Price Tags and Power Plays: How Algorithms Quietly Rule Our World
When news broke that grocery store prices were being quietly adjusted by algorithms—sometimes making basic necessities cost more in certain neighborhoods- the public reaction was sharper than expected. For many, it was a glimpse into how far algorithmic decision-making has crept into daily life, governing not just what we see online but what we pay, where we work, and even how public services are delivered. Once confined to tech labs and marketing models, these invisible systems now sit at the heart of essential institutions, shaping everything from city budgets to criminal justice. But as they become our unseen administrators, we face a growing dilemma: what happens when the logic of efficiency collides with the ethics of fairness?
Artificial Intelligence has rapidly moved from the pages of speculative fiction into the boardrooms of city planning departments, HR systems, and traffic control centers. Predictive algorithms now help determine where police patrols should go, which potholes get repaired first, and even who is eligible for social services. These tools promise efficiency, but they often carry hidden costs. For instance, a 2016 investigation by ProPublica revealed that a widely used criminal risk assessment tool, COMPAS, was significantly more likely to falsely flag Black defendants as future criminals while incorrectly labeling white defendants as low risk at higher rates1.
What’s troubling here is not just the algorithm itself, but the blind faith we place in it. Municipal departments facing staff shortages or budget cuts may turn to automated systems as a lifeline, but without rigorous oversight, these tools risk baking in systemic biases. We must ask, who audits the algorithm? Who gets to question its predictions? Public sector leaders have a responsibility to ensure that these tools are transparent, accountable, and subject to the same scrutiny as any human decision-maker. Otherwise, we’re just outsourcing our ethical dilemmas to code.
Social Media: Engagement or Entrapment?
Social media platforms were once hailed as democratizing forces, giving everyone a voice. Today, they feel more like echo chambers that reward outrage, amplify misinformation, and erode attention spans. Research from the Pew Research Center found that 64% of Americans believe social media has a mostly negative effect on the way things are going in the country today2. And yet, we keep scrolling. For public administrators, this creates a double bind: ignore these platforms and risk irrelevance, or engage and risk being complicit in their addictive design.
Cities and agencies increasingly rely on platforms like Twitter and Facebook to disseminate emergency alerts, community updates, and public health guidance. But these same platforms are optimized for user engagement, not civic education. Misinformation spreads six times faster than factual news on Twitter, according to a study by MIT3. The challenge is not just technological, but philosophical. Are we using these tools, or are they using us? Municipal communication strategies must evolve to balance reach with responsibility, ensuring that their presence on social media contributes meaningfully to public trust rather than eroding it.
Wearable Health Tech: Quantified Self or Qualified Surveillance?
From smartwatches to fitness trackers, wearable health technology has empowered individuals to monitor everything from heart rate to sleep cycles. On the surface, this seems like progress. But as these devices become more integrated into work environments, schools, and even insurance programs, the line between self-improvement and surveillance starts to blur. A report by the World Economic Forum noted that the adoption of wearable tech in the workplace could lead to increased productivity, but also highlighted growing concerns about employee privacy and data use4.
Public agencies exploring wellness programs or emergency responder health monitoring must tread carefully. For example, outfitting firefighters with biometric sensors may help detect heat stress or dehydration early, potentially saving lives. But who owns that data? Who decides how it is used, or if it might one day be used to deny a promotion or question a worker’s fitness for duty? Without clear policies on data governance, consent, and ethical use, these well-intentioned tools risk morphing into instruments of control rather than care.
The Surveillance Culture Dilemma
The proliferation of cameras, sensors, and data analytics in urban environments has given rise to what some scholars call the “surveillance culture.” License plate readers, facial recognition software, and predictive policing tools are now common in many cities. While these technologies can enhance public safety, they also raise serious ethical and legal questions. A 2021 report by the Government Accountability Office found that 10 federal agencies were using facial recognition but most had limited awareness of how the technology was being applied across their departments5.
Local governments must be especially vigilant. Installing new surveillance infrastructure often happens incrementally, without full public debate or sufficient safeguards. Once in place, rolling back these systems becomes politically and logistically difficult. Municipal leaders should adopt clear surveillance ordinances, require impact assessments, and involve communities early in the decision-making process. Transparency is not a luxury in this context - it is a democratic obligation.
