CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER

Salary : $98,136.06 - $156,978.01 Annually
Location : Technology Services (115 W. Second Avenue), Gastonia, NC
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 01742
Department: Information Technology
Division: Technology Services/Infrastructure
Opening Date: 02/12/2026
Closing Date: 5/31/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
FLSA: Exempt


General Definition of Work
The City of Gastonia is seeking a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to provide sound technical leadership for a highly diverse municipal government by recommending the best technology and management solutions to support our organization's continued growth and ensure technical resources are used appropriately.


GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:
Under the general supervision of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and in collaboration with Technology Services Department, the CTO will be responsible for the following

• Oversee the development, implementation, integration, and support of technology infrastructure for the City of Gastonia and all departments therein
• Directly manage information systems projects, operations, and appointed staff
• Assist CIO with the development of strategic plans, policies, procedures, and processes
• Other duties and related work as required

Essential Functions/Duties


Provide oversight and technical leadership in directing department managers and appointed staff personnel toward achieving the organizational goals and ensuring systems receive timely operational maintenance as needed. Leadership and oversight must be conducted in a way that emphasizes customer service, cyber and physical security, fiscal responsibility, attention to detail, and promptness.
20%Serve as project manager for technology projects, ensuring the planning, procurement, execution, and completion of projects while monitoring appointed project staff, assigned resources, and budget.
15%Assist the CIO with general departmental administration, including the development of the annual budget, facilitating the drafting and processing of RFPs and bids, reviewing and negotiating contracts as needed, and other financial processes as required
15%Assist the CIO with the preparation, development, and maintenance of security and disaster recovery policies, plans, and procedures.
15%Review requested and/or recommend technology projects for legality or value-add to the organization. Research and recommend strategic and tactical plans regarding information technology systems, telecommunication, and technological initiatives for assigned areas. CTO will collaborate with the CIO and Technology Services Management Team on the development and implementation of the City of Gastonia's strategic plan.
10%Assist in the development and training of appointed staff in the areas of professional growth such as technical skills development, customer service, and other organizational needs.
10%When the CIO is unavailable, the CTO will serve as the point of contact for the highest level of escalation for technology services issues for City Management and the Council
10%Assist the CIO with department personnel administration including the recruitment, hiring, and retention of employees, conducting personnel evaluations, employee professional development, and other personnel actions as needed
5%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience in technology leadership with considerable independent judgment and initiative that produced a visible progression in responsibility
• Comprehensive knowledge of current technology, trends, and developments in the areas of enterprise application systems and technology infrastructure including data center management and storage systems, communication systems, local and wide area networking, end-user technology, and cybersecurity solutions. Direct experience with change management, project management, and SDLC processes (e.g. ITIL).

• Comprehensive knowledge of information technology systems design, procurement, installation, maintenance, and support.
• A track record of successfully managing moderate to large projects and delivering outstanding customer service. Planning, organizing, and accomplishing the City of Gastonia's objectives while displaying sound business judgment and decision-making.
• Exemplary communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to tailor communications to varying audiences. The ability to coordinate effectively with and maintain effective working relationships with user department personnel, department heads, City officials, external government agencies, and the public is essential to the position
• Direct experience with policy development for information security and disaster recovery is required.

Education/Experience/Physical Demands/Special Requirements/Additional Information

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in information technology,
• Or considerable experience in information systems management with a substantial supervisory/management role
• Direct experience with policy development for information security and disaster recovery is required.
• Formal project management training is a plus.
• Formal training/certification for information security is a plus.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid North Carolina driver's license.
• Applicant must successfully complete all job screening(s) necessary to be employed in the Public Safety environment.
• Emergency Management Institute - National Incident Management System (NIMS) IS-700, IS-100, IS-200, and IS-300 courses within one year of hire.

1. The physical activity of this position includes :
A. Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling.


B Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.


C . Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal spoken word levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make fine discriminations in sound, such as when making fine adjustments on machined parts.


D Repetitive Motions: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
2. The physical requirements of this position:
B. Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Office Environment Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.
3 . The visual acuity requirements including color, depth perception, and field of vision :

A . The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform one or more of the following: preparing and analyzing data and figures; accounting; transcription; computer terminal; extensive reading; using measurement devices.


4. The conditions the worker will be subject to in this position:
A. None:The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in a typical office or administrative work environment).

Drug screening and criminal background checks required.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS MAY BE MADE TO ENABLE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS.

OUR MISSION: To provide fair, competent, responsive, and cost-effective services at the highest level. The City of Gastonia is committed to creating and maintaining a work environment that is inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. We value diversity and promise to honor your experiences, perspective, and unique identity.
The City of Gastonia is an Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/H
High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
Dental
Vision
Life
Supplemental Insurance Plans
Pension (Local Government Employees' Retirement System)
401(k)
457
Short-term/Long-term Disability
Dependent Care Plan
Employee Assistance Program
On-Site Health Clinic
Employee Educational Assistance Program
Sick Leave (12 days per year)
Initial Employment Vacation: Starting at 12 days per year
Holidays (11 days per year)
Personal Day (1 day per year)

A comprehensive list of benefits can be found online at