What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Information Officer (CIO, WMS 4) DOH8627 position at Washington State Department of Health?
Description
Chief Information Officer (CIO, WMS 4)
This permanent position is a part of the Washington Management Service (WMS) .
What You Will Do
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is dedicated to protecting and improving the health of all people in Washington. The Executive Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT) serves as the agency’s centralized IT organization, supporting over 2,000 employees and 400 IT systems to deliver critical public health programs and services. We are seeking a visionary Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead our Center for Technology Operations (TECH OPS) and drive innovative technology solutions that advance our mission.
At the DOH, we prioritize equity, innovation, and engagement. For us, innovation isn’t just a one-time initiative, it’s about continually challenging traditional methods to address evolving public health needs. We seize new opportunities, invest in modern technologies, and drive meaningful public health action to build a healthier future for everyone in Washington.
As the CIO, you will provide executive leadership to ensure the highest standards of information technology and data security across DOH. Reporting to the Chief of Innovation and Technology, you will oversee TECH OPS, manage mission-critical applications and infrastructure, and align technology strategies with the agency’s public health objectives. This role involves strategic planning, partnership with agency executives, and oversight of multimillion-dollar IT projects to enhance system efficiency and safeguard sensitive health information.
Key Responsibilities And Expectations
The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in managing large-scale IT operations, leading multimillion-dollar projects, and driving strategic technology initiatives within complex, regulated environments. They should demonstrate a proven ability to foster innovation, align IT strategies with organizational goals, and ensure robust disaster recovery and cybersecurity frameworks. To excel in this role, candidates must exhibit exceptional interpersonal competencies, including strong communication to convey complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders, collaborative leadership to build partnerships across agencies and with external vendors, and adept change management to navigate and drive digital transformation. Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and a commitment to mentoring diverse teams are essential for fostering a cohesive, innovative, and high-performing IT environment that supports the agency’s mission to protect and improve public health.
Education, Knowledge, Skills, And Experience
Option 1: 14 years of progressive professional experience in information technology or a closely related field, with at least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in information technology (e.g., IT management, IT project management, or executive IT positions) within a large, complex organization, with at least 5 years in a senior IT leadership role (e.g., CIO, Deputy CIO, IT Director).
Option 2: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field AND at least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in information technology (e.g., IT management, IT project management, or executive IT positions) within a large, complex organization, with at least 5 years in a senior IT leadership role (e.g., CIO, Deputy CIO, IT Director).
In addition to meeting one of the above options, you should also have the following knowledge, skills, and experience:
Location and Flexibility
This is a hybrid role based in our Tumwater office, with occasional trips to our Shoreline facilities or other locations as needed.
Benefits
We prioritize your work-life balance and offer one of the most competitive benefits packages nationwide, tailored to support your lifestyle. Discover more about "why DOH" by visiting Work@Health .
Who We Are
OIT - One Incredible Team!
In the Executive Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT), we’re on a mission to unleash the potential of technology, innovation, data, and informatics for the DOH. We believe in the power of every team member. We're not just a workplace; we're a thriving ecosystem that nurtures individual growth and collective success. As a strategic partner to DOH employees, we cultivate a culture of curiosity, ingenuity, critical thinking, and data-driven decision-making. Our shared goal? Making optimal health a reality for every single person in Washington.
About The Washington State Department Of Health (DOH)
At DOH, we safeguard public health in an ever-evolving world. Through collaboration with local health jurisdictions and state, federal, and private partners, our programs, and services impact every Washingtonian and visitor daily. We're driven by Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, as outlined in our Transformational Plan for the future of Washington health.
Conditions Of Employment
You must be prepared, with or without accommodations, to do the following:
To apply, click "Apply" and complete the application. Attach your resume, cover letter, and at least three professional references (including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led, if applicable). Do not include private information such as social security numbers or year of birth.
Make sure to document your years of experience in this field or area of work along with any tools, applications, software, etc. listed in the qualifications section of this job posting.
Do Attach The Following
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.
DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.
Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need accommodation in the application or selection process, or need information in an alternative format, contact Shawnelle Goalder at shawnelle.goalder@doh.wa.gov . For general DOH recruitment questions, email the Talent Acquisition Team at employment@doh.wa.gov . Deaf or hard of hearing contact Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1; individuals outside of Washington State contact Washington Relay Service at 1-800-833-6874.
Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.
SUBSCRIBE to DOH Job Alerts
Supplemental Information
Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in-full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.
Chief Information Officer (CIO, WMS 4)
This permanent position is a part of the Washington Management Service (WMS) .
What You Will Do
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is dedicated to protecting and improving the health of all people in Washington. The Executive Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT) serves as the agency’s centralized IT organization, supporting over 2,000 employees and 400 IT systems to deliver critical public health programs and services. We are seeking a visionary Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead our Center for Technology Operations (TECH OPS) and drive innovative technology solutions that advance our mission.
At the DOH, we prioritize equity, innovation, and engagement. For us, innovation isn’t just a one-time initiative, it’s about continually challenging traditional methods to address evolving public health needs. We seize new opportunities, invest in modern technologies, and drive meaningful public health action to build a healthier future for everyone in Washington.
As the CIO, you will provide executive leadership to ensure the highest standards of information technology and data security across DOH. Reporting to the Chief of Innovation and Technology, you will oversee TECH OPS, manage mission-critical applications and infrastructure, and align technology strategies with the agency’s public health objectives. This role involves strategic planning, partnership with agency executives, and oversight of multimillion-dollar IT projects to enhance system efficiency and safeguard sensitive health information.
Key Responsibilities And Expectations
- Lead IT Strategy and Vision: Provide strategic direction for all technology-related activities within the Department of Health. Ensure technology initiatives align with the agency's mission to protect and improve public health.
- Executive Leadership: Partner with agency leadership to recommend and implement technology solutions that support public health objectives and enhance system efficiency.
- Technology Oversight: Manage, guide, and mentor the IT team, ensuring the development, security, and maintenance of the department’s applications and infrastructure.
- Project Leadership: Serve as the Executive IT Sponsor for major IT projects. Oversee the successful delivery of high-impact initiatives, ensuring they meet strategic goals, timelines, and quality standards.
- Cloud Infrastructure Management: Collaborate with the Chief Data Officer and Enterprise Architecture team to develop and manage the department's cloud strategy, ensuring security, scalability, and cost-efficiency.
- Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: Lead disaster recovery and continuity efforts for mission-critical IT systems, ensuring the department can recover quickly from disruptions.
- Collaborate with Stakeholders: Build relationships with internal and external partners, including state agencies, vendors, and industry experts, to drive innovation and secure resources for technology initiatives.
- Compliance and Security: Ensure all IT systems and cloud solutions comply with legal, regulatory, and security standards to protect sensitive public health data.
- Risk Management: Conduct regular risk assessments, develop disaster recovery plans, and lead recovery efforts to minimize impact during unforeseen events.
- Advocacy and Representation: Represent the Department of Health in state and federal forums, advocating for IT needs, and providing expertise on technology policy and strategy.
- Resource Management: Oversee IT budgets and resource allocation, ensuring optimal use of funds while maintaining high standards of performance.
- Continuous Improvement: Drive the adoption of innovative technologies and best practices to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in managing large-scale IT operations, leading multimillion-dollar projects, and driving strategic technology initiatives within complex, regulated environments. They should demonstrate a proven ability to foster innovation, align IT strategies with organizational goals, and ensure robust disaster recovery and cybersecurity frameworks. To excel in this role, candidates must exhibit exceptional interpersonal competencies, including strong communication to convey complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders, collaborative leadership to build partnerships across agencies and with external vendors, and adept change management to navigate and drive digital transformation. Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and a commitment to mentoring diverse teams are essential for fostering a cohesive, innovative, and high-performing IT environment that supports the agency’s mission to protect and improve public health.
Education, Knowledge, Skills, And Experience
Option 1: 14 years of progressive professional experience in information technology or a closely related field, with at least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in information technology (e.g., IT management, IT project management, or executive IT positions) within a large, complex organization, with at least 5 years in a senior IT leadership role (e.g., CIO, Deputy CIO, IT Director).
Option 2: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field AND at least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in information technology (e.g., IT management, IT project management, or executive IT positions) within a large, complex organization, with at least 5 years in a senior IT leadership role (e.g., CIO, Deputy CIO, IT Director).
In addition to meeting one of the above options, you should also have the following knowledge, skills, and experience:
- Demonstrated experience managing large-scale IT operations, including infrastructure, cloud environments, application development, and disaster recovery.
- Experience leading multimillion-dollar IT projects with significant oversight, including risk management, invested partner collaboration, and compliance with state or federal regulations.
- Experience overseeing teams of 100 employees, including direct supervision of senior IT managers and professionals (OR Experience leading, mentoring, and managing diverse, highly skilled IT teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.)
- Deep knowledge of enterprise IT architecture, cloud computing strategies, and modern IT infrastructure management (e.g., hybrid cloud, virtualization, network security).