Are We Moving Faster Than We Can Feel?
Perhaps the more pressing question is not whether technology has gone too far, but whether we, as a society, have caught up morally and emotionally. Innovation is not inherently virtuous, nor is it inherently dangerous. It is a tool, and like all tools, its impact depends on how - and why - we use it. The danger lies in assuming that just because we can do something, we should. As philosopher Hans Jonas once suggested, our technological power has outpaced our ethical foresight6.
For public administrators, this means resisting the seduction of novelty for novelty’s sake. It means asking tough questions about purpose, equity, and unintended consequences before deploying new systems. And it means embracing a culture of continuous reflection and community engagement. Technology should not be a substitute for human judgment, but a complement to it. That requires not only technical literacy but emotional and ethical fluency as well.
Reframing the Question
So has technology gone too far, or not far enough? Maybe that’s the wrong question. A more useful one might be: how far have we come in understanding the full implications of what we build? For every breakthrough that helps us live longer, connect faster, or plan better cities, there is a shadow side that must be examined. Curiosity without caution leads to chaos; caution without curiosity leads to stagnation.
The challenge for today’s public leaders is to inhabit that paradox with humility and pragmatism. It means creating policies that protect civil liberties while still enabling innovation. It means designing infrastructure that is resilient not just in function but in values. And perhaps most importantly, it means staying human in systems that increasingly reward automation. The future is not something that happens to us - it is something we shape, choice by choice.
Bibliography
Julia Angwin, Jeff Larson, Surya Mattu, and Lauren Kirchner, "Machine Bias," ProPublica, May 23, 2016, https://www.propublica.org/article/machine-bias-risk-assessments-in-criminal-sentencing.
Pew Research Center, "Americans Are Wary of the Role Social Media Sites Play in Delivering the News," October 2, 2019, https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/2019/10/02/americans-are-wary-of-the-role-social-media-sites-play-in-delivering-the-news/.
Soroush Vosoughi, Deb Roy, and Sinan Aral, "The Spread of True and False News Online," Science 359, no. 6380 (March 9, 2018): 1146-1151, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aap9559.
World Economic Forum, "Shaping the Future of Health and Healthcare: The Business Case for Investing in Health," 2020, https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-business-case-for-investing-in-health/.
U.S. Government Accountability Office, "Facial Recognition Technology: Current and Planned Uses by Federal Agencies," GAO-21-518, August 2021, https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-21-518.
Hans Jonas, The Imperative of Responsibility: In Search of an Ethics for the Technological Age (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1984).
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ABOUT THE ROLE This is a dual role combining traditional management responsibilities with individual technical tasks due to sensitivity and skill requirements. The Information Systems Manager plans, organizes, directs, and controls the functional and technical work of the PeopleSoft HCM system (involving Benefits Administration) and other key enterprise systems. The role reports to the Chief Operating and Experience Officer and is responsible for the department's IT infrastructure, complex analysis, and implementation of major healthcare management programs for over 130,000 employees, retirees, and dependents. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Individual Tasks: - Complete regulatory filings (IRS 1095-C, CMS Part D Creditable Coverage, CMS RxDC reporting). - Function as Department Information Security Officer (DISO) for risk assessments, cyber threat response, and business continuity testing. - Function as Department Preparedness Coordinator (DPC) for Facility Emergency and Workplace Violence Prevention Plans. - Respond to public information requests and conduct eDiscovery for legal or compliance matters. Management Responsibilities: - Manage the division's work, project initiatives, and ongoing operational support. - Communicate with the Controller's Office, senior management, and stakeholders to present business needs and system requirements. - Oversee department technology and reporting strategy to streamline processes and improve efficiency. - Collaborate with technical experts to align business goals with strategic objectives and system architecture planning. - Maintain and test contingency plans for all technologies to mitigate system failure or disaster. - Develop procedures and policies to ensure secure, compliant systems operations. - Represent the department in inter-agency committees and working groups. - Oversee department IT procurement. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. Education: Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in management information systems, computer science, information technology, data processing operations, business administration, or a related field. 2. Experience: Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in Human Capital Management (HCM) in a complex organization. 3. Specialized Experience: At least three (3) of the six years must include functional experience with PeopleSoft HCM or a comparable enterprise HCM system in at least two of the following areas: Core HR, Payroll, Benefits Administration, Pension Administration, or Integrations/Integration Broker. 4. Supervisory Experience: At least three (3) of the six years must include supervision with responsibility for assigning work, managing priorities, resolving complex issues, and coordinating deliverables. 5. Substitutions: Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the required degree on a year-for-year basis (up to two years). Completion of the 1010 Information Systems Trainee Program may also substitute for the degree. