Job Description

The Office of Secretary of State (OSOS) offers some of the most unique and diverse job opportunities in state government. Its critical responsibilities include: ensuring a fair and accurate elections process; connecting Washingtonians through the power of libraries; protecting our important government records; and registering corporations and charities. The Secretary of State also administers vital community programs that inspire giving, document our history, and assist crime survivors in avoiding further abuse. This independent office under the state Constitution operates from facilities in the Olympia area and statewide.

The OSOS is looking for top-performing employees who embody its core values of integrity, service excellence, visionary leadership, collaboration and teamwork. It is committed to both employee growth and work-life balance. The benefits of working in state government also include potential eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Visit our website at: .

The Division of Information Technology (IT) is a support arm of the entire organization-touching every program, every division, all staff members, and most stakeholders. IT is a division comprised of several programs that drive OSOS operations. These programs include: Applications Development, Network Operations, ServiceDesk Support, IT Project Management, IT Policy and Planning, Digital Archives, and VoteWa. This IT position maintains expertise in a wide range of technology and their application to customers.

Chief Information Officer (CIO) / IT Director

EMS 4

Permanent, Full-Time

This position reports directly to the Chief of Staff. This position is responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects of information technology, operations, and governance within the ITD (Information Technology Division) in OSOS. The CIO is the key driver to ensure the technology portfolio supports the OSOS mission and goals.

Manage IT Division:

• Strategic IT Leadership:Develop and implement a comprehensive IT strategic plan aligned with the offices goals and priorities, effectively translating those objectives into actionable IT strategies; lead the development and execution of IT policies, procedures and standards; provide strategic guidance on IT investments and technology adoption; participate and engage actively in improving leadership skills, attitudes and knowledge including diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Governance and Compliance: Ensure IT operations adhere to all relevant laws, regulations and security standards; establish and maintain effective governance structures, including IT steering committees; oversee and supports compliance with data privacy and security requirements
• Division Budget Development:
• Work with the deputy director as they develop the IT budget, and the associated Decision Packets (DP) that support its development. Responsible for responding to legislative fiscal notes, questions, and aspects that influence the fiscal resources of the IT division.
• Technology Infrastructure:Provide strategic direction and proactive oversight of the agencys technology infrastructureincluding the enterprise network, critical systems like VoteWA, Charities & Corporations Filing System, DA, and cloud servicesensuring secure, reliable, and scalable IT systems that support the daily operations of over 300 employees and the constituents they support. Anticipate organizational needs, champion innovation, and evaluate emerging technologies to enhance efficiency, continuity, and the quality of services delivered to internal and external stakeholders.
• Information Security: Collaborate closely with the Information Security and Response (ISR) division to proactively identify, mitigate, and respond to cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors. Integrate the OSOScybersecurity standards and strategy into day-to-day operations, ensuring that system implementation, maintenance, and modernization efforts are aligned with a resilient and secure enterprise environment. This role supports the ISR Director in their management of cybersecurity operations for the office, often forming a joint team to manage critical incidents as part of the OSOS Incident Response Plan (IRP). The CIO serves as the lead partner with WaTech on technology resiliency topics, but the CISO and the ISR Director serve as the lead for engagement with county and local partners, federal entities, and elections cybersecurity organizations. The CIO supports the CISO and ISR director in this capacity.
• Resource Management: Lead a diverse IT team, providing coaching and mentoring to develop staff expertise; attract, motivate and retain top talent and successfully build high-performing teams; oversee budgeting and financial management for IT initiatives and projects; optimize resource allocation to ensure cost-effective IT operations.
• Service Level Management: Create a culture of collaboration that is focused on IT processes; ensure IT portfolio alignment with division business goals and objectives, accountability for outcomes, that will provide continuous improvement; proactively facilitate resolution related to service gaps and/or concerns.
• Project and Program Management: Manage a portfolio of IT projects and initiatives, ensuring they align with the strategic plan; monitor project progress, identify risks and implement mitigation strategies; foster collaboration among various IT departments to streamline project execution.
• Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with OSOS leaders and external partners to understand their technology needs; communicate IT strategies and progress to a variety of stakeholders; promote a customer-centric approach to service delivery.
• Effective Partnerships: Participate in regional or national collaborations, forums, and associations dedicated to IT governance, policy and best practices; these provide opportunities for learning, sharing knowledge and building relationships with peers in other states; interagency collaboration within WA state is crucial so resources and expertise can be shared.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience related to technology, policy development, and project management , with at least five (5) years in a senior leadership or management role overseeing IT operations, infrastructure, public policy, or enterprise systems in a complex organization.
• Ability to efficiently use a personal computer and applicable software to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in information technology, project management, or computer science, or a field closely related to the specific position
• Strong record of building, mentoring, and leading high-performing technical teams; skilled in fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and mission-driven culture that empowers staff and supports professional development.
• Track record of strategic planning and execution, aligning technology initiatives with organizational goals to improve operational efficiency, digital services, and stakeholder experience.
• Familiarity with IT governance frameworks, project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, PMP), and service delivery models in the public sector.
• Strong communication and change management skills, with a history of leading organizations through technology transformation, infrastructure modernization, and cloud adoption.
• Demonstrated ability in relationship management with a sincere commitment to work collaboratively and employ expertise and credibility to resolve complex and sensitive issues with internal and external stakeholders to meet service needs.
• Experience in fostering cross-functional partnerships, working collaboratively with executive leadership, cybersecurity leaders, and operational units to ensure technology supports mission delivery and innovation.
• Successful experience modeling leadership and performance characteristics that promote professionalism, integrity, accountability and public service, and a cooperative, positive work environment
• Demonstrated ability for strategic evaluation of risks, consequences, and future trends, and successful application into strategic technology planning.
• Experience managing multimillion-dollar IT budgets, vendor contracts, procurement processes, and ensuring cost-effective delivery of technology services.
• Professional Certifications: Certified Public Manager (CPM), Executive Leadership, Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Project Management Professional (PMP), Control Objective for Information and Related Technologies (COBIT), Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MSCA), or other certifications.
• Knowledge of state government policies and legislative processes.

PLEASE READ: If you have gotten this far and are thinking you do not qualify, consider again. Studies have shown that members of historically marginalized and underrepresented communities, specifically women and people of color, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they clearly meet every single qualification.


At the Office of the Secretary of State, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic work force with a foundation of belonging. If you are excited about this role and have relevant experience and skills, but question whether your experience

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Work at office, Local area,

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