CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER

City of Santa Fe Springs; Walnut (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Talantir in Walnut, CA seeks a Chief Technology Officer to provide executive leadership for technology services, cybersecurity, and data governance. Responsible for strategic direction, budget oversight, and a district-wide technology roadmap to enhance instructional outcomes and operational excellence.

The role emphasizes governance, security, and continuous improvement of technology infrastructures, systems, and digital learning initiatives within the district.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Educational Technology, Business Administration, or related field.
• Master's degree and/or relevant certifications preferred, including CTO mentor program or equivalent leadership-focused credentials.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the development, implementation, and governance of the District's technology vision and roadmap.
• Lead technology services, operations, budgets, resources, and personnel to align with priorities and outcomes.
• Oversee enterprise architecture, infrastructure, and security to ensure scalable and secure environments.
• Guide data governance, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and innovation across the District.
• Collaborate with leadership to prioritize investments, evaluate emerging technologies, and promote instructional technology integration.

Skills

Technology leadership

Governance

Strategic planning

Cybersecurity

Data governance

Budgeting

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Equity

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

CTO-related certification preferred

Job description

Chief Technology Officer

We are accepting applications for Chief Technology Officer. At this time, we have 1 opening for an 8-hour, 12-month employee. The work hours for this position are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Basic Function

Under the general direction of the Superintendent or designee, serves as the District's Chief Technology Officer (CTO), providing executive leadership, strategic direction, and oversight for technology services, cybersecurity, infrastructure, enterprise systems, instructional technology, data governance, digital transformation, and innovation. Leads the development and execution of technology strategies that advance District priorities, operational excellence, and student success, and performs other duties as assigned.

This position provides leadership in the planning, governance, security, and continuous improvement of the District's technology systems and services. Responsibilities include assessing organizational and technology needs; recommending strategic investments; advancing initiatives that strengthen learning, operational efficiency, cybersecurity, and data-informed decision-making; and collaborating with District leadership, school administrators, and stakeholders to establish technology priorities, oversee major initiatives, evaluate emerging technologies, and promote innovation across the District.

Examples of Duties

• Provide leadership for the development, implementation, and continuous advancement of the District’s strategic technology vision, roadmap, and governance framework
• Lead the strategic planning, organization, and oversight of District technology services, operations, budgets, resources, and personnel to ensure alignment with District priorities, operational excellence, and measurable outcomes
• Establish and oversee enterprise technology architecture, infrastructure, and systems strategies that ensure secure, scalable, resilient, and sustainable technology environments
• Build and maintain a high-performing technology organization by providing leadership, mentorship, accountability, workforce planning, talent development, and professional growth opportunities while fostering a culture of innovation, service, and continuous improvement
• Direct the District’s telecommunications, connectivity, and technology funding strategies, including vendor partnerships, E-Rate programs, grants, and other technology funding opportunities
• Develop and implement technology policies, standards, and governance practices; serve as the District’s lead on technology, cybersecurity, digital transformation, data governance, and emerging technologies
• Collaborate with District leadership to evaluate organizational needs, establish technology priorities, guide major technology investments, and maximize the value and effectiveness of technology resources
• Partner with educational leadership to advance the effective integration of technology, digital learning, and innovation in support of student achievement and instructional excellence
• Provide strategic oversight of instructional technology programs and initiatives, ensuring alignment between technology investments, curriculum goals, teaching practices, and student learning outcomes
• Advise schools and District departments on technology strategy, enterprise systems, infrastructure planning, digital learning environments, data utilization, and operational modernization efforts
• Provide management oversight for enterprise applications, infrastructure, cybersecurity, data privacy, business continuity, disaster recovery, network operations, and technology support services
• Establish security, risk management, and resilience strategies to protect District systems, data, and operations
• Serve on District committees, providing strategic guidance on technology, cybersecurity, and innovation
• Serve as the District liaison with educational, governmental, and industry organizations on technology related matters
• Monitor emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices, and evaluate their value to District operations and instruction
• Develop and present technology reports, performance metrics, and strategic recommendations to District leadership and the Board

Job Requirements – Qualifications

Knowledge Of

• Technology leadership, governance, and strategic planning
• Enterprise technology architecture, infrastructure, systems integration, cloud services, digital platforms, and enterprise applications
• Cybersecurity, risk management, data privacy, and business continuity
• Technology budgeting, procurement, and lifecycle management
• Instructional technology, digital learning, and student-centered innovation
• Data governance, analytics, and data-informed decision making
• Project and program management principles
• Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and automation
• District operations, public administration, fiscal management, and regulatory compliance
• Leadership, organizational development, change management, and personnel management
• Communication, collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and conflict resolution
• Equity, access, and inclusion practices as it relates to students, parents, staff, community, and other educational partners

