EMS Information Technology & Systems Director

Boston EMS is the provider of emergency medical services for the City of Boston and is a nationally recognized leader in the field of pre-hospital emergency medicine. The department leverages the latest advances in both medicine and technology to bring high-quality, compassionate care to the people of Boston.  

This position leads and manages technology and information systems for Boston EMS, ensuring the reliability, security, and continuous operation of critical applications and hardware. The role serves as both technical lead and project manager for complex information technology initiatives, aligning system development with EMS operational needs while supervising and supporting the information technology systems team. 

DUTIES: 

• Oversee Boston EMS’ technology and information systems, including procurement, contracts, maintenance, and sustainment. Ensure reliability of all ITS applications and hardware.  

• Serve as the technical lead and department project manager for multiple large-scale complex information technology and system initiatives essential to Boston EMS operations. Understand EMS operational use and ensure deliverables align with current and future needs.  

• Supervise the Boston EMS ITS team, offering support, guidance, and professional development opportunities.  

• Hands on manager, helping support and manage server and desktop hardware, operating systems, and applications for EMS environment. 

• Meet regularly with internal stakeholders, including the Office of the Chief, Electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR) Office, Office of the Medical Director, Field and Dispatch Operations, and Training to effectively understand and address ITS needs.  

• Work closely with BPHC IT services and meet weekly with BPHC Technology Services Director to ensure active communication, alignment and compliance.   

• Promote innovation in the provision of emergency medical services and internal processes through technology and information systems, building upon what is working well, implementing best practices and collaboratively exploring new ideas.  

• Lead efforts to optimize system and data security, as well as continuity of operations, including built-in redundancies and failover plans.  Ensure applications critical to EMS operations remain operational 24/7/365. This includes active awareness, accessibility during off hours to address critical issues, and ability to effectively advocate for Boston EMS on matters that present risk to such systems.  

• Support the collaborative development and implementation of data-driven projects. May include creation of databases, reference materials, templates, and reports in various formats, including presentations, data visualization tools, and statistical software programs. 

• Enhance the department’s overall analytics, primarily focused on department operations. Serve as a resource and content expert for the department in this process. 

• Build relationships and networks with other city departments to promote collaboration, sharing of best practices and informing city services.  

• Support the collaborative maintenance and enhancements of the department’s multiple reporting and data tools. 

• Participate in inter-agency working groups pertinent to information technology services.  

• Work to help BPHC advance as an antiracist organization by meeting or exceeding the standards set by the BPHC Anti-Racism Policy.  

• Performs other duties as required. 

Health Equity 

• Promote health equity, inclusion, and diversity within the BPHC, department and community. 

• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about the role of public health in addressing racism, the social determinants of health, and inequities in health outcomes as well as strategies to advance racial justice and health equity. 

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, management information systems, or a closely related field. Significant years of IT experience may substitute for educational requirement.  

• Minimum of 5 years related work experience with escalating responsibilities. At least 1 year of administrative experience, including planning, operational, project management, and supervision.  

• Hands on experience leading complex projects, systems and technology.  

• Subject matter expertise in data security.  

Special Qualifications 

• Requires valid Class D driver’s license and a clean driving record.  

• Requires working flexible hours, evenings, and weekends when necessary; works on-call as scheduled. 

Knowledge Skills & Abilities 

• Deep understanding and experience with the latest Windows Infrastructure (Active Directory, DNS, DHCP) and Operating systems. 

• Deep understanding and experience of Virtual Infrastructure (VMware is a plus). 

• Experience with Office 365 and Cloud Services (Azure is a plus) 

• Knowledge of Cisco VOIP is a plus. 

• Knowledge of fundamentals of telecommunication application and utilization. 

• Knowledge of IT service desk ticketing platforms and project tracking tools used to manage workflow and support requests. 

• Experience working with HIPAA compliance requirements and handling Protected Health Information (PHI) in secure environments. 

• Understanding of budgeting, purchasing, vendor management, and procurement processes related to IT systems and services. 

• Knowledge of information technology standards and applications. 

• Knowledge of operation and management of a virtual server, storage area network, and data center network infrastructures. 

• Knowledge of principles and methods of disaster recovery as related to computing and telecommunications facilities.  

• Knowledge of the principles of personnel management, communications, project planning. and management.  

• Skill in communicating to both technical and non-technical individuals regarding technical situations. 

• Strong analytical skills, ability to understand and synthesize complex systems as well as use data to inform decision-making. 

• Comfortable speaking in public and facilitating productive meetings. 

• Skilled in facilitating decision-making and using tools and technologies (mind-mapping; prioritization matrices; virtual meeting tools; etc.) to maintain engagement, move projects forward, and document decisions. 

• Demonstrated success in learning new skills as needed to succeed in a fast-paced environment and a commitment to learning through continual improvement and research relevant to this role. 

• Comfortable working under pressure and strict deadlines. 

• Strong interpersonal skills that support activities to improve individual, program, and organizational performance.