Chief Information Officer

South Florida Regional Transportation Authority

Pompano Beach (FL)

On-site

USD 107,000 - 208,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) is seeking a seasoned Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead the agency’s technology strategy in a mission-critical transit environment.

As a member of the executive team, the CIO will direct enterprise technology, cybersecurity, OT, telecommunications, cloud platforms, and business applications to support commuter rail operations, customer service, and organizational performance.

Qualifications

7+ years of IT leadership experience overseeing enterprise systems, OT, cybersecurity, and budget oversight in complex environments.
5+ years in supervisory/managerial roles with staff leadership.
Experience developing and implementing enterprise technology strategies, governance structures, modernization initiatives.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute an enterprise technology strategy aligned with organizational goals.
Provide executive oversight for enterprise infrastructure, OT systems, cybersecurity, cloud, and applications.
Lead cybersecurity strategy, governance, and risk management.
Oversee modernization initiatives and multi-year roadmaps.
Manage budgets and procurement oversight.

Skills

Executive leadership

Governance & strategic planning

Cybersecurity leadership

Enterprise technology

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Join Our Leadership Team

The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA), operator of Tri-Rail, is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead the agency's technology strategy and drive innovation across a mission-critical transportation environment.

As a key member of the executive leadership team, the CIO will provide strategic direction for enterprise technology, cybersecurity, operational technology systems, telecommunications, cloud platforms, and business applications that support commuter rail operations, customer service, and organizational performance.

This is a rare opportunity to lead the technology strategy, cybersecurity posture, and digital transformation of one of South Florida's most visible public transportation agencies. As a member of the executive leadership team, the CIO will play a key role in shaping organizational strategy, modernizing critical technology systems, and driving innovation across a mission‑critical commuter rail operation.

If you are a strategic technology leader who thrives on solving complex challenges, building high-performing teams, and delivering innovative technology solutions that make a visible impact on the communities you serve, we encourage you to apply.

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is responsible for providing strategic leadership, executive oversight, and operational direction for the Authority's technology environment. This role partners closely with executive leadership and operational departments to ensure technology systems, cybersecurity initiatives, and modernization efforts effectively support organizational objectives, service delivery, and long‑term operational resiliency.

Essential functions are the primary, fundamental tasks and responsibilities of a position that are critical to the successful performance of the job. These are the duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, and they form the core purpose of the role. The following highlights represent key areas of responsibility and are not an exhaustive list of all duties and expectations associated with the position.

Strategic Leadership & Governance

- Enterprise Technology Strategy: Develop and execute an enterprise technology strategy aligned with organizational goals and operational priorities.
- Governance & Standards: Establish governance frameworks, technology standards, and planning processes that support accountability and effective decision‑making.

IT & Operational Technology (OT) Oversight

- Enterprise Technology Oversight: Provide executive oversight and strategic direction for enterprise infrastructure, operational technology systems, cybersecurity platforms, telecommunications systems, cloud environments, and enterprise applications.
- Operational Reliability: Ensure technology systems supporting commuter rail operations, customer service, communications infrastructure, and business operations remain reliable and secure.

Cybersecurity & Risk Management

- Cybersecurity Leadership: Lead the Authority’s cybersecurity strategy, governance, operational security initiatives, and enterprise technology risk management efforts.
- Cybersecurity Frameworks & Compliance: Establish and maintain cybersecurity policies, standards, and procedures aligned with recognized frameworks such as National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), applicable regulatory requirements, and transportation‑related operational environments.
- Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity: Oversee disaster recovery planning, business continuity efforts, and continuity‑of‑operations initiatives related to enterprise technology systems and operational technology environments.

Technology Modernization & Project Oversight

- Modernization Initiatives: Lead enterprise technology modernization initiatives, infrastructure upgrades, operational technology improvements, and multi‑year technology roadmaps.
- Project Alignment, Prioritization & Implementation Oversight: Ensure technology projects and modernization efforts are strategically aligned, appropriately prioritized, and effectively executed through executive oversight of implementation activities and vendor coordination.

Budget & Procurement Oversight

- Budget Administration: Develop and manage Information Technology operating and capital budgets in alignment with organizational priorities.
- Procurement & Investment Oversight: Provide executive oversight of procurement activities, vendor evaluations, contract negotiations, and technology investment decisions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) represent the competencies, technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and professional attributes necessary to effectively perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position.

Knowledge of:

- Enterprise Technology Environments: Enterprise IT infrastructure, operational technology (OT) environments, cloud platforms, telecommunications systems, cybersecurity platforms, and enterprise applications supporting mission‑critical operations.
- Governance & Strategic Planning: IT governance frameworks, enterprise technology planning, organizational technology standards, modernization strategies, and strategic technology alignment practices.
- Cybersecurity & Risk Management: Cybersecurity frameworks and standards, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requirements, operational security principles, enterprise risk management, vulnerability management, disaster recovery, business continuity, continuity‑of‑operations planning, and regulatory requirements applicable to transportation systems and operational technology environments.

