Chief Information Officer

Description The Chief Information Officer (CIO) provides executive leadership and strategic direction for all information technology and technical functions within the County. The CIO oversees the County’s IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise systems, and artificial intelligence programs and procedures. This position directly supervises the Director of Information Technology, Mapping & Applications, and Records Management, ensuring alignment of technology services across departments. Description The Chief Information Officer (CIO) provides executive leadership and strategic direction for all information technology and technical functions within the County. The CIO oversees the County’s IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise systems, and artificial intelligence programs and procedures. This position directly supervises the Director of Information Technology, Mapping & Applications, and Records Management, ensuring alignment of technology services across departments. Examples of Duties The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary. Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals. Coordinates, assigns and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed. Develops and implements the County’s IT and Mapping & Applications strategies and works closely regarding the technical broadcasting strategies aligned with countywide goals and statutory requirements. Advises the County Administrator, Deputy County Administrator, elected officials, and department heads on technology investments, risks, and implementation planning. Leads digital modernization initiatives that improve operational efficiency and enhance resident-facing services. Establishes IT governance policies, cybersecurity standards, and technology best practices for countywide consistency. Provides executive-level guidance during priority projects, major system upgrades, and countywide technology initiatives. Oversees the operation, maintenance, security, and modernization of the County’s IT systems, including networks, servers, data centers, cloud platforms, enterprise applications, and cybersecurity programs. Develop and implements a County-wide artificial intelligence procedure, protocols, and processes for use for all County departments. Ensures high systems reliability to support public safety, emergency operations, and county government functions. Directs and approves large-scale IT projects, system implementations, and procurement of major technology solutions. Participates in the strategic planning by leading efforts to develop and apply technology solutions to the County’s most critical needs. Ensures excellent customer service and technical support delivery across all county departments. Work closely with Beaufort County Broadcast Team and Public Information for all information technology issues, support and future expansion Supports leadership for live-streamed government meetings, public access channels, and digital media platforms while not directing content, messaging, or editorial decisions. Supports disaster recovery and continuity planning. Establishes countywide cybersecurity policies, risk mitigation strategies, and incident response protocols. Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local security requirements. Oversees data governance, privacy standards, disaster recovery, and continuity planning for IT across all County Departments. Develops and manages the technology operating and capital budgets. Oversees procurement of IT equipment, software, and services in accordance with county purchasing policies. Negotiates and manages contracts with vendors, service providers, and technology partners. Identifies cost efficiencies, revenue opportunities, and grant funding relevant to technology and broadcasting needs. Fosters a culture of accountability, innovation, customer service, and continuous improvement across all County Departments to ensure technology is being used to best serve both internal and external customers. Establishes the mission, goals and objectives for the IT, Mapping & Applications and Records Management Department. Develops and manages the operational and capital budgets for assigned departments. Provides mentoring, training opportunities, and succession planning for technology and broadcasting staff. Encourages cross-departmental collaboration to ensure effective use of technology resources. Performs related work as assigned. Typical Qualifications Minimum Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Public Administration, or a related field. Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in information technology, computer science, information systems, computer engineering or a closely related field. At least five (5) years of experience in a senior management or executive leadership role. Government or public sector management experience preferred. Supplemental Information All applicants tentatively selected for a position with Beaufort County Council will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for the illegal use of drugs and to a background check prior to appointment. Employment is contingent upon clearing both the drug screening and background investigation. Benefits health care dental vision retirement deferred compensation plans flexible spending accounts life insurance long-term disability short-term disability holidays vacation sick leave To learn more details, please visit the Beaufort County Human Resources website. Applicant Questions 01 Do you possess a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Public Administration. Yes No 02 Do you have ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible experience in information technology, computer science, information systems, computer engineering? Yes No 03 Do you have at least five (5) years of experience in a senior management or executive leadership role? Yes No 04 Please describe your executive leadership experience overseeing multiple technology functions, departments, or divisions. 05 Please describe your experience developing and implementing enterprise-wide IT strategies aligned with organizational goals. 06 Do you have experience working in government or the public sector? Yes No 07 Describe your experience overseeing IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, cloud platforms, data centers, and enterprise systems 08 Please describe your experience leading cybersecurity programs, risk management initiatives, and incident response planning. 09 Have you developed or implemented governance policies, technology standards, or compliance frameworks? If yes, please explain. 10 Please describe your experience leading large-scale technology projects, system upgrades, or digital modernization initiatives. 11 Describe your experience advising executive leadership, elected officials, boards, or department heads on technology investments, risks, and strategic planning. 12 Please describe your experience managing operational and capital technology budgets. 13 Describe your experience managing vendor contracts, procurement processes, and technology service agreements. 14 Have you identified cost-saving opportunities, grant funding, or revenue opportunities related to technology initiatives? If yes, please explain. 15 Please describe your experience with disaster recovery, business continuity, and emergency operations support. 16 Describe your experience establishing or improving customer service and technical support across an organization. 17 Please describe your supervisory experience, including staff development, performance management, coaching, and succession planning. 18 Have you worked in government or the public sector? If yes, please describe your experience. 19 Please describe your experience with GIS, Mapping & Applications, Records Management, or similar operational functions. 20 Why are you interested in serving as Chief Information Officer for Beaufort County, and what value would you bring to the organization? Required Question #J-18808-Ljbffr