Chief Technology Officer

Overview

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.

• 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 the CIO with the development of strategic plans, policies, procedures, and processes
• Provide oversight and technical leadership for department managers and appointed staff to achieve organizational goals and ensure systems receive timely operational maintenance
• Serve as project manager for technology projects, ensuring planning, procurement, execution, and completion while monitoring staff, resources, and budget
• Assist the CIO with general departmental administration, including annual budget development, RFPs and bids, contract negotiation, and other financial processes
• Assist the CIO with the preparation and maintenance of security and disaster recovery policies, plans, and procedures
• Review and recommend technology projects for legality or value-add, researching and recommending strategic and tactical plans for IT systems, telecommunications, and initiatives; collaborate on the City’s strategic plan
• Assist in the development and training of appointed staff on professional growth such as technical skills, customer service, and organizational needs
• Serve as point of contact for technology services escalations when the CIO is unavailable, addressing City Management and Council concerns
• Assist the CIO with department personnel administration including recruitment, hiring, retention, personnel evaluations, and other actions as needed

• 20% – Project management of technology projects (planning, procurement, execution, monitoring, budget)
• 15% – General departmental administration and financial processes
• 15% – Security and disaster recovery policy development and maintenance
• 15% – Project review and strategic recommendations; collaborate on strategic plan implementation
• 10% – Staff development and training in technical and customer service areas
• 10% – Escalation point for technology service issues when CIO is unavailable
• 10% – Personnel administration support for recruiting, hiring, retention, and evaluations
• 5% – Additional duties as required

• Demonstrated technology leadership experience with independent judgment and initiative, progressing to higher responsibility
• Comprehensive knowledge of current technology trends and developments in enterprise applications, infrastructure, data center, storage, communication systems, networking, end‑user technology, and cybersecurity solutions; experience with change management, project management, and SDLC processes (e.g., ITIL)
• Comprehensive knowledge of IT systems design, procurement, installation, maintenance, and support
• Track record of managing moderate to large projects and delivering outstanding customer service, showing sound business judgment and decision‑making
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, tailoring messages to varied audiences, and maintaining effective relationships with departments, officials, agencies, and the public
• Direct experience with policy development for information security and disaster recovery

• Combination of education and experience equal to a bachelor’s degree in information technology from an accredited college or university
• 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 or certification for information security is a plus

• Valid North Carolina driver’s license
• Successful completion of all required job screening(s) for employment in a Public Safety environment
• Completion of…