Chief Innovation Officer

General Purpose

The Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) serves as the Department Head responsible for data-driven innovation in the City of Burlington intended to facilitate the City’s continuous improvement initiatives and directs information technology (IT) operations. The CIO will work with internal and external community stakeholders on behalf of the City to develop and encourage data-driven best practices in municipal government with the goal of fostering a culture of innovation, accessibility, efficiency, and accountability within the City of Burlington. This position provides counsel and strategic planning advice to the City on all levels of IT programs and projects, and ensures that improving the end-user’s experience drives all change. This position is a mayoral appointment, and serves at the pleasure of, and reports to, the Mayor.

Essential Job Functions

Data Driven Innovation and Continuous Improvement

• Coordinate the development of a data-driven innovation strategy for the City, which includes (i) leading the City’s efforts to collect, analyze, and disseminate data to the public and across City departments, (ii) facilitating the institutionalization of data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement processes across the City, and (iii) promoting transparency through the use of accessible, open data
• Build partnerships with City of Burlington leadership, City Councilors, local community groups, academic institutions, non-profits, and businesses to support research and development efforts intended to support data-driven decision making and to develop innovative solutions to enduring City challenges
• Serve as an adviser to the Mayor to facilitate Mayoral decision making

Information Technology Operations

• Direct the development of a new comprehensive IT vision for the City, including through consultation with internal and external stakeholders, that supports the City’s people-oriented effort to continuously improve service provision and the quality of life in the City, make City services more accessible and equitable, and identify ways to utilize technology to save money
• Manage the operations of the City’s IT Department, including supervising and directing IT staff and associated data collection and analysis efforts
• Synchronize City Department website interfaces with the public to create a simplified user experience and continuously upgrade these interfaces to reflect demand and IT changes
• Facilitate and enforce interdepartmental collaboration when required to achieve innovation and ensure the interoperability between data platforms
• Keep current with and apply innovative approaches from other communities and relevant advances in information and digital technology to refine a strategic plan for the IT Department based on the City’s IT vision and data-driven innovation strategy
• Oversee both the development of and implementation of City-wide standards for IT services to assist reducing redundancy, ensuring unified service delivery, and synchronizing data platforms
• Approve all City-wide Departmental hardware and software purchases
• Oversee network and meet with appropriate Department Head if it is determined that unapproved software/hardware has been added to the City system.
• Oversee all Enterprise-level applications and solutions for the City of Burlington, including but not limited to acquisition, conversion, testing, implementation, effective use and training
• Oversee the professional development and training programs for IT personnel and direct the establishment of a City-wide training program for appropriate software applications
• Take responsibility for developing, monitoring, and administering the yearly IT Department budget, and develop a budget proposal after discussions with other Department heads
• Recommend policies and protocol to the Mayor on IT issues, and ensure such recommendations are in compliance with appropriate licensing requirements, regulations, and laws

Non-Essential Job Functions:

• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements

• Bachelor degree required. Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science or related field a plus, but not required.
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in management, public administration, consulting, IT Management experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience as determined by the Mayor.
• Proven successful implementation of a continuous improvement process; oversight of complete process from metric creation, data collection/analysis preferred
• In depth technical knowledge of multiple information technology platforms including Microsoft Servers, Microsoft O365, Unix/Linux servers, cloud-based computing and CISCO networking preferred.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, and implementing large-scale systems as well as supervise a team
• Must have strong analytical skills and problem determination and resolution experience
• A strong desire to improve service to internal and external customers is required as is a high level of personal creativity, initiative and enthusiasm to work within a constantly changing organization
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, customers and other personnel
• Ability to effectively and professionally represent the City in all written and verbal interactions with multiple stakeholders including City employees, elected officials, and members of the general public required
• Ability to actively support City racial equity, inclusion and belonging efforts within stated job responsibilities and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies, coupled with evidence of ongoing trainings and professional development
• Ability to demonstrate solid judgment and the utmost level of the confidentiality
• Ability to prioritize work and problem solve to accomplish competing objectives while meeting deadlines is required
• Upon conditional offer of employment candidate must successfully complete background investigation.
• Regular attendance and availability to respond to emergent and time-sensitive situations are essential to meeting expectations of the job functions including the ability to work nights, weekends and holidays
• Ability to work effectively as a manager in a team environment
• Ability to travel to and from various work sites within the City of Burlington