Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Job Location:

The office for this position is located at the Harry S. Truman State Office Building, 301 W High Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

Why you’ll love this position:

As the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the State of Missouri, you will serve as the principal technology leader, visionary, and executive director of the Information Technology Services Division (OA-ITSD). In this Division Director capacity, you will shape and drive the overarching strategic vision and digital transformation for statewide IT operations. Leading an elite organization of 900+ IT professionals across multiple enterprise domains, including Cyber Security, Cloud Platforms, AI, Enterprise Architecture, Data Center Management, Network Operations, Application Development, End User Support, IT Contracts & Vendor Management, and Project Management & Oversight, you will ensure the delivery of secure, modern, resilient, and customer‑centric technology solutions for state agencies and the citizens & businesses of Missouri.

The salary indicated represents a base pay rate. If the individual selected or the position is eligible for a pay differential (e.g., shift, security, or years of service), it will be added to the total compensation in your paycheck. A pay differential does not raise your base pay.

Here is a comprehensive overview of your core responsibilities as the State CIO:

• Statewide Strategic Vision: Establish, direct, and implement the long‑term statewide IT strategic plans that align technology initiatives with state priorities and agency missions (based on governance & interaction with the Governor’s Office, OA Commissioner’s Office, Cabinet Directors, and MO Legislature).
• Executive Leadership & Governance: Oversee all operations of OA-ITSD, leading a large, comprehensive organization of IT professionals to ensure the reliable, secure, and efficient delivery of technology services statewide.
• Cabinet‑Level Advisory: Serve as the principal technology advisor to the Governor, Cabinet members, legislative bodies, and agency directors regarding technology policy, funding, and modernizations.
• Digital Transformation & Innovation: Champion state‑level innovation by identifying and deploying emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud services, and data integration platforms—to optimize public services.
• Enterprise Financial Stewardship: Command executive oversight of the multi‑million‑dollar statewide IT budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility, accurate forecasting & budgeting, and exemplary stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
• Cybersecurity & Threat Mitigation: Direct the state's security posture, ensuring the implementation of robust cybersecurity frameworks, data protection, and tested business continuity plans.
• IT Contracts & Vendor Management: Drive high‑value IT procurement processes and identify needed contract protections and incentives by partnering with the state’s Procurement and Legal departments.
• Interagency Collaboration: Facilitate strong partnerships and align business strategy across diverse state departments to eliminate operational silos and promote cohesive enterprise‑wide technology solutions.
• Delivery Excellence: Establish and enhance performance metrics and utilize transparent dashboard reporting to continually evaluate deliverables and ensure scope realization for each project’s stakeholders.
• Culture & Talent Management: Cultivate a high‑performing, cooperative, and inclusive workforce within ITSD, mentoring senior leadership (including the Deputy CIO) and prioritizing professional development.
• Policy Enforcement & Advocacy: Draft and enforce statewide IT guidelines, policies, and compliance structures to meet all federal, state, audit, and other regulatory mandates.
• Incident Command: Serve as the ultimate decision‑maker and executive‑in‑charge during major IT incidents, outages, or technical emergencies impacting critical state operations.

To succeed in this highly visible leadership role, candidates should possess the following qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field; a Master’s degree or relevant executive IT certification is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive, senior‑level IT leadership experience, specifically directing large-scale, enterprise technology operations.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor large (100+), multi‑disciplinary teams and effectively drive complex organizational and cultural change.
• Extensive experience managing multi‑million‑dollar technology budgets, analyzing state funding mechanisms, and managing encumbered/supplemental funds with minimal variance.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a proven history of presenting technical strategies to senior legislative committees, boards, and public‑sector executives.
• Deep understanding of the operational, regulatory, and service needs of state government entities and the ability to formulate strategic IT policies at a state level.
• Strong knowledge of current technological trends, cloud environments, legacy modernization, and practical AI implementations.
• Advanced understanding of enterprise architecture, IT service management (ITSM), cybersecurity standards, and agile project methodologies.
• Demonstrated success in evaluating complex RFPs and negotiating high‑level enterprise software agreements and vendor contracts.
• Exceptional relationship‑building skills to establish trust, foster cooperative environments, and align priorities with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Skill in assessing, prioritizing, and mitigating system‑wide IT risks and steering response efforts during technology crises.

Successful background check results are required for employment in this position. This may include background checks involving a candidate's name and/or fingerprints and other screenings as needed for the specific position.

Authorization to work in the United States is a prerequisite of employment. The Office of Administration will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.