Directs the activities of a professional, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate supervisors including: interviewing, hiring, terminating, reviewing performance evaluations conducted by subordinates, evaluating the performance of subordinates, and reviewing and approving/disapproving a variety of actions, policies, and procedures recommended by subordinates, preparing short and long range plans, preparing, implementing, and monitoring operational and biennial budgets. Coordinates team operations with other functions within the agency to ensure the development and implementation of operational procedures. Analyzes relevant new or revised laws and executive policies and coordinates with system users to evaluate current automated systems and determines what changes may be necessary to meet user needs and ensures compliance with statutory requirements. Directs the development of new or revised applications with appropriate entities by providing information on desired results, data base components, informational flow, interfaces with other systems, and screen and report formats. Evaluates the capacity and capabilities of the automated administrative system, investigates technological advances and the compatibility, availability, and costs of products, and develops short and long-range plans for the acquisition of computer hardware and software to support current and future statewide operations. Negotiates and develops vendor contracts for recommendation to senior management staff, designates performance standards and deliverables, and monitors adherence to contract specifications. Plans the implementation of diverse, new and/or modified software to ensure compatibility with existing system and testing requirements and recommends and enforces standards and procedures. Establishes schedules and priorities for system development and monitors development stages to ensure the validity of data and reports and adherence to deadlines. Resolves user or information system problems not resolved at a lower level by investigating the source of the problem and initiating corrective action including contacting vendors if appropriate. Attends legislative committee meetings to respond to questions and coordinates with legislative staff on the drafting and reviewing of legislation affecting statewide administrative processes. Implements special projects by assigning work activities, monitoring progress through supervisory personnel, and preparing status reports or making presentations as required. Performs other duties as assigned.