Chief Information Officer

Norfolk, Virginia's Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Norfolk, Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city, home to the world's largest Naval station and the business, arts, and cultural center of Coastal Virginia. Norfolk has been rated a top place to live, work, and raise a family by numerous publications.

The City of Norfolk is seeking a visionary, collaborative executive to serve as its Chief Information Officer (CIO). The CIO serves as the City's principal technology strategist and trusted advisor to the City Manager and executive leadership team, leading enterprise technology, cybersecurity, digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), enterprise data strategy, and innovation initiatives that improve government operations and enhance services for residents, businesses, and employees.

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) leads the Department of Information Technology, managing an annual operating budget of over $20 million and a team of more than 80 professionals. The CIO oversees all enterprise technology services, including cybersecurity, applications, cloud services, data management and analytics, GIS, telecommunications, public safety technology, infrastructure, network operations, end-user computing, and customer support.

This role partners with all city departments to shape technology strategies that improve operational efficiency, modernize business processes, strengthen cybersecurity, and enhance digital services. The CIO provides executive leadership for digital transformation, enterprise architecture, cloud strategy, technology and data governance, and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

The CIO identifies long-term citywide technology needs and develops strategies for systems development, hardware acquisition, and platform integration. This includes reviewing feasibility studies and overseeing the implementation and operation of major information systems. The CIO monitors emerging technologies, assesses their organizational impact, and ensures strong information security practices and reliable access to critical systems.

In addition, the CIO leads innovation initiatives that advance service delivery and operational effectiveness, including evaluating Smart City technologies, IoT solutions, automation, advanced analytics, and other emerging tools. The CIO also leads the city's enterprise AI strategy—establishing governance, policies, and responsible use standards while identifying opportunities to safely leverage AI and automation to improve productivity, decision-making, customer service, and overall efficiency.

Essential Functions

• Lead enterprise digital transformation initiatives.
• Develop and maintain the City's technology strategic plan.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the City Manager, executive leadership, and City Council on technology, cybersecurity, AI, and innovation.
• Develop enterprise AI governance and responsible use policies.
• Lead cybersecurity strategy, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning.
• Establish enterprise data governance and analytics programs.
• Oversee enterprise architecture, cloud strategy, and application modernization.
• Foster innovation and continuous improvement throughout City government.
• Develop strategic technology partnerships with regional, state, federal, military, higher education, and private-sector organizations.
• Manages information technology functions by providing effective resource management, budget development, budget control, financial management, staffing, staff development, employee relations and other human resource management activities.
• Plans and implements city-wide technology initiatives by managing the development of requirements, requests for proposals, project management and implementation of projects, procurement, and managing the change process.

Education/Experience

Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field preferred. Equivalent education and executive leadership experience may be considered.

Ten (10) years of progressively responsible information technology leadership experience, including executive-level management of complex technology organizations, enterprise cybersecurity, digital transformation initiatives, strategic planning, and budget administration.

Experience in local government or other large public-sector organizations is highly desirable.

Additional Information & Requirements

• Competitive benefits package.
• The position is a senior executive unclassified position which serves at the will of the City Manager.
• Signing Bonus: This position is eligible for a one-time $5,000 sign-on bonus.