Chief Technology Officer (CTO) - Part-Time / Advisory Role

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Contract Duration: 12 months, with up to three (3) optional yearly renewals Employment Type: Part-Time / Advisory Role Location: Remote (primary) with onsite visits as required Jacksonville, FL

Work Schedule: Flexible, with 24/7/365 support availability (directly or via delegate)

Reports To: Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer (CSIO) Works Closely With: Vice President of Information Technology (VP-IT) and Senior Leadership

The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) will serve as a strategic technology and cybersecurity advisor to senior leadership. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the organization's IT strategy, cybersecurity governance, and modernization initiatives. The CTO will ensure technology operations, infrastructure security, and risk management align with organizational objectives, compliance requirements, and public sector best practices. This is a part-time, contract-based advisory role, ideal for a seasoned technology executive with deep experience in government-sector IT leadership and cybersecurity management across multi-site environments. This role is ideal for a proven technology executive who combines strategic vision with hands-on cybersecurity expertise. The successful candidate will guide the organization in advancing technology infrastructure, strengthening cybersecurity posture, and fostering operational excellence across all sites.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and maintain a 35-year IT strategic plan in alignment with organizational priorities.
• Provide expert guidance on digital transformation, IT modernization, and data governance.
• Advise on technology architecture, infrastructure resilience, and operational efficiency.
• Support the VP of IT and senior management in strategic decision-making and investment planning.

Cybersecurity & Risk Management

• Lead the development and implementation of enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy.
• Conduct regular risk assessments, vulnerability scans, and incident response readiness drills.
• Establish and maintain policies for data protection, compliance, and information governance.
• Oversee vendor risk management and third-party security compliance.
• Provide executive oversight for incident response, including 24/7/365 readiness and coordination.

Technology Operations

• Evaluate and recommend IT systems and cybersecurity improvements.
• Support project management, vendor selection, and contract negotiations for IT and security services.
• Ensure operational resilience, including business continuity and disaster recovery planning.
• Advise on enterprise architecture, endpoint security, and identity management.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local cybersecurity standards and regulations.
• Develop IT policies, frameworks, and governance structures that promote accountability and security.
• Present technology and risk management reports to senior leadership and relevant boards.

Continuity & Staffing

• Provide or arrange for qualified temporary IT staff during emergencies, vacancies, or peak demand.
• Mentor and support internal IT leaders to enhance their technical and strategic capabilities.

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related field (required).

Certifications (preferred but not limited to): CISSP, CISM, CISA, CEH, CCSP, PMP, or equivalent industry credentials.

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum 10 years of senior IT and cybersecurity leadership experience within the government or public sector.
• Demonstrated leadership of IT environments supporting 350+ users across 10+ sites.
• Successful execution of at least three (3) similar large-scale IT/cybersecurity strategic projects.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing enterprise cybersecurity strategies, incident response frameworks, and IT governance programs.

Technical Expertise in:

• Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)
• Firewalls (design, configuration, and management)
• Zero-Trust security architecture
• Vulnerability and patch management
• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
• Microsoft 365 security and compliance tools
• Azure Active Directory / Entra ID
• Microsoft Intune device and application management

Preferred Competencies

• Strategic planning and execution in government IT ecosystems.
• Expertise in cybersecurity leadership and IT risk mitigation.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and executive leadership.
• Data-driven decision-making and analytical mindset.
• Demonstrated success in policy development, regulatory compliance, and audit readiness.

Relevant Project Experience (Mandatory)

• The proposed CTO must document three (3) completed or ongoing projects that demonstrate:
• Strategic IT and cybersecurity leadership.
• Public sector or government organization support.
• Oversight of complex, multi-site IT operations (350+ users, 10+ sites).
• Proven results in technology modernization, governance, and incident response.