Chief Information Officer Program Manager Sr. IV

State of Maryland; Maryland; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maryland State Department of Education is seeking a Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead the Office of Information Technology. This senior role manages network, cybersecurity, governance, and accessibility of digital products and services, aligning IT with MSDE’s strategic goals.

The CIO will oversee IT projects, ensure on-time delivery, maintain data privacy, collaborate with DoIT and school districts, and drive continuous improvement across the department’s technology programs.

Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university.
• 12 years of progressive management and supervisory experience, including procurement, budgeting, cybersecurity compliance, legislation analysis, IT management, resource planning, and project management.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct and oversee the Office of Information Technology (OIT) staff and IT plans aligned with MSDE's strategic goals.
• Collaborate with the Executive Team to assess Divisional IT requirements and allocate resources.
• Direct development and implementation of IT policies, legislation, and compliance initiatives for MSDE and coordinate with DoIT and local districts.
• Provide leadership in department-wide IT standards and project management, directing upgrades, integrations, and procurement.
• Manage IT staff, promote teamwork, ensure policy compliance, and conduct performance evaluations.

Skills

Leadership

IT Management

Cybersecurity

Policy Compliance

Strategic Planning

Stakeholder Collaboration

Education

Master's degree

Job description

Introduction

The Maryland State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting a world-class educational system that prepares all students for college and career success in the 21st century. With excellent stewardship from our divisions, we oversee State and federal programs that support the needs of a diverse population – students, teachers, principals, and other educators throughout Maryland.

This is a Management Service position and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority

GRADE

25

LOCATION OF POSITION

Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building
200 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Hybrid schedule may be available (up to 3 telework days permitted each week)

Main Purpose of Job

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.

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Special Requirements

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

Selection Process

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

Benefits

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants must complete the MD State Government online application for employment and submit their professional resume . The application and resume must clearly demonstrate that the applicant satisfies the minimum qualifications for the position. Applications must be complete to be considered including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application, submitted to the fax number, or mailed to the address listed.

All application materials must be received in our office by the Closing Date.

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request.