Job Responsibilities The mission of the South Carolina Department of Education is to serve students, support teachers, empower parents, and engage the community so that every student graduates prepared to reach their full potential. Job Purpose: The South Carolina Department of Education is seeking a visionary and experienced Director of Application Development and Operations to lead our talented development team in designing, selecting, implementing, and maintaining innovative software solutions that support Agency goals. As a key member of the IT division, this role will set strategic direction to optimize and redesign the Agency's systems to support the next generation of technology initiatives. Responsibilities: * Provide strategic leadership and vision for the application development and operation function, aligning it with the overall IT and Agency objectives. * Develop and maintain a comprehensive application development roadmap, prioritizing projects based on Agency needs and technical feasibility. * Collaborate with Agency executives, divisions, and design teams to understand functional needs, and work with team members to implement creative, innovative technological solutions while seeking continuous improvement. * Assist the CIO in governance oversight, project and portfolio management, budget planning, and service delivery management. * Oversee the entire application development lifecycle, from requirements gathering and design to development, testing, deployment, and ongoing maintenance and change management. * Manage and mentor software developers, architects, and other technical staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing development environment. * Establish and maintain development standards, best practices, methodologies, and quality assurance processes to ensure the delivery of high-quality, secure software applications. * Proactively seek best in class and/or emerging technologies that improve systems and process performance for Agency activities and goals. * Perform ongoing buy-build-customization analyses for current and future components of the portfolio and manage relationships with vendors involved in the application implementation process. This position is located in the Chief Information Office. Minimum and Additional Requirements A bachelor's degree in computer science, information tech, or a related field. Preferred Qualifications * Eight plus (8+) years of experience in software development leadership, with a proven track record of success in delivering complex applications. * Robust experience in Agile methodologies and DevOps practices as well as an in-depth understanding of the software development lifecycle. * Strong analytic skills related to strategic planning of technology and programming applications. * Strong organizational skills, including an ability to manage multiple priorities with competing demands for resources. * Experience performing in-depth analysis on applications, data, and processes to answer specific business questions and identify enhancement opportunities. * Commitment to continually building on existing knowledge and skills to be up to date on the latest technology and analysis innovations. * Desire to innovate and create cutting edge solutions which make a significant impact in an empowering work environment. * Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies. Ability to foster a cooperative work environment while demonstrating sound judgement and making timely, effective decisions. Additional Comments As a part of a generous compensation package, we offer comprehensive benefits that include generous paid time off, preeminent health care benefits, professional development opportunities, pension, a 401(k), and a hybrid work schedule with opportunity for remote work. The South Carolina Department of Education offers an exceptional benefits package that includes: * Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children. * 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year. * 15 days sick leave per year. * 13 paid holidays. * State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs ONLY THOSE APPLICANTS CHOSEN FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE NOTIFIED BY LETTER THAT THE POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED. http://www.ed.sc.gov/jobs/human-resources/title-ix-nondiscrimination/