CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

It is the responsibility of all applicants to provide a complete list of relevant work experience (previous and current) on the application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of listed work experience.

Responsible for providing strategic leadership to create and align the mission, vision, values, and culture of the organization tied to the Board Goals & Guardrails and Strategic Plan. The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is accountable for providing leadership and direction in the development, implementation, operation and maintenance of the organization’s technology services to accomplish its goals and objectives. This includes all Information Service functions and technologies including its 3 data centers, technical services, production systems, help desks, communication networks (voice and data), computer program development, on-premise and cloud computer systems environment and operations, change controls, personnel, vendors, disaster recovery, cyber security and the overall data integrity of the enterprise.

The CIO establishes Columbus City Schools (the district) computing and information technology strategic plans, policies, and programs; recommends key technology budget initiatives; and provides oversight for the operation and maintenance of the technology infrastructure and applications. Additionally, the CIO ensures proper technology standards, best practices and metrics are established and followed; establishes and monitors service level measures and targets for all technology related support activities, provides project oversight for critical projects, and maintains relationships with the local business community, technology vendors and state support agencies.

Examples Of Work

The statements below are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Serves as a member of the Superintendent’s Executive Leadership Team participating in the creation and execution of the district’s vision, mission, and strategic plan. Provides technology thought leadership to ensure that the organization achieves its mission, goals, priorities, and measurable targets.
• Works with administrative and instructional leaders to identify and promote the use of current and emerging technologies to support excellence in student learning and to improve services for all stakeholders.
• Provides strategic and tactical planning, development, evaluation, coordination, and maintenance of information, technology systems and the related infrastructure throughout the organization. Examines existing methods and technologies to effect improvements, reduce cost, manage risk, and enhance efficiencies in order to leverage maximum return on investment.
• Represents the Superintendent of Schools as an official of the district. Demonstrates a high level of energy and enthusiastic commitment to excellence and the district’s initiatives and strategies for increasing student achievement and promoting the district as a whole.
• Defines critical issues, identifies resource requirements, and sets bold, measurable and achievable goals focused on student academic growth.
• Communicates effectively with board members, administrators, teachers, staff, vendors, students, parents, community members, and business partners.
• Directs and supervises the day-to-day activities of IT Department managers and staff including recruiting, mentoring, training, counseling, evaluating performance, and succession planning.
• Provides leadership and direction in the development, implementation, operation and maintenance of the district’s on-premise and cloud information systems and platforms, computer services, network communications, cyber security hardware and software, cyber security services, disaster recovery and incidence response planning and execution, data integrity and governance, and management information services and vendors to accomplish organizational goals and objectives.
• Directs the information and data integrity of the organization and its departments including supervising the development, maintenance and governance around shared applications.
• Advises senior management on strategic systems conversions and integrations in support of business and educational goals and objectives.
• Prepares and administers department budget(s); ensures expenditures are within approved budget(s).
• Interacts with organization managers on internal and external operations that are impacted by capture, storage, processing and dissemination of information.
• Develops, reviews and/or approves major contracts for computing and information services and equipment.
• Ensures that the appropriate technology measures and practices are in place to secure the district’s information systems, SOCs, production and development platforms, disaster recovery operations, communications network and information.
• Oversees the development, design, and implementation of new applications and changes, patches, licenses, upgrades to existing computer systems and software packages.
• Responsible for the planning, development, review, testing, certification and periodic readiness drills of all back-up and disaster recovery processes.
• Identifies emergency information technologies to be assimilated, integrated, and introduced within the organization.
• Proactively plans and manages hardware and software capacity in terms of disks storage, servers, CPU, memory and licenses including the district’s one to one initiative.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, Engineering or a technical/analytic field required.
• Ten (10) years or more experience in a senior-level management position with a large organization; or equivalent combination of education, knowledge and experience sufficient to be successful.
• Strong personal and business experience references.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Information Technology or a related analytic field.
• Experience in a large urban school district.
• Experience supporting diverse and economically disadvantaged populations preferred.
  
  

Interpersonal Qualities

• Superb leadership, supervisory, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to function collaboratively in a diverse environment.
• Sensitivity to others with exceptional professionalism, tact and courtesy.
• Excellent judgment and the ability to think conceptually and pragmatically.
• Collaborative mindset to build trust and alliances with an ethnically and culturally diverse community.
• Ability to motivate teams to accomplish goals.
• Models high standards of integrity and ethical behavior, self-discipline and responsibility.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Action oriented with a strong work ethic and attention to detail.
• Successful track record in recruiting, mentoring and developing others.
• Ability to establish and accomplish goals, schedules and deadlines.
• Proficient in delegating authority and holding subordinates accountable.
• Ability to work confidentially and with discretion.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Experience

• Experience with implementation of both on-premise and cloud information technology implementations and integrations in a large division/organization.
• Demonstrates ability to respond effectively and promptly to issues and communicates resolutions in a timely manner.
• Computer skills and analytical ability to identify and resolve information technology problems of the highest nature.
• A continual thirst for learning and staying current on leading and emerging technologies. Skilled at identifying and evaluating new technological developments, such as cloud and AI technologies, and gauging their appropriateness for the district.
• Project management skills necessary to successfully implement a variety of complex technology network and infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of contracting, negotiating and change management.
• Knowledge of information technology computer systems and software and the ability to manage the entire spectrum of information technology operations.
• Experience in building and operationalizing Key Performance Indicators and best practices across the organization.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations relating to computer systems and programming.
• Knowledge of organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operations.
• Knowledge of K-12 curriculum and instructional programs, policies, procedures and practices and system-wide goals.
• Experience working with a wide range of external and internal auditors and developing risk mitigation strategies, policies and procedures to address points raised.
• Knowledge of the development of key processes for the purpose of increasing operational efficiencies and assuring high-level customer service.
• Ability to provide leadership and to supervise the planning, development, and establishment of new, modified and/or improved technology services and activities.
• Proven ability to interact effectively with students, their families, and community members who represent cultures that are diverse in terms of race, class, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other characteristics in order to build an effective and collaborative school community.
• Demonstrates conceptual skills and problem-solving capabilities; ability to present highly complex and technical information in a clear and meaningful way to a wide variety of audiences in a style that is decisive and direct as well as collegial and approachable.
• Exhibits strong leadership attitude in support of school district goals; demonstrates ability to articulate a vision and motivate people to act with a shared vision.
• Ability to work long hours including evenings and nights, and weekends if needed.
  
  

Physical/Mental Demands And Work Environment

• Tools/Equipment Use: Desktop PC with keyboard and mouse, laptop, scanner, calculator, software, desk, and adjustable chair.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, bending, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing, pulling and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of a mouse; occasional reaching .
• Lifting: Occasional lifting and carrying (less than 10 pounds).
• Environment: Works in office setting; may require occasional irregular hours and/or prolonged hours.
• Attendance: Punctual onsite and/or virtual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions .
  
  

Test/Job Contact Information

This job posting is for an Administrator/Contract Employee position. The hiring manager will conduct a review of the applications received to determine who to interview. Please be sure that you have attached digital copies of the following required documents along with any other documentation verifying your qualifications for this job:

• Resume
• Three (3) professional references
• Degree(s) and/or official transcript(s) (if applicable)
  
  

Prior to submitting, please verify that your profile, including both education and work experience, is accurate and up to date.

Columbus City Schools is committed to building a culturally diverse workforce. Minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Columbus City Schools (CCS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against individuals regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, gender identity or expression, ancestry, familial status, military status or disability in its educational programs, activities, and employment policies.