- Proficiency in IT strategic planning, including developing technology roadmaps, disaster recovery plans, and business continuity frameworks.
- Experience with vendor management, contract negotiation, and service-level agreement (SLA) oversight for IT services and cloud providers.
- Proven skills in change management, driving modernization efforts, and implementing innovative IT solutions in a complex, regulated environment.
- Experience serving as an executive sponsor for high-risk, high-impact IT projects.
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing IT policies and procedures at an organizational or statewide level.
- Experience representing an organization in inter-agency committees, legislative briefings, or public forums on IT-related matters.
- Experience presenting complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences, including executive leadership, legislators, and the public.
- Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external partners, including state agencies, public health partners, and private industry.
- Experience advocating for IT investments and securing funding through legislative decision packages or budget proposals.
- Experience managing budgets of multi million or more, including operating budgets, IT project budgets, and indirect cost pools.
- Master’s degree in computer science or closely allied field and ten years of management/leadership experience in information technology (i.e., Deputy CIO, IT Director or Senior IT Manager)
- Strong understanding of how technology supports mission-critical programs and services.
- Familiarity with health informatics, data analytics, or health information exchange systems.
- Experience in state or federal government, including knowledge of IT governance frameworks (e.g., WaTech, Technology Services Board) and related compliance or legislative processes.
- Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CITP, PMP, ITIL, or cloud credentials (e.g., AWS, Azure).
- Experience in IT leadership roles during emergency response or crisis situations (e.g., Incident Commander).
- Proven success leading digital transformation efforts, including cloud adoption, modernization of legacy systems, or implementation of emerging technologies like AI or machine learning.
Location and Flexibility
This is a hybrid role based in our Tumwater office, with occasional trips to our Shoreline facilities or other locations as needed.
Benefits
We prioritize your work-life balance and offer one of the most competitive benefits packages nationwide, tailored to support your lifestyle. Discover more about "why DOH" by visiting Work@Health .
Who We Are
OIT - One Incredible Team!
In the Executive Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT), we’re on a mission to unleash the potential of technology, innovation, data, and informatics for the DOH. We believe in the power of every team member. We're not just a workplace; we're a thriving ecosystem that nurtures individual growth and collective success. As a strategic partner to DOH employees, we cultivate a culture of curiosity, ingenuity, critical thinking, and data-driven decision-making. Our shared goal? Making optimal health a reality for every single person in Washington.
About The Washington State Department Of Health (DOH)
At DOH, we safeguard public health in an ever-evolving world. Through collaboration with local health jurisdictions and state, federal, and private partners, our programs, and services impact every Washingtonian and visitor daily. We're driven by Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, as outlined in our Transformational Plan for the future of Washington health.
Conditions Of Employment
You must be prepared, with or without accommodations, to do the following:
- Work Location: This is a hybrid role based in our Tumwater office, with occasional trips to Shoreline or other locations as needed.
- Schedule: This is a full-time, salaried position that may require working more than 40 hours per week to meet deadlines. You’ll need to be flexible to work evenings or weekends when critical project deadlines arise.
- Travel: You may need to travel to field offices, meetings, or out-of-state locations from time to time.
- Tools & Equipment: You’ll use standard office tools like laptops, tablets, smartphones, and software such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Visio, Project), Teams, and OneDrive.
- Customer Interaction: You’ll work with executive leadership, managers, and professionals within our department and across the state. You’ll also communicate with technology vendors for hardware, software, or services as needed.
- Other: You must be ready to work in the agency’s emergency operations center if it’s activated. This position does not have union representation.
To apply, click "Apply" and complete the application. Attach your resume, cover letter, and at least three professional references (including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led, if applicable). Do not include private information such as social security numbers or year of birth.
Make sure to document your years of experience in this field or area of work along with any tools, applications, software, etc. listed in the qualifications section of this job posting.
Do Attach The Following
- Resume
- Cover letter
- References
- DD-214 (if applicable)
- REMOVE personal photos – DO NOT submit any documents containing personal photos.
- Transcripts
- Certifications or Diplomas
- Projects or Portfolios
- Letters of Recommendation
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.
DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.
Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need accommodation in the application or selection process, or need information in an alternative format, contact Shawnelle Goalder at shawnelle.goalder@doh.wa.gov . For general DOH recruitment questions, email the Talent Acquisition Team at employment@doh.wa.gov . Deaf or hard of hearing contact Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1; individuals outside of Washington State contact Washington Relay Service at 1-800-833-6874.
Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.
SUBSCRIBE to DOH Job Alerts
Supplemental Information
Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in-full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.