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Desirable qualifications that distinguish candidates include: - PeopleSoft Benefits Administration, Core HR, Payroll, Pension Administration, Employee Self Service, and/or Integration Broker experience. - One (1) year of Emergency Preparedness, Response, and/or Recovery experience in HCM systems or Payroll Operations. SELECTION PROCESS This is a Position-Based Test conducted in accordance with CSC Rule 111A. The process includes: 1. Minimum Qualification Supplemental Questionnaire (MQSQ): Evaluates if the applicant possesses the required minimum qualifications. 2. Management Test Battery (MTB) (Weight: 40%): Computer-based examination measuring job-related competencies (Problem-Solving, Leadership, Decision Making, etc.). A passing score is required to continue. Held only in San Francisco. Scores are banked for three years. 3. Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) (Weight: 60%): Evaluates relative knowledge, skills, and abilities in job-related areas based on the application. Candidates are placed on a confidential eligible list in rank order for six months (may be extended with approval). HOW TO APPLY 1. Submit an official application through SmartRecruiters, the City and County of San Francisco's application portal (https://careers.sf.gov/). Resumes are not accepted in lieu of the official application. 2. Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 29, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. PST. 3. Contact: Lauren Rowe at Lauren.Rowe@sfgov.org for questions. 4. Ensure all work experience, education, and training substantiating minimum qualifications are included by the filing deadline. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Department: Health Service System - Job Class: 0931-Manager III - Role Type: Permanent Civil Service - Hours: Full-time - Recruitment ID: 167228 - The City and County of San Francisco is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women, minorities, and persons with disabilities to apply.
ABOUT THE ROLE A Systems Administrator evaluates, develops, maintains, implements, and modifies operating systems, hardware, middleware, software, storage, and networking in a business applications environment. This full-time position is available across all departments within the City of Los Angeles. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Perform hardware-software studies and design or implement systems architecture - Analyze systems problems and optimize systems performance - Perform systems upgrades - Follow ITIL and security best practices for incident, change, and release management - Manage all aspects of network and server operations - Provide technical assistance to data processing personnel and user divisions - Supervise and direct the work of employees engaged in these activities - Fulfill equal employment opportunity responsibilities MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Option 1: A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university AND two (2) years of full-time paid systems implementation experience in: 1. Installing, configuring, maintaining, performance tuning, patching, troubleshooting, and securing enterprise-level servers and networks 2. Planning, configuring, and implementing enterprise systems and applications over large computing networks serving local and remote facilities 3. Preparing programs by analyzing specifications, identifying computer processing requirements, coding programs, and evaluating software solutions Option 2: Two years of full-time paid experience with the City of Los Angeles as a Programmer Analyst Option 3: Four years of full-time paid systems implementation experience with the City of Los Angeles as a Systems Analyst with relevant enterprise server or network experience - Note: Additional full-time paid experience (as described in Option 1) may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required bachelor's degree. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Driver's License: A valid Class C California DMV driver's license is required at the time of appointment for specific departments (e.g., Animal Services, DWP, Public Works, ITA, Library, etc.). Disqualification may occur for three or more moving violations/at-fault accidents or a major moving violation conviction within the last 36 months. - Selective Certification: Some positions require specific professional certifications (e.g., AWS, CCIE, CCNP, CISSP, MCSE, Oracle, VMware, Red Hat, SAP, IBM). A copy of the Certificate of Completion must be attached to the online application BEFORE submission to be considered for selective certification. SELECTION PROCESS - Examination Weight: Multiple-Choice Test (100%) - Format: Weighted multiple-choice test administered and proctored online via webcam from a remote location. - Competencies Evaluated: Analytical Ability, Self-Management, Teamwork, Project Management, and Job Knowledge (servers, OS, programming languages, LAN/WAN/cloud networks, SAN/NAS, system optimization, disaster recovery, cybersecurity, etc.). - Anticipated Test Dates: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 to Monday, November 16, 2026 (for applicants filing between September 4 and September 17, 2026). - A final average score of 70% or higher is required for placement on the eligible list. - Candidates may take the test only once every 365 days. HOW TO APPLY - Method: Online applications only. - Website: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacity - Current Application Deadline: Friday, September 4, 2026 to Thursday, September 17, 2026 - Note: Filing may close without prior notice once a sufficient number of applications are received. Applicants are urged to apply early and attach qualifying degree or coursework to the online application to expedite the process. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: City of Los Angeles - Location: Los Angeles, CA (All Departments) - Address: 700 East Temple Street, Room 100, Los Angeles, California, 90012 - Job Type: Full-Time - Benefits: Coverage (health, dental, life insurance) commences approximately six weeks after the original regular appointment. - Additional: All City employees are required to be Disaster Service Workers. The City is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on any protected basis.
