Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Allegheny County Department of Human Services•Pittsburgh, PA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

At the Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS), the mission is to improve the well-being of the County’s most vulnerable residents by operating, influencing, and funding essential services. DHS has a national reputation for using data, analytics, and technology to deliver effective public services. The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) will lead technology strategy, product design, software development, and enterprise IT and security functions, overseeing an annual technology budget exceeding $20 million. The CTO will guide the development of digital products for various stakeholders, including child welfare caseworkers and homeless shelter staff, while ensuring the reliability, security, and integrity of DHS systems and data. Current initiatives focus on modernizing service management, improving care coordination, enhancing online access to human services, and creating automated digital pathways for clients. This position reports to the Director of Analytics and Technology and manages 4 direct and 75 indirect-report staff. The ideal candidate is a technologist and leader with a proven track record of building and leading high-performing product and engineering teams, possessing a strong instinct for leveraging technology to improve services and outcomes. This leader embraces an iterative, product-driven approach, testing ideas through pilots and prototypes, learning from feedback, and refining solutions. They have a deep understanding of software development and engineering leadership, focusing on vision-setting, team empowerment, and delivering impactful products. Experience in software or product development, especially in complex environments with diverse users, is essential, with a preference for experience in the technology sector or modern digital product practices. The candidate should be adept at developing and executing strategic initiatives, balancing long-term sustainability with rapid, tangible improvements. Effective collaboration and communication skills are crucial for working with diverse stakeholders, aligning priorities, and maintaining strong relationships while focusing on client outcomes. The role requires a deep motivation for mission-driven work and a commitment to using technology to improve the lives of Allegheny County’s most vulnerable residents.

Requirements

Five years of leadership experience in a complex enterprise, including responsibility for staff management and results delivery.
Demonstrated training in software engineering, information systems, or a related technical field, gained through formal education, professional experience, or equivalent applied work.
Demonstrated experience building, deploying, and maintaining production-grade systems or platforms.
Demonstrated experience leading engineering or IT teams, including responsibility for system architecture, delivery, and operations.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated success in managing IT infrastructure, IT budgets, software development and systems architecture.
Proven track record of successfully leading large-scale technology projects, delivering results on time and within budget.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to leverage data and insights for informed decision-making.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and senior executives.
Experience working in resource-constrained or highly regulated environments (e.g., government, healthcare) preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead teams across product management, design, engineering, customer success, and enterprise IT, including infrastructure, security, and compliance. Together, these teams design, build, and operate digital tools and platforms that help DHS staff and community-based providers better serve Allegheny County residents.
Lead the overall technology strategy for DHS, spanning digital product development, enterprise IT, infrastructure, and cybersecurity
Build and lead multidisciplinary teams across product management, user experience, engineering, IT, and security, fostering a culture of ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Drive a product-focused approach to technology delivery while ensuring systems are reliable, secure, and compliant with applicable standards and regulations
Identify opportunities to modernize and simplify service delivery, using technology to automate processes, reduce friction for clients and providers, and improve how residents discover and access human services
Oversee the architecture, delivery, and operation of modern software platforms and IT systems, balancing open-source innovation, cost efficiency, and long-term sustainability
Establish and maintain strong security, privacy, and risk management practices to protect sensitive client and program data
Manage a portfolio of major technology initiatives and vendor partnerships, ensuring high-quality delivery and effective risk mitigation
Collaborate closely with program leaders and community partners to ensure new tools support real-world workflows and improve operational effectiveness
Stay current on emerging technologies and practices, identifying opportunities to improve service delivery, data use, and system resilience