Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Allegheny County Department of Human Services•Pittsburgh, PA

14h

About The Position

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead technology strategy, product design, software development, and enterprise IT and security functions. The CTO will oversee an annual technology budget of more than $20 million and 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 include modernizing contracting systems, building tools for better care coordination, improving online access to human services, and creating automated digital pathways for clients to receive goods and services. This position reports to the Director of Analytics and Technology and oversees 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, and a strong ability to identify opportunities where technology can significantly improve services and outcomes. They should embrace an iterative, product-driven approach, focusing on setting vision, empowering teams, and delivering impactful products. Experience in software or product development, especially in complex environments or the technology sector, is highly valued. The candidate must be an effective collaborator and communicator, motivated by mission-driven work to improve the lives of Allegheny County’s 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.
Experience working in resource-constrained or highly regulated environments (e.g., government, healthcare) preferred.
Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience that demonstrate the required capabilities will be considered.

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.
A technologist and leader with a track record of building and leading high-performing product and engineering teams.
Strong instinct for identifying opportunities where technology can meaningfully improve services and outcomes.
Embraces an iterative, product-driven approach, testing ideas through pilots and prototypes, learning quickly from feedback, and refining solutions to better serve staff, partners, and residents.
Deep understanding of software development and engineering leadership, but focus their energy on setting vision, empowering teams, and delivering impactful products rather than writing code themselves.
Experience leading software or product development efforts, ideally in complex environments with diverse users.
Experience in the technology sector or with modern digital product practices.
Experience developing and executing strategic initiatives, balancing long-term sustainability with the ability to move quickly and deliver tangible improvements.
An effective collaborator and communicator, able to work across a wide range of stakeholders, align competing priorities, and maintain strong working relationships while keeping the focus on outcomes for DHS clients.
Deeply motivated by mission-driven work, with a commitment to using technology to improve the lives of Allegheny County’s most vulnerable residents.

Responsibilities

Lead teams across product management, design, engineering, customer success, and enterprise IT, including infrastructure, security, and compliance.
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.