Chief Information Officer

Salary : $175,000.00 - $195,000.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-03420
Department: Office of Financial Management
Division: Information Technology Services
Opening Date: 04/23/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

Description
Please Note: This recruitment will remain open until filled with a first review of applicants the week of May 4, 2026. The hiring authority reserves the right and may exercise the option to make a hiring decision at any time. We encourage all to apply as early as possible. The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidates' qualifications within the starting salary range of $175,000 - $195,000 annually. Please note that there is career salary growth beyond this starting range for the successful candidate.

Hybrid: Our physical office is in Olympia, WA. We offer flexible work schedules and locations. This is a hybrid position that allows teleworking. However, you will need to travel to in-person activities, meetings, and events according to business needs frequently.

Who we are:

The serves as the backbone of Washington state government. Our mission is to make our state a better place by connecting people, budgets, policies, data, and systems for state agencies and the Legislature. Our team includes budget advisors, researchers, and other experts, all dedicated public servants working towards an equitable future for every Washingtonian.

Within OFM, our is committed to strengthening our workforce, delivering exceptional customer service, and modernizing technology by fostering open communication, engaging employees, and growing talent. We partner strategically with customers to drive operational excellence, while advancing IT systems to meet evolving business and industry needs. In this role, you'll lead how technology supports our agency's mission-making services more reliable, accessible, and equitable for people across Washington.

The Opportunity:

As the Chief Information Officer (CIO), you'll set the direction for enterprise technology while making sure day-to-day systems run smoothly and securely. You'll be part of the executive leadership team, helping shape overall agency strategy and leading major modernization efforts, including adopting enterprise systems, improving access to data, and reducing reliance on legacy systems.

You'll work closely with leaders across the agency to understand needs, balance competing priorities, and deliver practical solutions. A key part of the role is building strong governance so decisions are clear, transparent, and aligned with what matters most.

You'll lead a team of roughly 150 IT professionals and lead a workplace where people feel included, respected, and able to do their best work. You'll also manage a technology budget of approximately $77 million, balancing the need for tools, staffing, vendors, and long-term investments.

This role is about modernization, we need your acumen when it comes to integrating AI and other technology solutions in ways that align with our organizational goals and standards. Our CIO leads IT strategy, operations, budget, contracts, and compliance, with a strong emphasis on clear communication and cross-functional collaboration. The CIO values continuous learning, staying current with industry standards and best practices, and driving modernization efforts.

This role isn't just about systems, more importantly, it's about people. It's an opportunity to influence statewide innovation, advance equity through data, and lead a high-performing team delivering critical services that matter.

Duties
What you'll work on:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the organization's technology vision, ensuring that IT strategy, objectives, and roadmaps are fully aligned with enterprise goals and integrated into broader strategic planning.
• Foster strong relationships with community partners while guiding investment decisions through careful analysis of cost, value, and risk.
• Drive innovation by evaluating and adopting emerging technologies, leading enterprise-wide initiatives such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation, and enabling business transformation through modern, scalable solutions.
• Participate in IT Enterprise Governance in the development of IT policy, standards, strategy, and services.
• Oversee the design, governance, and performance of the organization's technology ecosystem-including infrastructure, systems, vendors, and service providers-to deliver reliable, secure, and cost-effective IT services.
• Provide leadership, coaching and direction to the IT leadership team and staff. Partner with HR in the recruitment, development and retention of the IT workforce.
• Coordinate with Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech) and other enterprise service providers to ensure that purchased services are effectively integrated and managed to support operations in a reliable and cost-effective manner.
• Develop and control annual revenue and operating expenditure budget.
• Serve on enterprise planning and policymaking committees to drive the development of technology standards, governance processes and performance metrics.
• Direct and organize all IT-related projects using project management methodologies, knowledge management, vendor management, asset procurements and setting hardware and software standards.
• Engage with One Washington Program leadership towards the successful implementation of a new ERP solution to replace legacy enterprise administrative systems. Partner on future operating model after implementation.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

Experience with the following:

• At least 5 years of progressive experience in information technology.
• Chief Information Officer or related role bringing experience leading large-scale, complex organizations and managing budgets.
• Enterprise Technology Strategy & Execution
  • Proven ability to define, operationalize, and continuously evolve an enterprise-wide technology strategy spanning applications, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data-resulting in measurable improvements to organizational performance, resilience, and service delivery.
• Large-Scale Transformation Leadership
  • Experience leading complex, enterprise-wide modernization efforts (e.g., ERP, cloud adoption, legacy system replacement) that deliver sustained business value, improve user experience, and reduce technical debt.
• Executive Influence & Governance
  • Demonstrated success advising executive leadership and governing bodies on technology investment, risk, and policy-establishing clear, transparent decision-making frameworks that balance innovation, compliance, and operational stability.
• Financial Stewardship & Investment Strategy
  • Experience overseeing and optimizing large, complex technology portfolios and budgets, making data-informed decisions that align resources to priorities, manage risk, and maximize long-term value.
• Operational Excellence in IT Service Delivery
  • Experience ensuring reliable, secure, and cost-effective IT operations through strong oversight of infrastructure, vendors, and service delivery models, with a focus on performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Business & Customer Alignment
  • Deep understanding of organizational operations, with the ability to translate business needs into scalable technology solutions that improve accessibility, equity, and customer outcomes. Demonstrated ability to learn and grow and meet the needs of others.
• People & Organizational Leadership
  • Experience leading and developing large, multidisciplinary teams through change-building an inclusive, high-performing culture with clear expectations, accountability, and growth opportunities.
• Equity-Centered Leadership
  • Proven commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through organizational practices, decision-making, and the equitable delivery of technology and data services.
• Strategic Partnerships & Ecosystem Management
  • Ability to effectively navigate and influence a complex network of internal stakeholders, external partners, and enterprise service providers to deliver integrated, enterprise-aligned solutions.
• Learning Agility & Adaptive Leadership
  • Demonstrated capacity to anticipate and respond to emerging trends, technologies, and risks-continuously evolving strategy and capabilities in a dynamic environment.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in computer science, information systems, business administration or a closely related field.
• Experience with Agile Development and program or portfolio management approaches.
• Understanding of product-oriented operating models and cross-functional team structures supporting technology delivery.
• Experience leading enterprise system implementations or modernization efforts, including ERP platforms-preferably Workday or similar business transformation platforms.
• Experience managing complex budgets within a public sector environment.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have transferable experience, please tell us about it or contact us with questions about the required qualifications and how your experience relates to them.

Supplemental Information
What we offer:

At OFM, we foster a culture of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and belonging. We value both learned and lived experiences, believing that diversity makes us stronger. To support your health and well-being, we offer a variety of benefit programs for our employees.

Please visit our for a full list of benefits available to employees. Here's a quick glance at some of the unique benefits that OFM offers:

• An environment of
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 12 paid holidays, 14 paid vacation days (minimum), and 12 days of sick leave per year
• State retirement programs

Application Process: Once you've decided to apply for a state government job, you'll complete an online application to showcase your qualifications. Keep in mind that once you submit the application, a real person is going to read it. We do not use AI or other technology that screens your application and rejects it. So please be sure to provide clear and detailed information about your work history so your qualifications can be accurately assessed. We will contact the top candidates directly to schedule interviews. If you need reasonable accommodation in applying, please call 7-1-1 or 1-.

When completing your application, we encourage you to attach all of the following:

• Cover letter: describing your qualifications for this specific position
• Resume: that details your applicable experience and education.
• References: at least three professional references and their contact information.

Questions:
OFM's Staff ASL interpreter is available to all deaf and hard of hearing applicants. For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or interview process, please email us at
The Office of Financial Management is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply.

This position is exempt from civil service rules.

For more information, please see
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01

Please briefly describe your professional experience in information technology as it relates to this position. Include your related roles, responsibilities, progression of leadership scope and size of teams you led. If you do not have this experience, type N/A.
02

Please select all that apply. I have experience with the following:

• Managing large technology budgets.
• Leading a major enterprise transformation initiative (ERP implementation, cloud migration, legacy modernization, etc).
• Advising executive leadership and governing bodies on technology investment, risk, and policy.
• None of these Apply

03

Please indicate your current work authorization status in the United States:

• I am a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident () authorized to work in the United States permanently.
• I hold a temporary work authorization visa (including F-1 OPT/CPT, H-1B, TN, etc.) or will require current or future sponsorship.

Required Question