Middleware & Integration Manager (IT Manager 1)

Who We Are

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) supports Ohioans and their families through the following programs:

• Cash and Food Assistance
• Employment Services and Workforce Development
• Unemployment Insurance
• Adult Protective Services
• Child Support

Public service is an honorable way to serve the community in a hands-on dedicated way. You can make a difference in someone’s world!

Guiding Principles

• We will be a leader in customer satisfaction.
• We will have a reputation that attracts and retains talented, diverse, and dedicated employees.
• We get better at what we do every day.

Office of Information Services

The Office of Information Services (OIS) works to support the business functions and the delivery of health, human, and employment services through the application of information technology. OIS supports the delivery of programs to millions of recipients through the development and round-the-clock operation of automated information systems. Due to the number of end-users and technologies supported, OIS is one of the largest and most complex IT organizations within Ohio state government. Learn more about the Office by visiting the ODJFS OIS webpage.

What You Will Do

The Middleware & Integration Manager (M&I Manager) in the Office of Information Services (OIS) is responsible for advanced analysis and design of automated systems, and oversee daily operations, project activities, and resources, guiding their team of two senior infrastructure engineers to achieve successful outcomes.

In this role, you will be vital for improving Application Server Infrastructure, and ensuring seamless connectivity across cloud platforms like Azure, AWS, and GCP. The M&I Manager will ensure JFS security standards, establish integration policies, and oversee daily operations. By designing, developing, and enhancing middleware and integration solutions, you will establish and maintain robust deployment and integration standards, guaranteeing consistency and reliability in IT operations. You will be involved in strategic planning, budget development, and the evaluation of new software and hardware to ensure that technology investments directly support agency goals. 

Day-to-Day You Will:

• Design, develop, and enhance middleware and integration solutions across multiple application platforms.
• Establish and maintain standards for infrastructure deployment and integration in alignment with OIS methodologies and JFS security requirements.
• Lead automation efforts for infrastructure provisioning, configuration, and system software patching using modern tools and technologies.
• Collaborate with Project Managers, Business Relationship Managers, and technical teams (ISS, Database, COTS, Security) to plan upgrades, allocate resources, and address infrastructure needs.
• Evaluate solution architectures, recommend optimal operational approaches, and review documentation, test results, and technical deliverables.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting, support, and technical guidance for middleware and integration platforms such as WebSphere, Kubernetes, MQ, and MuleSoft.
• Participate in incident response activities and implement measures to reduce service disruptions.
• Represent Middleware & Integration Services in OIS planning sessions, resource discussions, and project meetings.
• Support strategic planning and budget development, including review and evaluation of new hardware and software solutions.
• Promote automation, innovation, and ongoing technical skill development within the team.

Schedule: Full-time.

Hours: Standard workdays are Monday through Friday. Hours are between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Location: This position will be headquartered in an ODJFS Facility in one of the following cities - Columbus, Akron, or Dayton. This determination will take into account the proximity to the applicant's home address.

James A. Rhodes State Officer Tower - 30 E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215.
Akron - 172 S. Broadway Street, Akron, OH 44308.
Dayton - 6680 Poe Avenue, Dayton, OH 45414.

Travel: Occasional travel within the state of Ohio.

PN: 20041111.

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

The candidate, at minimum, must have the following: 

Option 1:

• Completion of undergraduate core coursework in computer science, or completion of undergraduate core coursework in any academic major which included at least one course in each of the following: advanced-level computer programming language (for example, COBOL, Delphi, Java, Powerbuilder, Visual Basic, Pl 1, SAS PCS, Pacbase, Full Visual Suite, Designer 2000, Developer 2000, C, C++, Visual C, ECL, or Visual Studio), logic-based mathematics, data base concepts (for example, Oracle, Microsoft Access, Paradox, Sybase, IMS DB, DB2, Cache, DMS, or RDMS), computer systems analysis & design, & basic data processing concepts;
• AND Additional 6 1/2 years (78 mos.) exp. commensurate with job duties to be performed & knowledges & skills required as outlined in approved position description on file for position to be filled as advertised in job posting;
• AND 18 mos. exp. in performing project management functions as defined in series purpose. 

Option 2:

• 8 1/2 years (102 mos.) exp. commensurate with job duties to be performed & knowledges & skills required as outlined in approved position description on file for position to be filled as advertised in job posting;
• AND 18 months exp. in performing project management functions as defined in series purpose.

Option 3:

• 12 mos. exp. as Information Technology Supervisor 3, 64119, or equivalent.

Option 4:

• The equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.

Tips For Your Application

When completing the different sections of this application, be sure to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications outlined in this job posting. We cannot give you credit for your Work Experience and Education & Certifications if you do not provide that information in your online application. Information in attached resumes or cover letters must be entered into your application in the appropriate Work Experience or Education & Certification sections to be considered.

Pay Information

This position is in the State of Ohio’s E1 Pay Schedule, Pay Range 16. Unless required by legislation or union contract, starting salary will be the minimum salary of that pay range (step 1, currently $48.93 per hour). These ranges provide a standardized pathway for pay increases. With continued employment, new hires move to the next step in the range after 6 months and annually thereafter. Cost of Living Adjustments increase wages in these ranges each fiscal year. The current step progression wages are in the table below. 

Pay Range 16	Step 1	Step 2	Step 3	Step 4	Step 5	Step 6	Step 7	Step 8
Hourly	$48.93	$51.65	$54.49	$57.56	$60.71	$64.18	$66.82	$69.94
Annual	$101,774	$107,432	$113,339	$119,725	$126,277	$133,494	$138,986	$145,475
Months of Employment	At Hire	6 Months	18 Months	30 Months	42 Months	54 Months	66 Months	78 Months

ADA Notice

If you require an accommodation based on a disability for any step of the selection process, please contact [email protected].

Background check information

The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Some positions may require drug testing and/or fingerprinting. Criminal convictions do not necessarily disqualify candidates from consideration.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.