Chief Information Officer

South Florida Regional Transportation Authority•Pompano Beach, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Join Our Leadership Team The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA), operator of Tri-Rail, is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead the agency's technology strategy and drive innovation across a mission-critical transportation environment. As a key member of the executive leadership team, the CIO will provide strategic direction for enterprise technology, cybersecurity, operational technology systems, telecommunications, cloud platforms, and business applications that support commuter rail operations, customer service, and organizational performance. This is a rare opportunity to lead the technology strategy, cybersecurity posture, and digital transformation of one of South Florida's most visible public transportation agencies. As a member of the executive leadership team, the CIO will play a key role in shaping organizational strategy, modernizing critical technology systems, and driving innovation across a mission-critical commuter rail operation. If you are a strategic technology leader who thrives on solving complex challenges, building high-performing teams, and delivering innovative technology solutions that make a visible impact on the communities you serve, we encourage you to apply. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is responsible for providing strategic leadership, executive oversight, and operational direction for the Authority's technology environment. This role partners closely with executive leadership and operational departments to ensure technology systems, cybersecurity initiatives, and modernization efforts effectively support organizational objectives, service delivery, and long-term operational resiliency. Essential functions are the primary, fundamental tasks and responsibilities of a position that are critical to the successful performance of the job. These are the duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, and they form the core purpose of the role. The following highlights represent key areas of responsibility and are not an exhaustive list of all duties and expectations associated with the position.

Requirements

Enterprise IT infrastructure, operational technology (OT) environments, cloud platforms, telecommunications systems, cybersecurity platforms, and enterprise applications supporting mission-critical operations.
IT governance frameworks, enterprise technology planning, organizational technology standards, modernization strategies, and strategic technology alignment practices.
Cybersecurity frameworks and standards, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requirements, operational security principles, enterprise risk management, vulnerability management, disaster recovery, business continuity, continuity-of-operations planning, and regulatory requirements applicable to transportation systems and operational technology environments.
Technology modernization initiatives, infrastructure lifecycle planning, enterprise system implementation, and operational technology improvements.
Executive communication, stakeholder engagement, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into operational and business-relevant information.
Lead enterprise technology operations within a lean, operationally intensive, mission-critical environment.
Balance executive leadership responsibilities with operational engagement, implementation oversight, and organizational collaboration.
Manage multiple organizational initiatives, operational demands, technology projects, and strategic priorities simultaneously within time-sensitive environments.
Ability to develop, administer, and monitor operating and capital budgets; support resource allocation; and align technology investment decisions with organizational priorities.
Familiarity with Microsoft 365 environments, enterprise collaboration tools, virtual meeting platforms, and cloud-based communication systems.
Familiarity with enterprise infrastructure environments, cloud-based platforms, cybersecurity tools, and operational technology systems supporting mission-critical operations.
Familiarity with budgeting, procurement, financial tracking, reporting, and enterprise administrative systems.
Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Business Administration (IT focus), or a related field.
Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible IT leadership experience, including recent experience overseeing enterprise systems, operational technology, cybersecurity, budget administration, vendor oversight, strategic planning, and staff leadership in complex operational environments
At least five (5) of those seven (7) years must include supervisory, management, or functional leadership responsibility, with demonstrated sustained responsibility for performance management, coaching, staffing, accountability, and oversight of technology personnel, enterprise initiatives, operational technology environments, infrastructure programs, vendor relationships, or technology operations.
Demonstrated experience developing and implementing enterprise technology strategies, governance structures, modernization initiatives, operational improvements, or technology transformation efforts.
Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position may be substituted.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered, with one (1) year of relevant experience substituting for one (1) year of required education.

Nice To Haves

Experience in public sector, transportation, transit, commuter rail, or other operationally complex environments.
Experience supporting operational, mission-critical, or safety-critical systems, such as transit, rail, aviation, utilities, or similar environments.
Familiarity with regulatory frameworks applicable to transportation systems and operational technology environments.
Master’s degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, Public Administration, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
Certified Government CIO (CGCIO) or equivalent public-sector technology leadership certification.
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), CompTIA Security+, or equivalent cybersecurity and information security certifications.
PMP (Project Management Professional), ITIL, or equivalent project management, service delivery, or operational governance certifications.
Microsoft Azure certifications, Cisco certifications, or equivalent cloud infrastructure, enterprise networking, or systems administration certifications.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute an enterprise technology strategy aligned with organizational goals and operational priorities.
Establish governance frameworks, technology standards, and planning processes that support accountability and effective decision-making.
Provide executive oversight and strategic direction for enterprise infrastructure, operational technology systems, cybersecurity platforms, telecommunications systems, cloud environments, and enterprise applications.
Ensure technology systems supporting commuter rail operations, customer service, communications infrastructure, and business operations remain reliable and secure.
Lead the Authority’s cybersecurity strategy, governance, operational security initiatives, and enterprise technology risk management efforts.
Establish and maintain cybersecurity policies, standards, and procedures aligned with recognized frameworks such as National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), applicable regulatory requirements, and transportation-related operational environments.
Oversee disaster recovery planning, business continuity efforts, and continuity-of-operations initiatives related to enterprise technology systems and operational technology environments.
Lead enterprise technology modernization initiatives, infrastructure upgrades, operational technology improvements, and multi-year technology roadmaps.
Ensure technology projects and modernization efforts are strategically aligned, appropriately prioritized, and effectively executed through executive oversight of implementation activities and vendor coordination.
Develop and manage Information Technology operating and capital budgets in alignment with organizational priorities.
Provide executive oversight of procurement activities, vendor evaluations, contract negotiations, and technology investment decisions.