Chief Information Officer (Department Director) Full Time

Important Notice: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please note: This is a re-opening to expand the pool of qualified candidates for the position of Chief Information Officer (Department Director) with Arlington County Government. If you have already applied for this position under requisition #305, there is no need to re-apply for further consideration unless you wish to update your application.

Arlington County’s Department of Technology Services (DTS) is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Chief Information Officer (Department Director). As our new Chief Information Officer (Department Director) you will lead our IT team to the future. You will set the vision, drive innovation, and ensure our technology empowers our community. The individual selected for this role will oversee IT strategy and operations; lead digital transformation initiatives and foster a culture of innovation and excellence.

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive technology strategy aligned with the organization’s goals.
• Oversee the design and implementation of an effective technology operating model, organizational structure, and governance process.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to identify and address emerging technology trends and their potential impact on the organization.

Team Management:

• Lead and mentor a high-performing team of IT professionals responsible for enterprise architecture, application management, security, risk management, and infrastructure operations.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the IT team.

Technology Innovation:

• Stay abreast of the latest technology advancements and identify opportunities to leverage them to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies to enhance the organization’s digital capabilities.

Financial Management:

• Collaborate with finance to analyze IT costs, risks, and benefits to optimize resource allocation.
• Develop and manage IT budgets to ensure cost-effective solutions.

Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, vendors, and industry partners.
• Represent the organization at industry events and conferences to stay informed of emerging trends and best practices.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, results-oriented leader with a passion for technology who possess:

• Strong Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead and motivate teams, make sound decisions, and drive change.
• Technical Expertise : Deep understanding of IT technologies, infrastructure, and cybersecurity.
• Business Acumen: Ability to align IT strategies with business objectives and deliver value.
• Excellent Communication Skills : Effective communication with technical and non-technical audiences at all levels of the organization.
• Problem-Solving Skills : Ability to identify and resolve complex IT challenges.

Recognized nationally as a top digital county, Arlington County is at the forefront of technological innovation. Our commitment to open government, transparency, and citizen engagement has earned us accolades from the Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties. As we continue to grow and evolve, our technology infrastructure is undergoing a digital transformation. This hybrid environment, seamlessly blending on-premises and cloud-based solutions, powers critical services across the county, 24/7.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Significant experience leading IT operations in a complex organization, preferably in a public sector or highly regulated environment.
• A combination of education and relevant experience that demonstrates:
  • A track record of delivering innovative IT solutions and driving digital transformation;
  • Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data management;
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders; and
  • Strong leadership, motivating teams to make sound decisions and adapt to rapidly changing priorities in a highly participatory and political community environment.

Substitution: Directly related experience may be substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Technology leadership in a local government environment; and/or
• A master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field.

Special Requirements

Please note: A complete application includes a resume and cover letter. Your cover letter should detail how your education, experience and training align with the specific requirements of this position. Be certain to highlight your accomplishments in the following four areas:

• Leadership : Experience developing and leading high-performing teams.
• Digital Innovation: Proven track record in managing digital innovations and solutions.
• Enterprise Systems: Expertise in enterprise systems and support.
• Technology Infrastructure: Knowledge of technology infrastructure and managed services.

The successful candidate will be required to complete the Commonwealth of Virginia Statement of Economic Interest form upon hiring and annually thereafter.

A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

This is not a full-time remote opportunity.

The selection process may include both virtual and in-person interviews.

Location : 2100 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22201.

Additional Information

Work Hours: Flexible work schedule, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some telework opportunities. Employee must be accessible after business hours to support critical operations and emergencies. This position may be required to work during emergencies regardless of whether some or all County facilities are closed, or programs and services are cancelled.

This position is in the Arlington County Government’s senior management program, in which senior managers are eligible for a negotiated salary/benefits package and are evaluated and compensated on the basis of a performance agreement linked to the County Management Plan, and results achieved. This is a flexible total rewards/compensation system directly linked to performance and the market.

Arlington County offers a competitive salary and a great benefits package including a Defined Benefit (pension) plan. For more information on Arlington’s family-friendly benefits click here .

The official title of this position is Chief Information Officer.

C1IO