Ability To

• Develop and execute strategic technology initiatives aligned with District goals and priorities
• Analyze complex organizational and technology challenges and develop effective solutions and recommendations
• Build and maintain effective relationships with District leadership, staff, students, community partners, and external agencies
• Promote team building and a positive work environment
• Establish priorities, allocate resources, and manage competing organizational needs
• Evaluate technology programs, services, and investments to ensure operational effectiveness and continuous improvement
• Make sound, strategic, and fiscally responsible decisions regarding technology initiatives and resources
• Interpret and apply applicable District, state, and federal laws, regulations, policies, and compliance requirements
• Communicate effectively with diverse audiences through written, verbal, and presentation formats
• Interpret and implement District goals, policies, and administrative direction
• Efficiently use and manage time; meet deadlines
• Maintain the confidentiality and security of sensitive District information
• Adapt easily to work assignments, additional priorities, and new procedures
• Exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in complex and sensitive situations
• Receive constructive criticism and modify work appropriately
• Lead organizational change, build consensus, and influence decision-making across all levels of the District
• Demonstrate cultural competence and responsiveness in interactions, decision-making, communication, and processes

Typical Qualifications

Experience and Education Requirements

Experience

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and skills may qualify. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be:

Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible technology leadership experience, including at least four (4) years in a management or leadership role. Experience in public education or another public agency is preferred.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Educational Technology, Business Administration, or a related field required
• Master's degree and/or relevant industry certifications are preferred, including the Certified Chief Technology Officer Mentor Program (CTOM) certification or equivalent leadership-focused technology credentials

Licenses And Other Requirements

• Valid California Driver’s License along with evidence of insurability

Emergency Requirements

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their supervisor or by law.

Supplemental Information

Persons performing service in this position classification will be expected to perform medium work...

Physical Demands

• Persons performing service in this position classification will exert 25 to 50 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects
• Occasional bending at the waist, kneeling, or crouching when needed
• This type of work involves sitting for extended periods of time, but will also involve walking or standing for portions of the time
• Perceiving the nature of sound, near and far vision, depth perception, providing oral information, and handling and working with various materials and objects
• Moderate physical activity required; ability to walk or run on slopes or uneven terrain
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate standard office equipment Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

Benefits

• Permanent employees will receive paid holidays, sick leave, vacation and longevity benefits per contract or Commission Rules.
• The District offers a comprehensive package of insurance benefits.
• Employees working less than full-time, but a minimum of four hours, will contribute an amount proportionate to the number of assigned work hours for major medical insurance benefits.
• The District does not offer a package of insurance benefits to employees working less than four hours per day.
• The District provides life insurance for employees who work a minimum of 3 hours.
• The District offers a retirement plan which uses joint employee and employer contributions.

Accommodations

Individuals with legally defined disabilities may request reasonable accommodation in the examination process. To make this request; please contact the Division of Human Resources at the time the application is submitted. Candidates may be required to provide documentation supporting the need for the accommodation.

Veteran Preference (for entry-level positions only)

Veterans who have been honorably discharged after 30 days or more of service during time of war or national emergency will receive an additional 5 points which will be added to the passing score. Disabled veterans receive 10 points. Any applicant who claims veteran’s credit must submit DD Form 214 at the time of the employment application. Failure to submit DD Form 214 at the time of application shall result in no veteran’s credits being considered or added to any passing score.

Pre-Employment

Per Board Policy 4112.4/4212.4/4312.4, the cost of pre-employment examinations shall be paid by the applicant.

Fingerprinting: Employees will be charged for processing their fingerprints at the time they are hired. The fingerprints are used to complete a confidential background investigation. All candidates with a record of convictions must indicate such on the confidential data form, which is attached to the job application. A record of conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment, but failure to list all convictions may result in disqualification or dismissal.

Physical Examination: Newly hired employees must pass a qualifying Medical examination given by a District-appointed physician, which includes testing for illegal controlled substances.

Tuberculosis Exam: Newly hired employees must submit a Mantoux Skin screening and certificate of completion within the past 60 days that indicates freedom from active tuberculosis.

Immigration Reform and Control Act Of 1986: An Eligibility Verification Form (I-9) will be required along with the supporting documents listed on the I-9 form.

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity and non-discriminatory employer as mandated by Section 504 of the Office of Civil Rights.