Chief Information Officer

Maine; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking department dedicated to enhancing public services through innovative technology. As the Chief Information Officer, you'll lead a talented team, implementing strategic IT initiatives that improve accessibility and usability for citizens. This role offers a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change while fostering a collaborative and positive workplace culture. With a focus on professional growth and work-life balance, you'll be part of a team that values integrity and continuous improvement. If you're passionate about technology and making a difference, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

13 paid holidays

12 days of sick leave

3+ weeks of vacation leave

85%-95% health insurance coverage

100% dental insurance coverage

Retirement plan options

Flexible work-life fit

Qualifications

• Master's degree and 8 years of experience in IT management required.
• Proven ability to lead IT teams and drive positive change.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision and leadership for IT strategies across the agency.
• Oversee Office of Information Services operations and staff.
• Ensure stability, security, performance, and availability of systems.

Skills

Innovative Thinking

Team Collaboration

Communication Skills

Leadership Excellence

Technology Solutions

Adaptability and Resilience

Education

Master’s Degree in Business, Computer Science or Public Administration

Job description

Location: Augusta,Maine,United States

Position: Chief Information Officer
Department: Office of Information Services
Schedule: Monday - Friday; Full time
Job Class: EZ01 (Deputy Secretary of State)

Salary: $120,000 - $140,000 annually

Closing Date : May 30, 2025

Join Our Team at the Department of the Secretary of State

At the Department of the Secretary of State, we are a team dedicated to providing efficient and exceptional service to our community. We prioritize work-life balance and offer great benefits to support our team in achieving professional success while maintaining personal well-being. Join a team that fosters a culture of teamwork, integrity, and continuous improvement, offering opportunities for growth and making a meaningful impact on the lives of our citizens.

Are you ready to make a difference?
We are looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals who thrive in a dynamic, growth-focused environment. If you are passionate about making a difference, driving success, and being part of a positive team culture, we want you on our team.

About the Position:

The Secretary of State is seeking candidates for Deputy Secretary of State Chief Information Officer. The CIO provides central leadership and vision in the use of modern information technology, streamlining operations by developing technological systems that will advance the overall mission of the Department of the Secretary of State including the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions and the Maine State Archives. The key focus of this position will include civic tech efforts to leverage technology to improve accessibility and usability of the Department’s services to the public. This position acts as the principal information technology liaison and technical advisor to the Department of the Secretary of State. The Chief Information Officer oversees a professional team of forty-three IT professionals in the Office of Information Services.

What We’re Looking For:

• Innovative Thinking: Proven ability to implement new programs, streamline processes, and bring forward-thinking solutions to complex challenges.
• Team Collaboration: A leader who builds strong, collaborative relationships across teams and creates an environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to shared goals.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex information to both internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Leadership Excellence: Experience leading senior management IT teams with a strong track record of driving positive change and developing talent.
• Positive Workplace Culture: Commitment to and a proven track record of creating a workplace environment where respect, transparency, and mutual support are central to the team’s success.
• Technology Solutions: Experience in successfully deploying a wide verity of technical solutions to large organizations.
• Adaptability and Resilience: Ability to respond to changing priorities with agility, making decisions that maintain service excellence and operational integrity.

Key Competencies We Value:

• Emotional Intelligence: A strong ability to connect with others, building trust and fostering collaboration across all levels of the organization.
• Problem Solving and Innovation: Comfort with navigating complex problems and leading teams to create practical, innovative solutions.
• Conflict Resolution & Feedback: Skilled in guiding teams through challenges and offering constructive, actionable feedback.
• Time Management: Expertise in balancing multiple projects and responsibilities effectively while maintaining high standards.
• Continuous Improvement: A mindset focused on continuous learning, both for yourself and your team, to drive positive changes across the Bureau.

In this role, you will:

• Provides the vision and leadership for developing and implementing information technology strategies and initiatives across the agency.
• Plans, directs and oversees Office of Information Services operations, programs and staff to ensure program goals and objectives are met.
• Prepares, evaluates, and implements budgeting, staffing, and related operational procedures, functions, resources, and needs.
• Participates in policy and program development to support the senior management team in making sound technology decisions to support federal and state policy directives.
• Coordinates a wide area connectivity network infrastructure.
• Oversees policies and procedures to ensure protection of critical elections infrastructure based on national security standards with regular risk assessments and testing to ensure appropriate safeguards.
• Ensure stability, security, performance, and availability of all systems and data.
• Provide forward-thinking strategies and prepare the organization for future technology needs.
• Maintains working relationships with other technology management in state government to ensure the smooth movement of Secretary of State data across state networks.
• Following appropriate supply chain risk management practices, negotiates contracts with vendors and service providers for installing new technology and training employees on its use.
• Represents the Secretary of State and the Office of Information Services and delivers presentations and testimony at hearings, meetings, conferences, and workshops.

Preferences will be given to candidates who have:

• Experience leading enterprise-wide IT strategy and digital transformation initiatives.
• Proven ability to manage complex IT operations, budgets, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong background in cybersecurity, data governance, and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated success advising executive leadership on technology trends and innovation.
• Familiarity with public sector IT environments and interagency collaboration.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Business, Computer Science or Public Administration or closely related field
  
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in Information Technology senior level management in a wide variety of organizations or businesses.
  
• All applicants must successfully pass a National Criminal Background check, including fingerprinting.
  
  

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Please note that this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions, and successful candidates will be required to complete an I-9 form upon hire.

Why Join Our Team?

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you’ll be part of a workforce that embodies our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—providing essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and well-being with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit: Take time for yourself with 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage: The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Dental Insurance: The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.62 annual value).
• Retirement Plan: This position is an appointed position. Incumbent will have an option for which plan to choose:
  
  • Join Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS). The State contributes the equivalent of 18.09% or 13.29% of the employee's pay depending on chosen plan.
  • Join the federal Social Security system and receive a 5% salary premium.
  • Join one of the state's deferred compensation plans (employee must contribute at least 7.5% of salary)

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Matthew Dudley at [e-mail]

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application.In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.

If you require a paper application, please download and print one HERE or contact our office at207-441-4512 . Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resumebefore the closing dateto Secretary of State Office of Human Resources, 29 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04330 or faxed to 207-624-9313 . Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included. Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job, and then there’s purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in different ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note that reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

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