issues within and outside the Business Unit, determines the operating protocols and practices in support of CFU operations and assures the success of the core products and services provided.
Organizes and prepares timely communications of operational related documents, projects and developments for Board of Trustees approval;
Promotes a vision that creates an environment for continual improvement, enhanced efficiencies and the implementation of innovative technologies; Seeks out new products and services that benefit CFU.
Establishes policies, procedures and standards for business units that balance the scale for competitive rates and customer service; Ensures performance produces competitive rates, high quality service and excellent reliability and outage management; Provides for timely preparation and effective management of Communications Operations and Information Systems budget.
Prepares and presents reports on a variety of communications and information systems programs and projects including current and long-range projects; Provides technical information for participation on regulatory and legislative communications matters.
Establishes and maintains a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner that promotes positive relations with customers, co-workers and management.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Extensive leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. Strong leadership and excellent interpersonal skills required, ability to motivate and influence others; ability to think creatively and strategically; have excellent judgment and ability to work in a fast paced changing environment; superior written, presentation, and oral communications skills required.
Qualifications:
Education: A bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems or related field required.
Experience: Ten years of progressive IT, network engineering management and demonstrated leadership experience.
Knowledge: Operation, setup, and maintenance of computers, networking, and related software; understanding of fiber optic test equipment and cable test equipment; CFU products, policies and procedures, mission, vision, code of ethics; information systems processes and design, information technologies and facilities.
Ability to: Work effectively in the communications and information systems, technology and security discipline; Utilize computer databases and software in the performance of a wide variety of strategic and planning tasks; multi-task; carry out work assignments as instructed; provide strong leadership and foster teamwork; communicate effectively orally and in writing in the preparation of reports and presentations; establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Physical Requirements: Work involves sedentary to light work in an office setting. There is frequent need to stand, stoop, walk, sit, lift objects (up to 50 pounds) and perform other similar actions during the course of the workday. Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Pre-Employment Drug Screen is required. CFU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Interested applicants should submit completed applications before August 31, 2021.