Chief Technology and Innovation Officer

Position Type:
ADMINISTRATION/ADMINISTRATION

Date Posted:
6/22/2026

Location:
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Richland County School District One, South Carolina

Classification Description

Classification Title: Chief Technology and Innovation Officer
FLSA Status: Exempt
240 days
Salary Range: $139,677.50 - $181,414.80

General Statement of Job

The Chief Technology and Innovation Officer (CTIO) is a senior executive leader responsible for the strategic integration, alignment, and advancement of all technology services across the school district. This role ensures that technology infrastructure, enterprise systems, devices, and innovative initiatives are seamlessly coordinated and effectively implemented to support instructional excellence, operational efficiency, and organizational effectiveness.

Working in close partnership with departmental leaders, including Academics, Operations, Human Resources, Legal Services, and Finance the CTIO leads a collaborative, system-wide approach to digital transformation, ensuring technology solutions are cohesive, secure, scalable, and aligned with district priorities. Reports to the Deputy Superintendent.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Lead the integration of technology systems, platforms, and services across all departments to ensure alignment with district goals.
• Partner with leadership in Academics, Operations, Human Resources, Legal Services, and Finance to co-develop and implement technology-supported strategies.
• Serve as a key advisor to the Deputy Superintendent of Finance and Operations and executive leadership on technology planning, innovation, and risk management.
• Establish governance structures to ensure cross-functional coordination and prioritization of technology initiatives.
• Oversee all district technology infrastructure, including networks, cloud environments, enterprise systems (ERP, SIS, HRIS), and telecommunications.
• Ensure interoperability and integration between platforms used across departments.
• Lead lifecycle management of all student and staff devices with an emphasis on equity, reliability, and sustainability.
• Maintain high levels of system performance, uptime, and customer service delivery.
• Drive district-wide innovation initiatives that enhance teaching, learning, and business operations.
• Collaborate with instructional leadership to support transformative uses of technology in classrooms.
• Identify, pilot, and scale emerging technologies (e.g., AI, automation, advanced analytics) to improve outcomes and efficiency.
• Promote a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and agile problem-solving across the organization.
• Lead the district's cybersecurity program, including risk assessment, threat mitigation, and incident response.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local data privacy regulations (e.g., FERPA, COPPA).
• Establish and maintain data governance frameworks to support secure, ethical, and effective use of information.
• Collaborate with Legal Services on compliance, contracts, and risk management related to technology systems and data.
• Work closely with Finance to lead, develop, monitor, and manage the district's technology budget, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.
• Integrate technology investments with operational priorities and long-term capital planning.
• Oversee procurement, vendor management, and contract negotiations in collaboration with Finance and Legal Services.
• Support Human Resources in the integration and optimization of HR systems and workforce technologies.
• Lead and coordinate district-wide technology projects, ensuring alignment, transparency, and timely delivery.
• Implement project governance processes and performance metrics to track success and impact.
• Ensure consistent service delivery standards across all schools and departments.
• Utilize data and analytics to guide continuous improvement efforts.
• Lead, develop, and evaluate the Technology Services department, including infrastructure, support services, and innovation teams.
• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture focused on responsiveness and continuous improvement.
• Build capacity among district staff through professional development and technology training initiatives.
• Communicate technology strategies, progress, and impacts to district leadership, staff, and community stakeholders.
• Build strong partnerships with external organizations, vendors, and agencies.
• Advocate for equitable access to technology across all schools and student populations.

Additional Duties:

Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Education and Training

Requires a master's degree in information technology, Educational Technology, Computer Science, Public Administration, or related field required from an accredited college or university supplemented by at least 7-10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in technology services or related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Strong background in literacy required. An earned doctorate degree or its equivalent is preferred.

Must possess certification to meet State and Southern Association standards. Must possess or be eligible for S.C. Superintendent Certification

Minimum Qualifications and Standards Required

Physical Requirements:

Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

Data Conception:

Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Interpersonal Communications:

Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving assignments and/or directions to subordinates and receiving assignments and/or direction from supervisor.

Language Ability:

Requires ability to read a variety of technical reports and documentation, financial documents, codes, regulations, etc. Requires the ability to prepare technical and general reports, presentation materials, correspondence, etc., with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control and confidence.

Intelligence:

Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; to deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Requires the ability to apply influence systems in managing a supervisory/management staff; to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information.

Verbal Aptitude:

Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow and give verbal and written instructions; to counsel and teach employees. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with persons of varying educational/cultural backgrounds and in a variety of technical and/or professional languages including education, budgeting, risk management, personnel, etc.

Numerical Aptitude:

Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to utilize mathematical formulas, to determine percentages and decimals and to determine time. Must be able to use advanced applications of statistics.

Form/Spatial Aptitude:

Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and visually read various information.

Motor Coordination:

Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes using office machinery.

Manual Dexterity:

Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, keyboards, office equipment, control knobs, buttons, switches, catches, etc. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color Discrimination:

Does not require the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.

