Chief Technology Officer

American Public Works Association; Kansas City (MO); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

American Public Works Association (APWA) is seeking an experienced Chief Technology Officer to guide the organization’s technology strategy and drive practical, scalable implementation for members, staff, and the public works profession.

The CTO will oversee enterprise systems, cybersecurity, data governance, cloud technologies, and AI readiness, while leading the technology operations and a high-performing internal team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 10 years in progressive technology leadership.
• Proven ability to lead strategy, enterprise systems, cybersecurity, and data initiatives.
• Experience managing staff, vendors, and third-party partners.
• Strong communication and leadership to translate tech into business value.
• Experience in associations or nonprofits and with Salesforce/Fonteva a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead APWA's technology strategy and roadmap.
• Partner with executives to evaluate investments and drive digital transformation.
• Oversee enterprise systems, cloud, cybersecurity, and business continuity.
• Strengthen data reporting, analytics, and emerging technologies including AI.
• Lead internal technology team and manage vendors and partners.
• Ensure projects are planned, communicated, and delivered with measurable results.
• Oversee budgeting, contracts, licensing, and resource planning.
• Lead during significant technology disruptions or cybersecurity incidents.

Skills

Technology leadership

Strategic planning

Cybersecurity

Data governance/analytics

Cloud technologies

Vendor management

Communication

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Salesforce

Fonteva

Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure)

Job description

Description

The American Public Works Association (APWA) is looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead the organization's technology strategy and help shape how we use technology to serve our members, staff, and the public works profession.

As a member of the executive leadership team, the CTO will work closely with leaders across the organization to ensure our technology investments support APWA's strategic goals, enhance the member experience, and position us for the future. This role provides leadership for enterprise systems, cybersecurity, data governance, digital transformation, artificial intelligence readiness, and technology operations.

The ideal candidate combines strategic vision with practical execution. They are just as comfortable discussing long-term technology strategy with executive leadership as they are guiding projects, supporting teams, and ensuring day-to-day technology operations run smoothly.

What You'll Do

• Develop and lead APWA's technology strategy and roadmap, ensuring technology initiatives align with organizational priorities and long-term goals.
• Partner with executive leadership to evaluate technology investments, establish priorities, and drive digital transformation across the organization.
• Oversee enterprise systems, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, business continuity planning, and technology risk management.
• Help the organization strengthen its use of data, reporting, analytics, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
• Lead and develop the internal technology team while managing relationships with technology vendors, consultants, and strategic partners.
• Ensure technology projects are effectively planned, communicated, and delivered with measurable results.
• Oversee technology budgeting, contracts, licensing, and resource planning.
• Serve as the organization's technology leader during significant technology disruptions or cybersecurity incidents.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible technology leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success leading technology strategy, enterprise systems, cybersecurity, data initiatives, cloud technologies, and organizational change.
• Experience managing staff, vendors, consultants, and third-party technology partners.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills with the ability to translate complex technology concepts into business value.
• Experience in an association, nonprofit, membership organization, or similar environment is a plus. Experience with Salesforce/Fonteva is also desirable.

Why APWA?

APWA is proud to be a people-centric workplace, with a key focus on flexibility and work-life balance. We offer remote-hybrid work schedules, 15 days each of paid vacation and family medical leave, 11 paid holidays and the opportunity to have a flexible schedule with alternate Fridays off. We also offer excellent and affordable insurance coverage as well as matching retirement contributions. APWA invests in ongoing growth through employee professional and continuing education opportunities.

We’re proud of the work we do because our work matters. Every role at APWA contributes to advancing the quality of life for others as we support those who operate, improve, and maintain public works and infrastructure. As we serve over 30,000 members (and counting!) across North America, we’re always looking for motivated and inspiring people to join us.

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