Purpose of Position

The chief technology officer (CTO) will provide technology vision and leadership to develop and implement information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) strategies that align with and support the cooperative’s strategic vision and culture. Oversees all the IT/OT needs of the cooperative. The CTO will lead the cooperative in planning and implementing enterprise information systems to enable effective business operations and enhance value to our members. Develops long and short-term goals for the department.

Core Competencies

1.       Quality Work:  Produce thorough, high-quality work with minimal errors.  Seek feedback, make corrections as needed.  Identify problems and solve them.  Strive to improve processes.  Work collaboratively with co-workers to implement systematic changes.

2.       Productivity:  Complete assigned work in a timely fashion.  Utilize slow periods productively.  Produce amount and volume at expected speed.

3.       Technical Skills/Job Knowledge:  Demonstrate appropriate level of understanding of technical skills in area of expertise, technology, products, and/or processes involved.  Duly perform assigned duties.  Keep current on changes and be competent with all technology necessary to perform job.

4.       Communication: Clearly convey oral and written communication.  Keep others informed of activities and problems in timely manner.  Listen well; respond appropriately and respectfully.

5.       Teamwork/Ability to Work with Others: Demonstrate ability to work in a positive manner with co-workers and/or members with differing backgrounds, opinions, capabilities, etc.  Willingly share skills, competencies, and knowledge with others.  Establish and maintain strong, effective working relationships.  Contribute effectively to group efforts.  Promote harmony; agree to disagree without damaging relationships.

6.       Accountability:  Maintain excellent attendance and provide additional assistance after normal working hours when needed.  Be reliable, prepared and accept responsibility for work and actions.

7.       Integrity:  Demonstrate honesty, high ethical standards, and respect for all co-workers and membership.

8.       Professionalism:  Address internal and external members with courtesy and respect.  Dress in work attire appropriate to the position.  Communicate business information in a timely fashion, using means of communication appropriate to the situation.

9.       Support of Cooperative Goals:  Support Cooperative goals and adhere to all policies and procedures.  Contribute effectively in support of the Cooperative.

10.   Problem-Solving:  Use sound logic and methodology to solve problems.  Explore multiple sources for answers, as required.  Be able to identify hidden problems and propose solutions.

Manager Core Competencies

1.       Drive Results:  Make appropriate decisions and act.  Take risks and encourage others to take risks.  Support others’ decisions.  Exercise sound judgment.  Motivate team members to high levels of performance.

2.       Set Example:  Be looked to by others as role model.  Mirror Inland values, goals, policies and work requirements by example.  Be visible, with a positive presence.  Model collaboration.

3.       Provide Vision and Direction:  Inspire a shared vision.  Set direction that translates the Cooperative vision into actionable plans.  Create enthusiasm about the Cooperative’s future.

4.       Effectively Manage Resources:  Use resources effectively and efficiently to accomplish Cooperative goals.  Establish reasonable budgets and manage expenses within constraints.  Act as change agent to pursue innovative ways to do things better.

5.       Develop Self and Others:  Demonstrate personal growth and learning.  Encourage continuous growth and learning in others.  Acknowledge and learn from mistakes.  Set clear performance expectations in advance.  Share timely and direct performance feedback.

6.       Value People:  Show respect for others and their ideas.  Encourage others’ involvement in making things better.  Allow flexibility in how work is accomplished.  Consider others’ needs when making decisions.

Job Responsibilities

1.       Provides technology vision and leadership to develop and implement information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) strategies that align with and support the cooperative’s strategic vision and culture.

2.       Organizes and leads a team responsible for designing, maintaining and trouble-shooting multiple systems and platforms.

3.       Leads IT planning and monitoring activities related to data breach and disaster preparedness. Responsible for cyber security. Safeguard the cooperative’s digital assets and sensitive information. Lead the team that develops and implements robust cybersecurity measures, including risk assessment, threat mitigation, incident response planning, and security awareness training for employees.

4.       Day-to-day management of the IT/OT operations, data, applications, infrastructure, security, end-user computer system teams with a continuous focus on best-in-class customer service and delivery.

5.       Ensures the cooperative, its employees, members and key stakeholders have the benefit of and confidence in a modern, reliable and cost-effective network of systems, applications and platforms.

6.       Build and optimize the evolving needs to support data and integration strategies.

7.       Stay abreast of emerging technologies, trends, and market dynamics to drive innovation.

8.       Establish the objectives for operations, maintenance, and enhancement of the IT/OT systems and a plan for continuous improvement of the service levels.

9.       Oversee contract negotiations with IT/OT vendors, contractors, and service providers.

10.   Invests significant energy in understanding each department, its needs and how it uses technology to implement better processes and solutions.

