Part-Time Chief Information Officer (CIO)

METRO Regional Transit Authority•Akron, OH

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Part-Time Chief Information Officer (CIO) provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and technical expertise to evaluate, modernize, and strengthen METRO’s information technology environment. This role conducts comprehensive assessments of infrastructure, systems, cybersecurity practices, operations, and policies, and develops a multi-year technology roadmap that aligns with organizational and transit-specific needs. The position is on-site 24–29 hours per week and may transition into a full-time CIO role based on organizational needs and performance. This role reports to the CFO.

Requirements

Executive-level IT leadership experience as CIO or comparable senior IT role
Undergraduate degree in MIS, Computer Science, or Information Technology and 10-12 years of experience
Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks (NIST, CIS, CIS Controls)
Experience with cloud technologies, enterprise infrastructure, and digital modernization
Strong background in budget development, capital planning, vendor management, procurement
Excellent communication and executive presentation skills
Proficient in data analytics

Nice To Haves

Experience with public sector or transportation organizations preferred

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive evaluation of infrastructure, cloud environments, hardware lifecycle, enterprise systems, integrations, data management, telecommunications, end-user computing, disaster recovery, and business continuity.
Assess cybersecurity policies, identity and access management, MFA, endpoint protection, firewalls, network security, vulnerability management, training, incident response, regulatory compliance, and cyber-insurance readiness.
Produce Current State and Cybersecurity Assessment reports with prioritized risk-reduction recommendations.
Develop a multi-year Technology Strategic Plan, including major initiatives, capital investment needs, lifecycle planning, digital transformation opportunities, innovation strategies, resource planning, and budget forecasts.
Establish IT governance processes, technology standards, and updated policies (security, acceptable use, DR/BC, change management, retention, etc.).
Advise executive leadership and participate in organizational strategic planning.
Evaluate IT staffing structure, roles, workflows, help desk processes, service delivery, procurement practices, vendor oversight, asset management, and documentation standards.
Recommend operational improvements, organizational alignment, and process efficiencies.
Provide oversight for major technology initiatives including infrastructure upgrades, software implementations, ERP improvements, ITS and vehicle technologies, fare collection systems, and grant-funded technology projects.
Ensure alignment with transit operations, customer-facing systems, and mobility technologies.
Review and optimize technology contracts, vendor performance, SLAs, procurement specifications, negotiations, and purchasing strategies.
Support development of technology operating budgets, capital plans, replacement schedules, cost-benefit analyses, ROI evaluations, and grant funding opportunities.
Provide recommendations on future IT organizational structure, staffing needs, skill gaps, succession planning, and transition of CIO duties from part-time to full-time.