ABOUT THE ROLE Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) is seeking an accomplished Principal Network Engineer to lead a team of network and communication systems engineers in the design, implementation, and innovation of critical Operational Technology (OT) infrastructure. This role serves as the team lead, senior technical network strategist, and advisor for systems supporting utility operations across control centers, substations, remote field environments, and other mission-critical systems. The position acts as a key bridge between infrastructure, cybersecurity, compliance, and business partners, shaping TPU’s long-term OT strategy while mentoring the next generation of engineers. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Management: Support the workgroup Manager in direct supervision of the engineering team. Provide training, mentorship, and guidance to junior personnel, contractors, and consultants. Support performance reviews and provide recommendations for hiring, terminations, and discipline. Direct and assign tasks for projects, operations, and maintenance. Assist with budget development for capital projects and operations and maintenance activities, and manage project expenditures. - Network Engineering: Provide guidance to engineers and technicians in installing, commissioning, maintaining, and repairing IT/OT systems. Act as the subject matter expert and technical lead for TPU’s communication infrastructure. Support and evaluate OT initiative project proposals and ensure compliance with specifications, contracts, and applicable codes. Perform advanced engineering duties including project preparation, implementation, coordination, evaluation, and analysis. Utilize technical expertise in the design, programming, and implementation of operational control systems. Investigate and respond to incidents impacting operational control system functions. Serve as a technical advisor to the Utility Technology Architecture Board (UTAB) and monitor technology advancements for industry best practices. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a directly related field. - 5 years of progressively responsible industrial controls experience, including at least 1 year at a senior, lead, and/or supervisory level. - Equivalency: 1 year of experience equals 1 year of education. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Valid Washington State Driver's License (as assigned). - Ability to pass additional background checks and/or obtain additional certifications depending on assignment. - Desired qualifications include advanced certifications (such as VCP, CCNP, or CISSP), experience with OT infrastructure in regulated environments (e.g., NERC CIP), Cisco and Nokia MPLS ecosystems, system hardening, secure infrastructure design, backup and disaster recovery in OT environments, and familiarity with ICS/SCADA systems, secure remote access, and segmented network design. SELECTION PROCESS - The recruitment is managed by the Human Resources office. - Applicants with the strongest backgrounds related to the responsibilities of this position may be invited to participate in the interview process, which may include a work problem. - Final appointment is subject to passing a background check. HOW TO APPLY 1. Apply online by completing the official application. 2. Attach a resume. 3. Attach a cover letter. Note: Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: City of Tacoma (Tacoma Public Utilities / Tacoma Power) - Department: Power - Division: Power - Utility Technology Services - Job Type: Non-Classified - Job Number: T0400-26 - Location: Tacoma, WA - Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid - Opening Date: 09/01/2026 - Closing Date: 9/22/2026 5:00 PM Pacific - Benefits: Comprehensive employee benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and leave options as offered by the City of Tacoma.
