Chief Information Officer (Program Manager Sr. IV)

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE); Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is seeking a Chief Information Officer to provide strategic leadership for the Office of Information Technology. The role focuses on maintaining robust network infrastructure, cybersecurity standards, and accessible digital products and services to support MSDE’s goals.

The CIO will lead IT project management, ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget, and collaborate with DoIT and local districts to support state initiatives and data

Qualifications

• Master's degree required.
• 12 years of progressive management and supervisory experience.
• Experience with procurement, budgeting, cybersecurity compliance, legislation analysis, IT management, resource planning, and project management.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and direct the work of the Office of Information Technology (OIT) staff and develop an IT plan aligned with MSDE's strategic plan.
• Collaborate with the Executive Team to assess Divisional IT requirements and allocate resources.
• Direct development and implementation of department-wide IT policies, legislation, and compliance initiatives; coordinate with IT Steering Committees and local districts.
• Provide leadership in developing department-wide standards for IT and project management; supervise upgrades and integration of systems; manage procurement of tech.
• Manage IT staff, promote MSDE policies, resolve problems, encourage teamwork, provide staff development, and perform evaluations.

Skills

Cybersecurity leadership

IT governance

Strategic planning

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder collaboration

Team leadership

Education

Master's degree

Tools

IT policy development

Job description

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the comprehensive management and strategic oversight of MSDE's Office of Information Technology (OIT) operations. This includes maintaining a robust network infrastructure, cybersecurity standards, and optimizing the accessibility of all digital products and services. The CIO will lead the OIT department to deliver secure, reliable, efficient, and cost-saving technology solutions to support the organization’s goals and enhance user experience.

Key responsibilities encompass overseeing IT project management, ensuring all projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget. Some of the primary job functions of the CIO include: Ensuring rigorous data privacy protocols and maintain compliance with both federal and state regulations; Collaborating with State of Maryland's Department of Information Technology (DoIT) and local school districts to support state initiatives and provide guidance on cybersecurity and data privacy; Conducting and coordinating legislative analysis to anticipate and prepare for changes in the regulatory landscape that may impact the organization’s IT policies and procedures and developing and implementing strategies to safeguard the organization’s digital assets against cyber threats and ensure that all digital products meet accessibility standards.

The CIO will also play a crucial role in fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the IT department. They will develop and maintain an IT governance framework to align IT strategy with business objectives, ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in IT operations. The ideal candidate must possess extensive experience in managing large-scale IT operations, in-depth understanding of network infrastructure, and a proven track record in cybersecurity and compliance management. Strong leadership and management skills, strategic thinking/systems thinker, backed by the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments are essential for success in this role.

Position Duties Include:

• Plan, organize, and direct the work of the Office of Information Technology (OIT) staff, providing leadership in the development and implementation of a department-wide information technology (IT) plan that is aligned with the Maryland State Department of Education’s (MSDE) strategic plan and is consistent with Statewide directives and initiatives. This includes responsibility for all aspects of MSDE’s IT systems, including planning, developing, directing, coordinating, and maintaining instructional and administrative IT systems.
• Collaborate with members of the Executive Team to assess their Divisional IT requirements and allocate the necessary resources to assist each Division in accomplishing its critical mission.
• Direct the development and implementation of Department-wide information technology policies, legislation, and compliance initiatives for the Maryland State Department of Education and coordinate with the Department’s Information Technology Steering Committees and the local school districts.
• Provide leadership in developing Department-wide standards for all phases of information technology and project management and provide direction to Divisions/Offices on technology issues involving upgrading systems and equipment, integrating existing systems with new systems, inter-divisional coordination, and procurement of technology-related equipment and services.
• Effectively manages the IT staff and motivates employees to work toward Departmental goals and objectives. Ensure equitable application of MSDE policies and procedures and promptly resolve problems, encourage teamwork and innovation, provide appropriate staff development, and conduct timely performance evaluations.

Education: Master's degree from an accredited college or university

Experience: 12 years of progressive management and supervisory experience. Experience with procurement, budgeting, cybersecurity compliance, legislation analysis, IT management, resource planning, and project management.

Applicants must consent to State and FBI (CJIS) background check as a routine procedure for all employees.

Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.

Individuals with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

Proof of eligibility to work is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment.