Deputy Chief Information Officer

Ohio Department of Administrative Services•Columbus, OH

About The Position

Under the direction of the Chief Information Officer, the Deputy Chief Information Officer provides executive leadership and operational oversight for the day-to-day functions of the Information Technology division. The Deputy CIO ensures the reliability, security, and effectiveness of technology systems and services that support the Ohio Secretary of State’s mission and strategic objectives. The position assists the CIO in the development and execution of enterprise IT strategy, governance, and modernization initiatives, balancing immediate operational demands with long-term technology planning. The Deputy CIO oversees IT service delivery, project and portfolio management, resource allocation, and supervisory functions within the division, while promoting innovation, operational efficiency, and adherence to industry standards and best practices. In the absence of the CIO, the Deputy CIO serves as a primary point of contact for executive-level technology matters and coordinates responses with IT leadership and agency stakeholders. The role requires strategic thinking, sound operational judgment, and the ability to align technology investments and initiatives with organizational priorities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Telecommunications, Business Administration, or a related field, or
Equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience may be considered.
8 years of progressively responsible experience in information systems analysis, design, operations, or enterprise IT management.
6 years of supervisory or management experience, including performance management and staff development.
3 years of experience in project or program management involving cross-functional technology initiatives.
2 years of experience in budgeting, financial planning, or fiscal oversight related to technology operations.
Knowledge of enterprise IT operations, infrastructure, cybersecurity principles, incident response, and continuity of operations practices.
Knowledge of IT governance frameworks, AI governance, change management, procurement standards, and public-sector compliance requirements.
Knowledge of strategic IT planning, modernization initiatives, project and portfolio management methodologies, and industry best practices.
Knowledge of budgeting, financial planning, and fiscal oversight within a technology-driven environment.
Knowledge of supervisory principles, performance management, and organizational leadership practices.
Skill in executive leadership and operational oversight of enterprise technology services.
Skill in leading complex, cross-functional technology projects, including planning, risk management, scope control, and budget adherence.
Skill in aligning technology strategy and investments with organizational mission, priorities, and long-term objectives.
Skill in resource allocation, workforce planning, and performance evaluation.
Skill in analyzing operational performance and implementing process improvements to enhance service delivery.
Skill in communicating complex technical information effectively to executive leadership and non-technical stakeholders.
Ability to provide executive-level leadership and sound judgment in the absence of the Chief Information Officer.
Ability to balance short-term operational demands with long-term strategic planning.
Ability to oversee enterprise-wide IT operations while ensuring reliability, security, and performance.
Ability to manage multiple high-impact initiatives simultaneously within budget and time constraints.
Ability to foster collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement within the IT division.

Responsibilities

IT Operations Leadership & Service Delivery
Provides oversight, responsibility, and accountability for day-to-day IT operations, ensuring continuity, stability, and performance of all technology services.
Oversees incident response planning and operational recovery efforts to ensure timely resolution of technology disruptions.
Identifies areas for operational improvement, streamlines processes, and enhances user experience across IT service delivery.
Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with SOS business units supported by IT to ensure alignment and responsiveness to operational needs.
Executive Support & Governance
Serves as the first point of contact for technology requests and issues in the absence of the Chief Information Officer, coordinating appropriate responses with IT leadership and SOS executive staff.
Assists in the development and implementation of IT governance, AI governance, change management, and IT procurement processes to ensure compliance, accountability, and strategic alignment.
Strategic Planning & Technology Advancement
Assesses evolving technology needs of the SOS by identifying industry standards, best practices, and emerging technologies to enhance organizational effectiveness.
Balances short-term operational demands with long-term strategic objectives, ensuring technology initiatives align with the Secretary of State’s strategic goals.
Project & Portfolio Management
Leads and oversees complex technology projects and initiatives, including feasibility assessment, stakeholder coordination, risk identification, scope management, communication planning, and delivery within budget and time constraints.
Oversees the Project Management Office within IT and ensures effective project governance and execution standards are maintained.
Resource & Financial Management
Manages and allocates personnel and technology resources across IT teams and projects, aligning capacity and skill sets with SOS priorities.
Participates in budgeting oversight and financial planning to support technology operations and strategic initiatives.
Supervisory & Organizational Leadership
Supervises assigned staff, including mentorship, application of workplace policies, performance evaluation, and recommendations regarding compensation and promotion.
Fosters leadership development and promotes accountability, collaboration, and professional growth within the IT division.