ABOUT THE ROLE The New York City Cyber Command, within the Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI), seeks a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) Lead. This role serves as a cybersecurity Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) practitioner guiding the development, enhancement, and execution of the citywide incident response mandate. The CERT Lead acts as the top-level technical escalation point for high-profile cybersecurity incidents impacting City agencies, leading a team of DFIR specialists in malware analysis, digital forensics, campaign assessments, and threat hunts. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Assist NYC agencies in improving cyber incident response. - Serve as the escalation point for high-profile cybersecurity incidents, ensuring 24x7 operational readiness. - Prioritize incident response activities and coordinate efforts among City departments and external partners. - Lead, mentor, and manage the CERT team personnel, consisting of six DFIR specialists. - Act as lead subject matter expert in investigating incidents through log, file, and malware analysis. - Perform memory, network, and disk forensics. - Lead investigations and incident response activities across enterprise cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP). - Devise appropriate remediation strategies and assist affected agencies in containing, eradicating, and recovering from incidents. - Develop post-incident action plans to improve mean time to recover. - Maintain knowledge of current cyber threat campaigns and tradecraft. - Identify cyber-incident detection tools and capabilities, and work with intelligence teams to proactively deploy countermeasures. - Design and participate in cyber tabletop exercises with City departments to identify capability gaps and procedural weaknesses. - Continuously improve CERT capabilities and handle special projects as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and four years of satisfactory full-time experience related to projects and policies required by the particular position; or 2. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to the above. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must be available to coordinate CERT incident response activities 24x7, which may require working various shifts, including weekends and/or nights/evenings. - Preferred: Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills with the ability to make informed decisions and foster a collaborative environment. - Preferred: Possession of one or more relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, GCFE, GCFA, GCIA, GCIH, GREM, GCFR). - Preferred: Deep technical expertise in incident response and threat detection in public cloud environments (Azure, AWS, GCP) and SaaS platforms (Office 365, Google Workspace). - Preferred: Experience in SOC, CSIRT, or CERT environments, including reviewing security events, network packet analysis, and IDS/IPS technologies. - Preferred: Experience in website and web application security assessment or penetration testing. - Preferred: Formal education or strong background in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or similar field. - Preferred: Active knowledge of current trends in computer security, software/hardware vulnerabilities, and security research. - Preferred: Experience conducting malware analysis, automation/scripting (Python, Bash, Powershell), intrusion analysis, and digital forensics across multiple operating systems (Windows, Linux, OS X). SELECTION PROCESS - No Exam Required. - Title classification: Non-Competitive-5. - Appointments are subject to oversight approval. - OTI participates in E-Verify. HOW TO APPLY - Apply through www.cityjobs.nyc.gov and search for Job ID 773685. - Applications are accepted until 11/01/2026. - Interested applicants with other civil service titles who meet the preferred requirements should also submit a resume for consideration. - Note: Submission of a resume is not a guarantee that you will receive an interview. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Department: Technology & Innovation, Threat Management - Location: Brooklyn, NY (2 Metro Tech) - Employment Type: Full-Time - Number of Positions: 1 - Experience Level: Experienced (Non-Manager), Job Level 00 - Residency Requirement: New York City Residency is not required for this position. - Benefits: May be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness and state repayment assistance programs. - The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce free from discrimination and harassment.
ABOUT THE ROLE The Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) is seeking a Director of Public Safety Solutions Development to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Integration & Engineering team. This senior role unifies Quality Assurance, Business Analysis, and Data Analytics to optimize the delivery of solutions for NYC Public Safety. The Director will centralize responsibilities for testing, analyzing results, understanding project requirements, and managing the mission-critical Solutions Development Environment (SDE), ensuring seamless integration of new tools and systems to protect and serve the city. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Provide executive leadership to unify and direct the Integration & Engineering, Quality Assurance, Business Analysis, and Data Analytics teams. - Oversee the management and development of the Solutions Development Environment (SDE) to ensure it mirrors production systems and supports rigorous technology testing. - Lead efforts to test, analyze, and validate new software applications and system enhancements for potential integration into NYC Public Safety operations. - Direct the transition and integration of the Business Analysis and SDE support teams, ensuring a seamless change management process. