Chief Product Officer

Job Description - Chief Product Officer (26141664) Chief Product Officer – Position The Chief Product Officer (CPO) role is responsible for establishing a product operating model built around empowered, cross‑functional product teams that are accountable for solving real user and business problems. The CPO champions outcomes over outputs, continuous product discovery, evidence‑based decision making, and the practice of measuring success by the value delivered to agencies and the public rather than by the volume of features shipped. The CPO leads and develops the leaders of each functional team, holds them accountable for product outcomes, and removes barriers to execution, rather than directing day‑to‑day product or development work. The CPO coaches functional leaders in building strong product management, product design, and engineering partnerships, and in developing the product competencies needed for teams to operate with clear strategic context, meaningful customer access, and appropriate decision‑making authority. The CPO also actively uses artificial intelligence as a core tool of the position, applying AI to accelerate product discovery, analyze portfolio performance, synthesize stakeholder input, support prioritization decisions, and identify opportunities for innovation and efficiency across the enterprise product portfolio. The CPO champions the responsible adoption of AI within the Office of Product Strategy and ensures alignment with statewide AI governance, ethical standards, security requirements, and policy. The CPO serves as the primary product strategy executive for SITSD, partnering with the Deputy CIO, State CIO, fellow Chief Officers, and agency CIOs to ensure Montana's technology products are user‑centered, strategically prioritized, and positioned to deliver meaningful outcomes statewide. This position reports to the Deputy CIO for Core IT Services. Responsibilities Establish a product operating model built around empowered, cross‑functional product teams. Champion outcomes over outputs, continuous product discovery, and evidence‑based decision making. Lead and develop leaders of each functional team, holding them accountable for product outcomes. Coach functional leaders in product management, product design, engineering partnerships, and product competencies. Use artificial intelligence to accelerate product discovery, analyze portfolio performance, synthesize stakeholder input, support prioritization, and identify opportunities. Champion responsible adoption of AI and ensure alignment with AI governance, ethical standards, security, and policy. Partner with the Deputy CIO, State CIO, fellow Chief Officers, and agency CIOs to align technology products with strategic priorities. Qualifications Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Business, Public Administration, or related field. Seven years of progressively responsible experience in product management, technology strategy, or enterprise IT leadership, including at least three years in an executive or senior leadership role overseeing technology teams and functions. Preferred: Master’s degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field. Preferred: Experience in state or local government IT or product leadership. Preferred: Experience leading product or technology organizations through large‑scale transformation in a complex, multi‑stakeholder environment. Required knowledge, skills, and abilities: Knowledge of product management practices, AI, and portfolio management sufficient to provide credible executive oversight and strategic direction. Ability to develop and communicate an enterprise product vision that guides organizational priorities, investment decisions, and technology adoption. Proven ability to lead leaders – setting direction, delegating effectively, and holding team managers accountable for outcomes. Experience building and sustaining high‑performing product and technology teams through coaching, clear expectations, and a culture of accountability. Ability to translate enterprise strategy into clear direction and measurable product outcomes across multiple teams. Experience aligning diverse stakeholders across agencies, executive leadership, and technical teams around shared goals. Ability to engage, challenge, and advise senior leaders on complex product and technology decisions with significant organizational impact. Strong communication skills with the ability to represent technology interests in executive, legislative, and interagency settings. Benefits Work/life Balance Health Coverage Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness. This position requires the successful completion of a criminal background check. State of Montana is an equal opportunity employer. The State of Montana does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant. #J-18808-Ljbffr