Interpersonal Temperament:

Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations or tight deadlines. The worker may be subject to tension as a regular, consistent part of the job.

Physical Communications:

Requires the ability to talk and hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear).

Performance Evaluation Criteria

Job Knowledge:

Has comprehensive knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Richland County School District One as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Chief Technology and Innovation Office. Has comprehensive knowledge of the organization of the District. Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Is able to make sound, educated decisions. Has the ability to plan and develop daily, short- and long-term goals related to District's purposes. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Has substantial knowledge in the areas of understanding enterprise system integration across finance, HR, academic, and operational domains; expertise in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud services, and data systems; exceptional collaboration and relationship-building skills across diverse functional areas; strategic thinking with the ability to operationalize complex initiative; strong financial acumen related to budgeting, procurement, and resource allocation. Knows how to apply supervisory and managerial concepts and principles; has knowledge of administrative principles involved in developing, directing and supervising various programs and related activities. Knows how to plan, organize and direct management staff. Has the ability to offer instruction and advice to subordinates regarding departmental policies, methods and regulations. Is able to perform employee evaluations and to make recommendations based on results. Has the ability to offer training and assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments as required. Is able to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Is able to assemble and analyze information and make written reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner. Has comprehensive knowledge of the terminology and various professional languages used within the department. Has knowledge of proper English usage, grammar, punctuation and spelling; has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Is able to compile, organize and utilize various financial information necessary in the preparation of budgets, and knows how to prepare and monitor budgets. Knows how to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation. Knows how to make public presentations. Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations. Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.


Quality of Work:

Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with internal and external entities with whom the position interacts.

Quantity of Work:

Performs described Essential Functions and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets established standards and expectations.

Dependability:

Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Maintains accountability for assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance:

Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm:

Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be accomplished, and initiates proper and acceptable action for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment:

Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies issues or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to issues or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches issues, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation:

Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with established policies or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation intra- and inter-departmentally.

Relationships with Others:

Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and co-workers for mutual benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships inter- and intra-departmentally, and with external entities with whom the position interacts. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints in order to established and maintain good will. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image.

Coordination of Work:

Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of work elements and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.


Safety and Housekeeping:

Adheres to all established safety and housekeeping standards. Ensures such standards are not violated.


Planning:

Plans, coordinates and uses information effectively to enhance activities and production. Knows and understands expectations regarding such activities and works to ensure such expectations are met. Develops and formulates ways, means and timing to achieve established goals and objectives. Effectively and efficiently organizes, arranges and allocates manpower, financial and other designated resources to achieve such goals and objectives.

Organizing:

Efficiently organizes own work and that of subordinate staff. Ensures that personnel understand what results are expected of them, and that each is regularly and appropriately informed of all matters affecting or of concern to them.

Staffing:

Works with upper management, where appropriate, to select and recommend employment of qualified personnel. Personally directs the development and training of personnel under charge, ensuring their proper induction, orientation and training.

Leading:

Provides a work environment which encourages clear and open communications. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of the principles of effective leadership and how such principles are to be applied. Provides adequate feedback to personnel under charge concerning their performance. Commends and rewards personnel under charge for outstanding performance, and takes timely and appropriate disciplinary action as necessary. Exercises enthusiasm in influencing and guiding others toward achievement of established goals and objectives.

Controlling:

Provides a work environment which is orderly and controlled. Coordinates, audits, and controls manpower and financial resources efficiently and effectively. Coordinates, audits, and controls the utilization of materials and equipment efficiently and effectively. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of established standards, methods and procedures.

Delegating:

Assigns duties as necessary and/or appropriate to meet goals, enhance abilities of personnel under charge, build their confidence and assist them in personal growth. Has confidence in personnel under charge to meet new or additional expectations.

Decision Making:

Exercises discretion and judgment in developing and implementing courses of action affecting functions under charge. Recognizes when a particular policy, procedure or strategy does not foster the desired result, and moves decisively and explicitly to develop and implement alternatives.

Creativity:

Regularly seeks new and improved methodologies, policies and procedures for enhancing the effectiveness of functions under charge. Employs imagination and creativity in the application of duties and responsibilities. Is not adverse to change that supports achievement of goals and objectives.

Human Relations:

Strives to develop and maintain excellent rapport with personnel under charge. Listens to and considers their suggestions and complaints, and responds appropriately. Establishes a work environment to promote and maintain mutual respect.

Policy Implementation:

Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of policies regarding functions under charge and the function of the organization. Adheres to policies in the discharge of duties and responsibilities, and ensures the same from personnel under charge.

Policy Formulation:

Maintains awareness of changes in operating philosophies and policies, and routinely reviews policies to ensure any changes in philosophy or practice are appropriately incorporated into functions under charge. Recognizes and understands the relationship between operating policies and practices and morale and performance. Strives to ensure that established policies enhance same.