What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Information Officer position at Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County?
First review of qualified applications on May 26, 2026.
CLICK HERE for further information about the Unified Government, and the Athens-Clarke County community.
APPLY: Do not send resumes in lieu of a completed application. The online application is available at www.accgov.com/jobs.
We hope you will take time to explore this opportunity to join a highly professional local government organization and a progressive, vibrant community in the heart of sunny Northeast Georgia just 65 miles from Atlanta. Home of the University of Georgia, Athens is nationally-recognized for its high quality of life, state-of-the-art educational opportunities, endless outdoor recreation, and cultural amenities such as arts, entertainment, music, and food. If this opportunity is for you, we invite you to apply, or to pass on this information to others who might find this position of interest.
REPORTS TO: Athens-Clarke County Manager
FLSA STATUS: Exempt - Executive
CLASSIFICATION: Appointed, Regular Non-Merit; Serves at the discretion of the County Manager
PAY GRADE: 134; $121,432 - $144,654 depending on qualifications
SAFETY SENSITIVE: Yes; Subject to random drug testing per the Athens-Clarke County Drug and Alcohol Ordinance.
Purpose of Job
The purposes of this job is to plan, direct, and manage the activities of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCGov) Information Technology Department, which provides Information Technology (IT) services to ACCGov departments by ensuring equipment, systems, and networks operate effectively and efficiently. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, strategically defining government information needs, analyzing problems and implementing corrective action(s) designing information systems that address information needs, and providing day-to-day IT support to ACC departments, enhancing their abilities to deliver goods and services to the ACC citizens , facilitating data sharing amongst the organization and community, and performing additional tasks as assigned.
Job Related Requirements
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Some evenings or weekends. Position is eligible for hybrid remote work after a period of satisfactory service.
May be required to work on religious holidays.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Must work cooperatively with others.
When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC's safe driving policy.
Six years of related experience in management of personal computers, communications, networks, servers, or mid-range computers; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.
Five years of supervisory experience required.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional preferred.
Criminal fingerprint background check must indicate eligibility for access to sensitive public safety information such as GCIC records and other confidential departmental data which may reasonably be accessed during execution of CIS duties.
The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Strategic Planning & Policy Development
Develops policies regarding network operations, network security, network device management and GIS applications for the Unified Government.
Plan and develop the rollout of Smart Cities (IOT) technology including leadership of the Broadband Connectivity Project in SPLOST 2020.
Designs and plans network expansions for Athens-Clarke County that will be used throughout the entire Government.
Evaluates new and existing hardware, software, and related technology; provides recommendations for future automation needs.
System Security
Aligns departmental cybersecurity practices with applicable state and federal frameworks, such as NIST and CISA standards. Develops and implements updated Cybersecurity Plans as technology and threats change.
Directs the development of disaster recovery procedures for all IT systems government wide.
Directs the testing of all recovery procedures to determine their reliability in the event of a disaster.
Maintains backup systems for the recovery of information from technical and/or user error as well as system failures.
Directly responsible for development of the system security plans and testing of plans to ensure the safety of data contained within the systems.
Ensures compliance with Criminal Justice Information Services Security Policy requirements for all systems accessing sensitive public safety data.
Leverage Technology in Our Organization
Consults with other departments on automation plans, concerns, problems, or inquiries.
Plans, directs, and controls the strategic automation plan, requests for service, upgrades, computer programs and automation projects.
Develops reports for Athens-Clarke County management regarding automation strategy, trends, concerns, or recommendations.
Administers an IT governance framework for evaluating, prioritizing, and allocating technology resources across competing departmental needs.
Be an organizational leader, in collaboration with the Budget and Strategy Department, in facilitating the sharing of data across the organization to empower and enable all departments to utilize data for better decision making and provide more transparency through the open data portal.
Writes contracts, requests for information, and bid specifications for automation needs including both hardware and software.
Consults with vendors to evaluate software and hardware.
Monitors and guides automation project installations and progress; evaluates project progress.
Administrative Oversight
Hires, supervises, evaluates, and develops assigned staff, handling all employee concerns, directing work assignments, counseling and disciplining employees when necessary, and completing employee performance appraisals.
Reviews employee time sheets, payroll, and incident reports to ensure accuracy, and provide follow-up action as needed.
Directs and reviews the daily operations of the Information Technology Department; supervises and delegates assignments; assists staff as needed with technical or other issues.
Develops strategic goals, objectives, and plans for the Information Technology Department, receiving guidance from the ACCGov Manager as appropriate.
Prepares and presents technology-related agenda items for Mayor and Commission consideration, including recommendations on policy, capital investment, and strategic initiatives.
Develops the Department's budget and monitors and approves all Department expenditures.
Negotiates, executes, and monitors technology contracts and service level agreements; ensures vendor performance accountability and licensing compliance across all enterprise software and hardware agreements.
Performs other related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of the Information Technology Department.
Knowledge of IT governance frameworks and methodologies for evaluating, prioritizing, and allocating technology resources across a multi-department organization.
Knowledge of management, personnel, and financial practices, policies and procedures as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities.
Knowledge of applicable state and federal cybersecurity frameworks, including NIST, CISA, and CJIS Security Policy requirements, and their application in a local government environment.
Knowledge of how to develop and administer operations and staff plans and objectives expediently and effectively.
Knowledge of all applicable laws, ordinances, policies, standards, and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the job.
Knowledgeable and proficient with computers; stays abreast of computer- related technologies and computer industry trends.
Knowledge of multiple computer operating systems and networking and their administration, administration of software and hardware licensing, techniques of computerized information management, and relevant local, state and federal regulations.
Knowledge of enterprise contract structures, software licensing models, and service level agreement standards as applied to government technology procurement.
Ability to develop and administer policies, procedures, plans, and activities and to monitor performance of subordinates against measured established goals.
Ability to develop and implement long-term goals for the department to promote effectiveness and efficiency.
Ability to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, operations, technologies, budgetary and equipment needs, as they pertain to departmental operations and activities.
Ability to evaluate complex vendor proposals, negotiate contract terms, and hold vendors accountable to performance standards and deliverable timelines.
Ability to effectively communicate and interact with subordinates, management, elected officials, employees, vendors, members of the general public and all other groups.
Ability to anticipate emerging cybersecurity threats and adapt security plans, policies, and procedures proactively rather than reactively.
Ability to assemble information, make oral presentations, and produce written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner.
Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in managing subordinates including the handling of emergency situations, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems.
Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information.
Ability to brief elected officials, senior leadership, and non-technical audiences on technology risks, capital investment needs, and strategic recommendations in a clear and accessible manner.
Ability to read, understand and interpret personnel and financial reports, automation system reports, and related materials.
This classification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive and is intended to identify the major responsibilities and job requirements.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a computer, projector, engineer scale, architect scale and calculator. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. This position requires: walking, bending, stooping, standing, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, seeing, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for light work.
DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving assignments and/or directions to co-workers or assistants.
LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires ability to read a variety of reports, letters, time sheets, invoices, plats, job applications, studies, ordinances and informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare reports, studies, letters, memoranda, ordinances, policy statements, budgets, time sheets and maps using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to people and groups of people with poise, voice control, and confidence.
INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand complex principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgment in the absence of management.
VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative, technical or professional languages including engineering, legal, planning, personnel, budgetary, land use, and construction terminology.
NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; utilize determine percentages; interpret graphs; compute discount, interest, profit and loss, ratio and proportion; perform calculations involving variables, formulas, square roots and polynomials; perform statistical calculations which include frequency, distribution, reliability and validity of tests, correlation's techniques, factor analysis and econometrics.
FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with computer, projector, engineer scale, architect scale and calculator.
MOTOR COORDINATION: May require the ability to coordinate hands, fingers, and eyes accurately in using computer, overhead projector, engineer scale, architect scale and calculator. Requires the ability to use the keyboard, lift, bend, push, and pull objects or materials using body parts as the position necessitates.
MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as computer, projector, engineer scale, architect scale and calculator. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
COLOR DISCRIMINATION: Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under considerable stress when confronted with an emergency.
PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone.
ACCGov is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. ACCGov is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Leah Jagatic, HR Coordinator, Human Resources, 762-400-6370 or leah.jagatic@accgov.com.
Salary : $121,432 - $144,654