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Candidates must meet one of the following: 1. A master's degree in computer science from an accredited college or university and three (3) years of progressively more responsible, full-time, satisfactory experience in Information Technology (IT), including applications development, systems development, data communications and networking, database administration, data processing, or user services. At least eighteen (18) months of this experience must have been in an administrative, managerial, executive, or supervisory capacity. 2. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and four (4) years of progressively more responsible, full-time, satisfactory experience as described in option 1. 3. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent, and six (6) years of progressively more responsible, full-time, satisfactory experience as described in option 1. 4. A satisfactory combination of education and experience equivalent to options 1, 2, or 3. However, all candidates must have at least a four-year high school diploma or equivalent and at least three (3) years of experience as described in option 1, including the eighteen (18) months of administrative, managerial, executive, or supervisory experience. Note: Undergraduate or graduate credits may substitute for a maximum of two (2) years or one (1) year of IT experience, respectively, but cannot substitute for the required 18 months of managerial/supervisory experience. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Preferred Skills: 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in technology solution development, systems integration, or public safety IT; demonstrated expertise in managing large-scale test environments and leading multi-disciplinary teams; strong knowledge of public safety operations, mission-critical systems, and integration best practices; proven ability to work with cross-functional teams; exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills; strong analytical skills in high-pressure environments; proficiency in managing software and hardware for public safety operations; experience with QA frameworks, business analysis tools, and data analytics platforms; knowledge of proof-of-concept and rapid prototyping methodologies; familiarity with 24x7 operational environments, high-availability systems, telephony systems, and networking. - Eligibility: Open to current City employees permanent in this title only, and those reachable on the current civil service list. Interested applicants with other civil service titles who meet the preferred requirements should also submit a resume. - 55-a Program: Open to qualified persons with a disability. Applicants must indicate this in their cover letter. - Residency Requirement: City residency is not required for this position. SELECTION PROCESS Exam May Be Required. Title classification is Competitive-1. Appointments are subject to oversight approval. HOW TO APPLY Apply at www.cityjobs/jobs/search using Job ID 796650. Submission of a resume is not a guarantee of an interview. If applying under the 55-a Program, indicate this in your cover letter. The posting is open until 10/31/2026. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Work Location: 2 Metro Tech, Brooklyn, NY - Hours/Shift: Day shift, but due to the management duties of this position in a 24/7 operation, the candidate may be required to be on call for weekends and/or nights/evenings. - Employment Type: Full-Time - Number of Positions: 1 - Experience Level: Manager - Job Level: M3 - Category: Technology, Data & Innovation - Additional: OTI participates in E-Verify.
Technology Portfolio and Program Governance Maintain portfolio visibility across technology initiatives, projects, and workstreams. Support leadership in prioritization, sequencing, and capacity planning. Establish and maintain governance structures for program execution (e.g., intake, stage gates, status reporting). Monitor program performance against schedule, scope, and outcomes. Identify cross-project dependencies and risks; coordinate mitigation strategies. Program Planning and Execution Oversight Lead development of program plans for major initiatives and multi-project efforts. Coordinate planning activities across technical and business stakeholders. Ensure project plans include appropriate scope definition, milestones, stakeholder engagement, and delivery readiness elements. Support consistent delivery practices and standards across project teams. Project Management Standards and Tools Develop and maintain standard templates, reporting methods, and program management tools. Promote consistent project documentation and control practices. Partner with ITIL/ITSM governance functions to align change coordination and deployment planning. Support continuous improvement of project delivery methods. Cross-Functional Coordination Coordinate with Technology managers and supervisors to align staffing, resourcing, and delivery schedules. Facilitate communication and escalation pathways for major risks and issues. Support coordinated delivery and change readiness for operational environments, including 24/7 transit impacts. Stakeholder Management and Communication Provide portfolio and program reporting to Technology leadership and stakeholders. Facilitate governance meetings and decision forums as assigned. Promote transparency and timely communication of status, risks, and outcomes. Vendor and External Partner Coordination Support coordination of vendors and external partners for program delivery activities. Align vendor timelines and deliverables with CATS governance and reporting expectations. Coordinate with IT Contracts/Asset governance as needed to support program readiness and continuity. Continuous Improvement and Organizational Maturity Identify opportunities to strengthen delivery discipline and reduce recurring execution challenges. Promote lessons learned practices and portfolio-level improvements. Support adoption of scalable delivery practices as Technology expands. Core Competencies: The position requires demonstrated competency in the following areas Portfolio Leadership Leads and coordinates complex, multi-project technology work aligned to organizational priorities. Maintains visibility