Deputy Chief Information Officer (CIO) - Operations at Metropolitan Council Minnesota

Deputy Chief Information Officer (CIO) – Operations

Metropolitan Council, a regional government for the seven counties of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services.

Location: 390 Robert St. N St. Paul, MN

Salary: $160,513.60 – $321,048.00 annually

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 2025-00433

Division: Regional Administration

Department: IS-Management

Opening Date: 01/07/2025

Closing Date: 1/21/2026 11:59 PM Central

Overview

The Information Services department is the central IT department supporting all divisions of the Metropolitan Council. Our 140 team members provide technology, practices, and innovative solutions that enable the Council's core services.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a 5‑year strategy for enterprise technology operations and infrastructure.
• Serve as a primary strategic liaison and operational partner for IT services across all five Council divisions.
• Define and implement strategies for infrastructure modernization, reliability engineering, and service experience.
• Participate in IS Leadership Team planning and Council‑wide initiatives.
• Establish and monitor performance metrics (SLAs, KPIs) for infrastructure, operations, and service management that reflect Council‑wide needs.
• Build a proactive incident response and resilience capability for critical systems.
• Develop and maintain business continuity and disaster recovery programs.
• Drive cloud modernization and disaster recovery readiness in alignment with enterprise risk management.
• Design and implement a scalable cost allocation and service model that supports all divisions equitably.
• Actively mentor technical leads and managers within the division.
• Lead vendor and contract negotiations for technology operations services.
• Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence using lean/agile principles.
• Build collaborative and empowered teams that can deliver high‑value services on a scale.
• Participate in governance forums such as the Technology Oversight Committee (TOC).
• Represent the CIO in senior‑level operational and technical meetings as needed.
• Promote and model IS guiding principles in cross‑functional leadership settings.
• Serve as a backup to the CIO and provide executive‑level technical and business reporting as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School/GED and fourteen (14) years of experience, including five (5) years in a management role.
• Associate's degree and twelve (12) years of experience, including five (5) years in a management role.
• Bachelor's degree and ten (10) years of experience, including five (5) years in a management role.
• Master's degree and eight (8) years of experience, including five (5) years in a management role.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working and collaborating in a diverse, multicultural, and inclusive environment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Deep knowledge of IT infrastructure, enterprise operations, cybersecurity, and service management principles.
• Extensive understanding of hybrid cloud architecture, systems engineering, enterprise networking, and operational risk mitigation.
• Mastery of enterprise‑scale infrastructure planning, network systems, and cloud operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in industry‑standard frameworks such as ITIL, NIST, ISO 20000, COBIT, and Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) practices.
• Strong working knowledge of business strategy development, stakeholder engagement, and policy alignment.
• Advanced knowledge of IT financial planning, budget forecasting, cost modeling, and vendor contract management.
• Understanding of equity‑centered leadership practices and public‑sector governance structures.
• Familiarity with large‑scale operational systems, including SCADA, ERP, and mission‑critical service platforms.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills, with a demonstrated track record of developing inclusive, high‑performing teams.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build alignment across diverse stakeholders and departments.
• Proven fiscal management skills, including the oversight of multi‑million‑dollar operational and capital budgets.
• Strong negotiation and third‑party service management skills with the ability to ensure value‑based procurement and contract execution.
• Effective incident response, problem‑solving, and service optimization skills in complex and highly regulated environments.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to align long‑term technology operations with organizational priorities and outcomes.
• Ability to lead change initiatives in complex, matrixed, and multi‑divisional organizations.
• Ability to operate autonomously and make high‑impact decisions affecting enterprise‑wide systems and services.
• Ability to think systemically and translate complex technical realities into actionable business strategies and performance metrics.
• Ability to identify and mitigate infrastructure vulnerabilities while maintaining service continuity and public accountability.
• Ability to manage external relationships and navigate internal political dynamics with integrity and professionalism.
• Ability to inspire trust, foster collaboration, and act as a credible voice for operational technology strategy across all Council divisions.
• Ability to balance innovation with compliance and operational reliability within a heavily audited environment.
• Ability to evaluate emerging technologies, assess risk, and implement solutions that enhance equity of access, digital resilience, and service quality.
• Ability to act on behalf of the CIO and serve as executive sponsor or representative in their absence.

Benefits

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage employees to develop their skills through on‑site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a good work/life balance.
• Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund.
• Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax‑deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan.
• Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%.
• Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance.
• View email address on click.appcast.io clinic.
• Bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year.
• Parking at many job locations.
• Fitness centers at many job locations.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Extensive health and wellness programs and resources.

Union/Salary Grade: Non‑Represented, Classified/ E‑1

FLSA Status: Exempt

Safety Sensitive: No

Work Environment: Work is performed in a standard office setting; some positions may require travel between the primary work site and other sites.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employer. The council is committed to a workforce that reflects the region's diversity and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.