Skills in:

- Technology Modernization & Infrastructure Planning: Technology modernization initiatives, infrastructure lifecycle planning, enterprise system implementation, and operational technology improvements.
- Executive Communication & Collaboration: Executive communication, stakeholder engagement, cross‑functional collaboration, and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into operational and business‑relevant information.

Ability to:

- Lead Mission‑Critical Technology Operations: Lead enterprise technology operations within a lean, operationally intensive, mission‑critical environment.
- Balance Strategic & Operational Responsibilities: Balance executive leadership responsibilities with operational engagement, implementation oversight, and organizational collaboration.
- Manage Multiple Priorities: Manage multiple organizational initiatives, operational demands, technology projects, and strategic priorities simultaneously within time‑sensitive environments.
- Budget & Resource Management: Ability to develop, administer, and monitor operating and capital budgets; support resource allocation; and align technology investment decisions with organizational priorities.

TECHNOLOGY & SYSTEMS PROFICIENCY

- Enterprise Productivity & Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with Microsoft 365 environments, enterprise collaboration tools, virtual meeting platforms, and cloud‑based communication systems.
- Technology Infrastructure & Operational Environments: Familiarity with enterprise infrastructure environments, cloud‑based platforms, cybersecurity tools, and operational technology systems supporting mission‑critical operations.
- Enterprise Financial & Administrative Systems: Familiarity with budgeting, procurement, financial tracking, reporting, and enterprise administrative systems.

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Education

- Bachelor's Degree: Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Business Administration (IT focus), or a related field.

Experience

- Enterprise Technology Leadership Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible IT leadership experience, including recent experience overseeing enterprise systems, operational technology, cybersecurity, budget administration, vendor oversight, strategic planning, and staff leadership in complex operational environments.
- Leadership & Organizational Oversight Experience: At least five (5) of those seven (7) years must include supervisory, management, or functional leadership responsibility, with demonstrated sustained responsibility for performance management, coaching, staffing, accountability, and oversight of technology personnel, enterprise initiatives, operational technology environments, infrastructure programs, vendor relationships, or technology operations.
- Enterprise Strategy & Governance Experience: Demonstrated experience developing and implementing enterprise technology strategies, governance structures, modernization initiatives, operational improvements, or technology transformation efforts.

Equivalent Experience

- Equivalent Combination of Education & Experience: Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position may be substituted.
- Education Substitution: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered, with one (1) year of relevant experience substituting for one (1) year of required education.

PREFERED QUALIFICATIONS

- Public Sector & Transportation Experience: Experience in public sector, transportation, transit, commuter rail, or other operationally complex environments.
- Operational & Safety‑Critical Systems Experience: Experience supporting operational, mission‑critical, or safety‑critical systems, such as transit, rail, aviation, utilities, or similar environments.
- Transportation Regulatory Familiarity: Familiarity with regulatory frameworks applicable to transportation systems and operational technology environments.
- Advanced Education: Master’s degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, Public Administration, Cybersecurity, or a related field.

PREFERED CERTIFICATIONS

- Government Technology Leadership Certification: Certified Government CIO (CGCIO) or equivalent public‑sector technology leadership certification.
- Cybersecurity Certifications: CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), CompTIA Security+, or equivalent cybersecurity and information security certifications.
- Project & Service Management Certifications: PMP (Project Management Professional), ITIL, or equivalent project management, service delivery, or operational governance certifications.
- Cloud & Infrastructure Certifications: Microsoft Azure certifications, Cisco certifications, or equivalent cloud infrastructure, enterprise networking, or systems administration certifications.

Why Join SFRTA?

At SFRTA, technology is more than a support function—it is a critical component of delivering safe, reliable, and efficient transportation services throughout South Florida. As the region continues to grow, the Authority is investing in the systems, infrastructure, and innovation necessary to support the future of public transportation.

This position offers a unique opportunity to influence organizational strategy, lead meaningful technology initiatives, and make a visible impact on the communities we serve. As a member of the executive leadership team, the Chief Information Officer will help shape the future of transportation in South Florida while driving technology modernization, cybersecurity, operational resiliency, and continuous improvement across the organization.

In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, SFRTA offers a competitive benefits package that includes participation in the Florida Retirement System (FRS), comprehensive health insurance options, paid leave programs, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to supporting employee success and work‑life balance.

If you are a strategic technology leader who is passionate about innovation, public service, and leveraging technology to improve organizational performance and customer experience, we encourage you to apply.

Position Overview

Job Title: Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Department: Information Technology

Reports to: Deputy Executive Director

Job Code: I100

Position Salary Range: $106,573.06 - $207,682.46

Starting Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Supervisory: Yes

EEO Category: Executive Management

Job Class: Officials/Administrators

FLSA Status: Exempt

FLSA Exemption: Executive