Chief Technology Officer

As the IT Chief for our organization, you will play a pivotal role in leading a transformational journey in our IT department. This position is not for the faint of heart; it requires a visionary leader who is unafraid of challenges, adept at handling antiquated legacy systems, and capable of driving change to update and modernize our IT infrastructure and processes. You will be instrumental in propelling our IT capabilities into the future, ensuring efficiency, security, and innovation.

• Legacy System Transformation: The foremost responsibility will be to address the complexities of our antiquated legacy systems. The incumbent will devise a strategic plan to modernize, migrate, or replace some systems while ensuring continuity of critical operations.
• Change Management: Implementing change is a significant aspect of this role. This position will create and execute strategies for seamlessly transitioning our organization to new technologies, methodologies, and best practices.
• Project Management: Effective project management will be the cornerstone of this role. This position will lead and supervise IT projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and meet the highest quality standards.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: This position serves as an intermediary and IT ambassador to other IT departments within the County. This is essential to establish strong working relationships with other appointing authorities, facilitating collaboration and the exchange of ideas.
• Team Leadership: Build and lead a high-performing IT team. The ability to motivate, mentor, and guide the IT team is critical to the success of its initiatives.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and execute a forward-looking IT strategy that aligns with the organization's objectives. The incumbent’s vision will guide our IT department in achieving long-term success.
  
  

Key Responsibilities

30% STRATEGIC PLANNING & TECHNOLOGY MODERNIZATION

• Develop and lead the execution of long-term IT strategies aligned with the Clerk of Courts’ mission, with a strong emphasis on replacing or modernizing legacy systems.
• Design and oversee technology roadmaps to improve operational efficiency, access to justice, and digital transformation across the organization.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement emerging technologies (e.g., AI, cloud infrastructure, automation tools) that support innovation, scalability, and user-centered design.
• Continuously assess system performance and future needs, aligning technical capabilities with evolving business goals and community expectations.
  
  

25% TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS & SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT

• Direct all day-to-day IT functions, ensuring security, uptime, functionality, and system reliability across all court and administrative systems.
• Oversee software and hardware lifecycle management, including procurement, implementation, maintenance, and retirement.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local rules, including the Ohio Revised Code and local court requirements.
• Establish internal protocols and infrastructure to support business continuity, data integrity, and secure document management.
  
  

20% PROJECT MANAGEMENT & VENDOR COORDINATION

• Lead cross-functional technology projects from initiation through completion, ensuring on-time, in-scope, and in-budget delivery.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and county partners to unify systems, streamline integrations, and improve interoperability.
• Negotiate and manage vendor relationships, including contract oversight, service level agreements, and software implementation timelines.
• Develop and implement internal policies for change control, system testing, documentation, and post-implementation evaluation.
  
  

15% LEADERSHIP, TEAM DEVELOPMENT & CROSS-DEPARTMENT COLLABORATION

• Supervise, mentor, and develop a high-performing IT team including IT Analysts and Programmers.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and collaboration across the IT division.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and department heads by translating technical issues into accessible language.
• Collaborate with other county IT departments and appointing authorities to align strategies, share resources, and drive innovation.
  
  

10% RISK MANAGEMENT, GOVERNANCE & CYBERSECURITY

• Implement and enforce risk management frameworks to identify vulnerabilities, mitigate threats, and ensure the protection of sensitive data.
• Design cybersecurity protocols and incident response plans in accordance with current standards and best practices.
• Establish IT governance practices that promote transparency, access, and compliance.
• Ensure audits, reviews, and disaster recovery planning are conducted and updated regularly.
  
  

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Knowledge of:

• Modern IT infrastructure including cloud platforms, cybersecurity frameworks, and enterprise architecture.
• Legacy system migration strategies and integration of modern platforms with outdated systems.
• Best practices for IT governance, risk management, and compliance (e.g., NIST, CJIS, local court tech requirements).
• Software development life cycles, database management, and data security principles.
• Public sector procurement, budgeting, and technology policy.
• Interdepartmental systems and collaborative technology frameworks across government agencies.
  
  

Ability to:

• Develop and execute long-term technology roadmaps aligned with organizational strategy.
• Lead high-impact, cross-functional initiatives involving multiple internal and external stakeholders.
• Anticipate future technology trends and translate them into actionable plans.
• Build, mentor, and retain a high-performing IT team with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Communicate complex technical information clearly to non-technical audiences, including senior leadership, elected officials, and public users.
• Manage competing priorities under pressure and maintain focus on mission-driven innovation.
  
  

Skilled in:

• Strategic planning, project management and vendor negotiations.
• Designing and implementing cybersecurity protocols and incident response procedures.
• Overseeing change management efforts and fostering organizational buy-in.
• Budget development, forecasting, and aligning IT investments with business needs.
• Evaluating and deploying enterprise systems (case management, e-filing, data analytics).
• Cross-jurisdictional coordination and diplomacy within public-sector environments.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field is required;
• Any relevant industry certifications (such as PMP, CISSP, or ITIL) are valued and demonstrate a commitment to leadership, governance, or security in IT.
• Significant experience leading technology operations and strategy, including at least three years in a senior or executive leadership role.
• Demonstrated success managing high-level IT projects, modernizing legacy systems, and driving innovation.
• Experience supervising technology teams, developing talent, and fostering high performance.
• Familiarity with public sector environments, compliance requirements, and vendor partnerships.
• Ability to communicate clearly with teams both technical and non-technical.
• Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.