across initiatives Aligns delivery to strategic outcomes Balances constraints and dependencies Program Governance and Accountability Establishes structure and discipline for reliable delivery. Creates consistent standards Drives measurable execution Promotes transparent reporting Cross-Functional Influence Achieves outcomes through collaboration across technical and operational stakeholders. Builds alignment Facilitates decisions Resolves conflicts constructively Risk and Dependency Management Anticipates and manages portfolio-level risks. Identifies interdependencies Drives mitigation planning Supports informed tradeoffs Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, Public Administration, Engineering, or related field; Five (5) years progressively responsible experience in project/program management, technology delivery, or related leadership roles. Knowledge of: Program and portfolio management concepts and practices. Technology delivery lifecycle and implementation planning. Governance, reporting, and stakeholder coordination methods. Operational impacts of technology changes in 24/7 environments. Resource planning and dependency management principles. Skill in: Building and maintaining program governance tools and standards. Facilitating decision-making forums and stakeholder alignment. Communicating complex status/risk information clearly. Coordinating schedules and dependencies across multiple teams. Developing structured plans and reporting outputs. Ability to: Exercise independent judgment in prioritization and sequencing decisions. Influence outcomes without direct operational authority over delivery teams. Balance competing priorities and constraints. Anticipate and mitigate delivery risks. Support organizational maturity and continuous improvement. Working Environment and Physical Demands: Work performed primarily in office environments with frequent coordination across departments. Extended computer use and meeting facilitation required. Occasional visits to operational facilities may be required to support deployment planning. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Position Summary: The Bureau of Technology Services (BTS) is hiring an Information System Supervisor to lead the Desktop Support Team in the BTS Support Center. The Desktop Support Supervisor will guide daily work, support staff development, maintain high-quality service, and handle complex technical tasks as needed. What You’ll Do: Plan, prioritize, and review daily work and project activities. Identify resource needs and allocate staff appropriately. Establish team and individual objectives in collaboration with staff periodically reviewing progress and adjusting priorities as necessary. Provide and coordinate staff training, employee development plans, performance management, coaching, and annual performance reviews. Create monthly team performance/statistics reports and use findings to drive coaching, performance management, and continuous improvement Participate in development of policies, procedures, goals and objectives for reporting staff. Hold weekly one-on-one meetings with team members to review workload, identify work blockers or challenges, and provide coaching, guidance, and ongoing support. Support budget planning by preparing recommendations and monitoring spending. Review customer feedback and ensure follow-up actions are taken to address recurring issues and improve customer experience Lead small projects, run team meetings, develop meaningful agendas and follow up with action items The successful candidate may be required to pass a comprehensive police background investigation and be able to work in a culturally and gender diverse workplace. To Qualify Applicants must specifically address and demonstrate in their cover letter and resume how their education, training and/or experience, meets each of the following minimum qualifications: Knowledge of principles and practices for planning, organizing, prioritizing, and assigning work to staff, including establishing clear performance expectations. Ability to apply analytical and problem-solving skills to independently develop sound decisions, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to supervise a multicultural workforce, promote an equitable workplace environment, and apply equitable program practices to diverse and complex City services. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, customers, management, and colleagues; demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and patience; and gain cooperation through discussion and collaboration. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and present information, proposals, and recommendations clearly and persuasively. Applicants must also possess: Ability to successfully pass an in-depth background investigation. The Recruitment Process Submit your resume and cover letter by the closing date. (Optional) Submit Veterans’ Preference documents, if applicable. If this is your first time applying with the City of Portland, or if you haven’t requested veteran preference before (and would like to now), please attach your DD214-Member 4 and/or VA Benefit Letter to your application. Once we verify your eligibility, we’ll record your veteran preference in our system, so it automatically applies to your future applications. Click here for application tips for resume, supplemental question response and/or cover letter. What to Expect: Application Review - Week of September 21, 2026: We'll review your application materials to ensure you meet the minimum qualifications listed above. Notice/Feedback - Week of September 28, 2026: You will receive an email when the minimum qualification review is complete. If you disagree with the evaluation results, you may request a review within 14 days of the email notice, per City Administrative Rule 3.01. Selection Process - Mid-October: The hiring bureau will review qualified applications, conduct interviews, and check references. Conditional Job Offer: Final candidates may undergo a background or driving record check, depending on the position.