Chief Administrative Officer

Chief IT Administrative Officer

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

The Indiana Office of Technology provides cost-effective, secure, consistent, reliable enterprise-technology services to our partner agencies so that they can better serve our mutual customer, the Hoosier taxpayer. IOT will also act as the technology and solution enabler for the State, helping its partner agencies achieve business objectives and innovation.

Role Overview

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is a key member of the Indiana Office of Technology's senior leadership team. Reporting directly to the State Chief Information Officer and IOT Agency Head, the CAO provides strategic, operational, and administrative leadership across multiple enterprise-level functions. The CAO collaborates closely with fellow executives, including the Chief Technology Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, Chief Relationship and Delivery Officer, Chief Digital and Experience Officer, and Chief Geographic Information Officer. This role delivers essential oversight and strategic direction for core administrative operations, including finance, legal services, workforce development, communications, contract administration, and enterprise software and hardware licensing. The CAO ensures alignment with statewide technology priorities, adherence to state policies, and consistent delivery of high-quality services to partner agencies.

You will supervise:

• Chief Financial Officer – Oversees all budgeting, financial operations, revenue management, and fiscal strategy.
• General Counsel – Manages all legal services including contracts, ethics compliance, personnel matters, and agency legal strategy.
• Assistant Director of Strategic Workforce Development – Directs recruitment, retention, workforce development, and career-pathing initiatives.
• Director of Communications – Leads agency-wide internal and external communications and public messaging.
• Enterprise Licensing Management – Oversees software and hardware licensing strategies, enterprise contract negotiations, and volume pricing agreements in coordination with the Indiana Department of Administration (IDOA).

Salary: The salary for this position is up to $160,000.00 commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life: Responsibilities include:

• Review and evaluate organizational effectiveness, strategic goals, and planning processes; recommend improvements that enhance agency performance and statewide alignment.
• Develop and coordinate agency plans, policies, and resource strategies; establishes mission, vision, goals, and expectations for programs and staff.
• Provide accurate interpretation and guidance regarding applicable laws, rules, and policies to agency staff, partner agencies, and the public.
• Supervise subordinate personnel, including hiring, workload determination, delegation of responsibilities, training, performance evaluation, and corrective or disciplinary actions.
• Monitor IOT's budget, including revenues, expenditures, charge-back rates, financial performance, and long-term projections. Ensures fiscal practices align with state requirements.
• Represent the agency in communications in partnership and alignment with the Governor's Office with news media; responds to inquiries professionally to support transparency and public trust.
• Coordinate with federal, state, and local officials on planning efforts and policy initiatives related to statewide technology operations.
• Work in partnership with IOT COO on established internal controls and monitors and evaluates against standards and performance metrics to drive compliance, operational consistency, and accountability.
• Lead recruitment, selection, onboarding, and staff training efforts to ensure role clarity, high performance, and ongoing professional development.
• Set expectations, measures progress, provides feedback, and evaluates employee performance; ensure adherence to deadlines, quality standards, and established procedures.
• Work with peer CXO's in establishing succession plans to cultivate a culture of growth, development and internal promotability.

What You'll Need for Success: Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Master's degree in business, public administration, law, or related discipline is preferred.
• Experience in state government or large public-sector organizations.
• Familiarity with statewide technology initiatives, IT governance, or enterprise operations.
• Experience in organizational development, strategic planning, and change management.
• Demonstrated ability to develop policies, interpret complex regulations, and lead cross-functional teams.
• Experience with enterprise licensing negotiations, contract management, or vendor relations.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Core Competencies:

• Strategic Leadership – Ability to set long-term direction, define priorities, and align operational efforts with statewide objectives.
• Financial and Organizational Acumen – Skilled in budget management, forecasting, resource planning, and organizational effectiveness.
• Legal and Policy Insight – Ability to interpret laws, rules, and regulations and apply them to agency operations.
• Communication and Public Relations – Skilled in crafting clear messaging and interacting effectively with media and external stakeholders.
• Talent Development – Committed to building high-performing teams, cultivating leadership, and supporting continuous staff development.
• Collaboration and Partnership – Ability to work cooperatively with executives, public officials, external agencies, and statewide partners.
• Accountability and Oversight – Strong ability to set controls, monitor performance, and manage outcomes across multiple operational areas.

A degree is not required. However, at least 15+ years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana: The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to: 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off 12 paid holidays, 14 in election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity: The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at View email address on click.appcast.io.