Chief Technology Officer

Chief Technology Officer

The Superior Court of California, County of Placer, is seeking a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead our dynamic IT division. If you are looking for an executive leadership role that combines technical mastery with strategic vision, this position may be your perfect opportunity. We're looking for a forward-thinking leader who appreciates proven technology but is also excited to explore newer, more advanced solutions.

As CTO, you'll be the driving force behind all court technology systems critical in shaping the future of the court. You'll develop and recommend both short-term and long-term technology strategies, implement complex mission-critical systems, and ensure the stability of our legacy platforms.

This is our most senior technical leadership role which directly manages a dedicated team of nine, overseeing everything from project management and networking to database administration, security, enterprise applications and A / V technology. Additionally, our IT division provides technical support and data center resources for five other Northern California Superior Courts with a cumulative count of over 450 users. Your leadership will be essential in ensuring our essential systems are stable and reliable for judicial officers, court staff, other government agencies, and the public.

This role requires an empathetic and diplomatic leader who can engage in candid, direct, yet kind communication while maintaining accountability. Strong active listening skills are essential for working effectively with both internal and external stakeholders. This is a hands-on management position, and the successful candidate must be willing to directly contribute to technical tasks as needed.

This is a unique opportunity that will give a technology driven leader the opportunity to experience transformational professional growth and become a part of an executive team who fosters a collaborative environment with courtesy, dignity, and respect.

Under direction of Court Executive Officer, the Chief Technology Officer plans, directs and coordinates the technology-related operations and activities of the Placer County Superior Court and hosted courts; and performs a full range of duties including, but not limited to, exercising leadership in the formulation of technology strategy and establishment of long-term technology direction for the Court, establishing and implementing technology-related policies and procedures, maintaining the Court's technology equipment and systems, and developing and directing the Court's information technology personnel.

EMPLOYMENT AT WILL

The Chief Technology Officer classification is established as an "at will" position and, as such, the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the Court Executive Officer, who has the right to terminate the employment of anyone in this classification at any time, with or without advance notice, and with or without cause.

JUDGMENT AND RESPONSIBILITY

Incumbent has full supervisory responsibility for other employees and are highly involved in the Court's technology-related strategic planning. Incumbent works under general administrative direction where clear policies, procedures and standards may not always be available or may be very general in nature. Incumbent must therefore exercise considerable discretion with respect to assignments and duties. Errors in work or judgment could result in inefficient, or a complete halt of, Court operations, breaches in information security, poor community relations and possible litigation against the Court.

Essential Functions

When assigned, all of the essential functions and tasks listed below must be accomplished effectively, are standard, and may not be inclusive of all functions and tasks that may be assigned. The Court reserves the right to assign or reassign duties as required to achieve business and operational objectives. Essential functions and tasks may include, but are not limited to those listed below.

• Monitor various factors, including technology trends, costs, and funding, in order to develop, recommend, and implement multi-year strategies that impact the technology direction of the Court.
• Oversee Court's information technology functions, operations, policies, programs, resources and personnel directly and / or through subordinate supervisors.
• Select, train, monitor, mentor, coordinate and evaluate work of assigned staff; communicate expectations; provide coaching for performance improvement and development when necessary; recommend and issue corrective and / or disciplinary action to address performance or conduct issues.
• Design, engineer, and troubleshoot various IT-related systems.
• Monitor legislation and Rules of Court to assess impact on the Court's technology requirements and develop and / or recommend policies, practices, processes and standards to ensure compliance.
• Serve as Court's technology expert.
• Develop, prioritize and implement Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning needs for all IT-related systems.
• Organize, prioritize, and coordinate work as necessary to meet critical deadlines.
• Develop, recommend, and monitor the Court's information technology budget and expenses.
• Lead and / or participate in information technology procurement efforts.
• Negotiate and manage contracts related to the scope of responsibility.
• Maintain vendor relationships.
• Serve as a liaison to County Departments and the Judicial Council; represent the Court on technical advisory and standards committees; participate in state and national committee work and activities related to IT.
• Serve as a representative of the Court, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration and discretion in all interactions with members of the court community, governmental agencies, service providers, and the public.
• Maintain continuous positive relationships with Court management, judges and employees.
• Work evenings, nights and weekends and travel to locations in and outside Placer County, as required.

Qualifications

Experience : Minimum of seven (7) years of professional management-level experience in Information Technology. California trial court experience is preferred.

Education : Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university in Computer Science, Management / Business Information Systems, Business / Public Administration, or a closely related field.

Note : Advanced degree may be substituted for two (2) years of experience. Additional qualifying experience may substitute for up to two (2) years of education.

Certifications : The following certifications are encouraged but not required :

Certifications may be required at the direction of the Court Executive Officer. When directed, the incumbent must obtain within one (1) year and keep current through the course of employment with Placer Superior Court.

The Placer County Superior Court will pay for incumbent to attend class for any required initial certification and subsequent renewals. The Court will reimburse incumbent for two tests per certification and renewal. Failure to obtain or maintain certifications may result in separation of employment.