Chief Information Officer & Managing Director Technology Program

Job DescriptionJob Description

Position Overview:

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) & Managing Director of Technology Programs is responsible for delivering innovative solutions and services to counties nationwide and guiding members in the effective use of emerging technologies. This role combines visionary and strategic leadership with a practical understanding of emerging technologies to drive innovation and efficiency within county governments and NACo's strategic partnerships.

Technology plays a critical role in counties' daily operations, spanning areas like public administration, court administration, disaster response, elections, health and human services, public safety, infrastructure, and workforce development. The CIO leads three primary efforts:

1. Developing and implementing the Association’s strategy and work plan for technology programs, providing leadership to county officials on current and emerging technology trends, and advancing proven solutions and innovations, including oversight and growth of the NACo Tech Xchange.

1. Creating and advancing technology strategies to help counties improve operational efficiency, drive innovation, and achieve their goals. This includes resource development, educational presentations, and designing and implementing events that foster collaboration among NACo members, state associations and strategic partners.

1. The CIO serves as the primary staff liaison to the Association’s IT Standing Committee and other related technology advisory committees and also collaboratively supports NACo’s internal IT team by advising on cybersecurity, data governance and technology infrastructure, as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop in partnership with the County Technology Advisory Council (C-TAC) and the IT Standing Committee, a technology strategy that supports counties with innovative and practical solutions, in alignment with NACo’s mission and member needs.

• Grow and sustain the Tech Xchange network of county IT leaders and partners to foster knowledge sharing, collaboration, and the identification of scalable solutions.
• Advise NACo and county members on best practices for cybersecurity, data governance, continuity of operations, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure modernization.
• Design and deliver educational programs, workshops, pilots, resources, and simulations that strengthen county leaders’ understanding and effective use of technology.
• Lead the design and execution of key NACo events, such as the Technology Innovation Forum, as well as regional forums and convenings focused on emerging technologies.
• Serve as NACo’s technology expert by presenting at events, authoring guides, and representing county priorities in public and private-sector technology spaces.
• Partner with the NACo EDGE team and other stakeholders to pilot, evaluate, and scale emerging technologies that improve county operations and services.
• Create and manage practical resources such as case studies, toolkits, guides, surveys, and digital tools that support counties in addressing technology challenges.
• Engage corporate partners, peer associations, and government stakeholders to identify and secure new opportunities, services and tools for counties.
• Collaborate with NACo’s internal IT team and other departments to support internal cybersecurity, digital innovation, and the strategic use of technology.
• Lead a team with two direct reports that work collaboratively to advance and sustain the county technology programs portfolio.

Qualifications, Competencies and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree or experience equivalent in Computer Science, Information Technology, Public Policy, or a related field required; Master’s degree (e.g., MPA, MBA, MS in Technology Leadership) or executive-level certifications (e.g., CGCIO, CISSP, PMP, or CISM) highly .
• Minimum of 10 years of senior leadership experience in enterprise technology strategy, including 5+ years in a CIO or equivalent executive role, ideally within the public sector or association space.
• Demonstrated experience advising or collaborating with county governments, state associations, or public-sector coalitions on digital transformation, emerging technologies and interagency initiatives.
• Proven track record of developing and executing or enterprise-level technology strategies that align with organizational missions, member needs and industry standards.
• Deep understanding of cutting-edge technologies (AI, GenAI, cybersecurity, broadband, data interoperability, cloud modernization) and their implications for local government operations, policy frameworks and public trust.
• Expertise in technology budgeting, multi-partner program oversight, vendor and consultant management, and evaluating ROI on public-sector technology investments.
• Recognized leader with experience presenting at conferences, publishing on technology trends, and serving as a spokesperson to elected officials, corporate executives, and/or media.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate high-level relationships with corporate partners, government agencies, and member organizations to drive innovation, co-create solutions, and secure resources.
• Skilled in navigating organizational transformation, aligning cross-functional teams, and influencing enterprise-wide adoption of new technologies and strategic frameworks.
• Exceptional communicator with the ability to translate complex technology issues into actionable insights for diverse audiences, from elected officials and C-suite partners to county staff and stakeholders.
• Committed to developing talent and empowering future technology leaders, including mentoring senior staff, advisory council members, and program managers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Base Salary Range:

$185,000 – $205,000 plus eligibility for variable Annual Performance Bonus.

Location:

NACo is based in Washington, D.C. and offers remote or hybrid work options depending on a candidate’s experience, performance, and the evolving needs of the position. We place a strong emphasis on leadership development, team collaboration, and supporting work-life balance. Final work arrangements, whether in person, hybrid or fully remote, will be determined during the hiring process and may be adjusted over time based on organizational priorities.

This role requires travel for conferences, member engagement, training and partner collaboration.