What You Will Do:

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is dedicated to protecting and improving the health of all people in Washington. The Executive Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT) serves as the agency’s centralized IT organization, supporting over 2,000 employees and 400+ IT systems to deliver critical public health programs and services. We are seeking a visionary Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead our Center for Technology Operations (TECH OPS) and drive innovative technology solutions that advance our mission.

At the DOH, we prioritize equity, innovation, and engagement. For us, innovation isn’t just a one-time initiative, it’s about continually challenging traditional methods to address evolving public health needs. We seize new opportunities, invest in modern technologies, and drive meaningful public health action to build a healthier future for everyone in Washington.

As the CIO, you will provide executive leadership to ensure the highest standards of information technology and data security across DOH. Reporting to the Chief of Innovation and Technology, you will oversee TECH OPS, manage mission-critical applications and infrastructure, and align technology strategies with the agency’s public health objectives. This role involves strategic planning, partnership with agency executives, and oversight of multimillion-dollar IT projects to enhance system efficiency and safeguard sensitive health information.

Key Responsibilities and Expectations:

• Lead IT Strategy and Vision: Provide strategic direction for all technology-related activities within the Department of Health. Ensure technology initiatives align with the agency's mission to protect and improve public health.
• Executive Leadership: Partner with agency leadership to recommend and implement technology solutions that support public health objectives and enhance system efficiency.
• Technology Oversight: Manage, guide, and mentor the IT team, ensuring the development, security, and maintenance of the department’s applications and infrastructure.
• Project Leadership: Serve as the Executive IT Sponsor for major IT projects. Oversee the successful delivery of high-impact initiatives, ensuring they meet strategic goals, timelines, and quality standards.
• Cloud Infrastructure Management: Collaborate with the Chief Data Officer and Enterprise Architecture team to develop and manage the department's cloud strategy, ensuring security, scalability, and cost-efficiency.
• Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: Lead disaster recovery and continuity efforts for mission-critical IT systems, ensuring the department can recover quickly from disruptions.
• Collaborate with Stakeholders: Build relationships with internal and external partners, including state agencies, vendors, and industry experts, to drive innovation and secure resources for technology initiatives.
• Compliance and Security: Ensure all IT systems and cloud solutions comply with legal, regulatory, and security standards to protect sensitive public health data.
• Risk Management: Conduct regular risk assessments, develop disaster recovery plans, and lead recovery efforts to minimize impact during unforeseen events.
• Advocacy and Representation: Represent the Department of Health in state and federal forums, advocating for IT needs, and providing expertise on technology policy and strategy.
• Resource Management: Oversee IT budgets and resource allocation, ensuring optimal use of funds while maintaining high standards of performance.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive the adoption of innovative technologies and best practices to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.

Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Option 1: 14+ years of progressive professional experience in information technology or a closely related field, with at least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in information technology (e.g., IT management, IT project management, or executive IT positions) within a large, complex organization, with at least 5 years in a senior IT leadership role (e.g., CIO, Deputy CIO, IT Director). 

Option 2: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field AND at least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in information technology (e.g., IT management, IT project management, or executive IT positions) within a large, complex organization, with at least 5 years in a senior IT leadership role (e.g., CIO, Deputy CIO, IT Director). 

In addition to meeting one of the above options, you should also have the following knowledge, skills, and experience:

• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale IT operations, including infrastructure, cloud environments, application development, and disaster recovery.
• Experience leading multimillion-dollar IT projects with significant oversight, including risk management, invested partner collaboration, and compliance with state or federal regulations.
• Experience overseeing teams of 100+ employees, including direct supervision of senior IT managers and professionals (OR Experience leading, mentoring, and managing diverse, highly skilled IT teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.)
• Deep knowledge of enterprise IT architecture, cloud computing strategies, and modern IT infrastructure management (e.g., hybrid cloud, virtualization, network security).
• Proficiency in IT strategic planning, including developing technology roadmaps, disaster recovery plans, and business continuity frameworks.
• Experience with vendor management, contract negotiation, and service-level agreement (SLA) oversight for IT services and cloud providers.
• Proven skills in change management, driving modernization efforts, and implementing innovative IT solutions in a complex, regulated environment.
• Experience serving as an executive sponsor for high-risk, high-impact IT projects.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing IT policies and procedures at an organizational or statewide level.
• Experience representing an organization in inter-agency committees, legislative briefings, or public forums on IT-related matters.
• Experience presenting complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences, including executive leadership, legislators, and the public.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external partners, including state agencies, public health partners, and private industry.
• Experience advocating for IT investments and securing funding through legislative decision packages or budget proposals.
• Experience managing budgets of multi million or more, including operating budgets, IT project budgets, and indirect cost pools.

About Washington State Department of Health

Our programs and services help prevent illness and injury, promote healthy places to live and work, provide information to help people make good health decisions and ensure our state is prepared for emergencies. To accomplish all of these, we collaborate with many partners every day. We help ensure a safer and healthier Washington by: Working to improve health through disease and injury prevention, immunization, and newborn screening Providing health and safety information, education and training so people can make healthy choices Promoting a health and wellness system where we live, learn, work, play and worship Addressing environmental health hazards associated with drinking water, food, air quality and pesticide exposure Protecting you and your family by licensing healthcare professionals, investigating disease outbreaks and preparing for emergencies

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