11.   Builds and maintains a team of talented, high-performing IT/OT professionals.

12.   Effectively manages resources and relationships, internally and externally, to accomplish goals. This includes providing clear and consistent communication, being attentive to training and development needs, developing and maintaining IT/OT policies and practice leadership, operating with absolute integrity and consistently prioritizing the cooperative’s mission, vision and values first.

13.   In addition to these responsibilities, the CTO may be assigned by the CEO to perform other duties from time to time.

Minimum Qualifications & Job Requirements

1.       Education/Experience:

a.       Bachelor of Science in information systems or other computer-related degree from an accredited college or university is required.

b.       Minimum of 15 years’ experience with increasing leadership and management responsibilities for information systems and information technology. Experience developing enterprise IT strategies and leading transformation efforts. Experience should also include exposure to both shared and outsourced solutions, as well as support of in-house information and communication systems in a multi-site client-server environment.

c.         Utility knowledge and NISC software experience preferred.

d.        Ability to manage multiple cloud platforms/services. Design systems and resources for mobile, desktop and web-enabled platforms. Familiarity with a range of enterprise operating systems. Knowledge on software for CRM, data analytics, spreadsheets, project management, web presence, communications and systems integration. Familiarity with the range of equipment and peripherals required to support a multi-site organization whose workforce is mobile.

e.       Experience working with network systems (LAN and WAN) and applications required.  Experience in Windows network applications required. Experience in training others in computer applications preferred.  Experience with the Internet applications, system integration of voice and data, phone systems, GIS mapping and wireless technology helpful.  Experience in the supervision of others helpful.

f.        Must have practical working knowledge of internal operations of a network computer system, microcomputer, and associated peripheral equipment. Should have ability to acquire and apply knowledge of communications between a microcomputer system and personal computers.  Should be familiar with the following software packages: Windows Server and Desktop, Microsoft Office applications, SQL Server and Oracle databases. Knowledge of Ethernet and Fiber Optics would be helpful.

2.       Knowledge and Skills:

a.       Excellent interpersonal skills, including oral and written communication, oral presentations, the ability to build strong working relationships, and the ability to interact positively with employees at all levels within the organization, Inland Board, and as required, Inland members.

b.      Excellent management skills, including the ability to effectively plan, organize, staff, direct, coordinate, and control departmental staff and work operations to attain established goals within resource constraints.

c.       In-depth technical competence and understanding of principles of financial management.

d.      Must have understanding of electric utility industry operations and financing.

e.       Strong leadership skills, including skill in motivating and inspiring staff, building cohesive teams, solving problems, and making sound decisions.

f.        Skilled in development of human capital, including setting of individual performance objectives; coaching, guiding, training and motivating subordinates; development of subordinates’ professional skills and competencies; measuring job performance, including performance evaluation; and identifying areas of opportunity to include implementation of appropriate developmental corrective plans.

g.       Keeps current on technological advances in conservation and power supply.

3.       Mental Demands/Working Conditions:

a.       Ability to work independently with minimal guidance and supervision.

b.      Ability to manage diverse work functions while balancing and adjusting priorities in accordance with changing requirements.

c.       Ability to respond quickly and effectively to a rapidly changing work environment.

d.      Ability to understand personal and departmental role in the bigger organization picture, and to respond as an effective team member.

e.       Ability to work under pressure.

The CTO shall have full authority to carry out these duties and responsibilities in conformity with established policies and procedures and shall utilize time in such a way as to fulfill the objectives of this position and the Cooperative.

BENEFITS (NON-UNION)
Medical, vision, dental, 401(k) HSA, retirement plan, PTO, paid holidays and disability insurance programs.
APPLICATION PROCESS
If your credentials and interest match this job, please send your completed application, cover letter and resume to: [email protected] or mail them to, Inland Power & Light Company, 10110 W. Hallett Rd., Spokane WA 99224-7435, Attn: Human Resources.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMITMENT
Inland Power and Light is committed to equal employment opportunity for all. Just as our commitment to quality motivates us to go the extra mile, we cooperate with the civil rights agencies in government in an effort to ensure equal opportunity in employment through an Affirmative Action Plan. To assure full implementation of this equal employment policy, we will take steps to assure that persons are recruited, hired, assigned and promoted without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran’s status, age, disability or any other classification protected by nondiscrimination law.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
Inland Power will make reasonable accommodation to assist a qualified person with a disability in the job application, interview process and to perform the essential functions of the job whenever possible. Please contact the HR department at Inland Power if you would like assistance.