Chief Information Officer (EMS Band 04)

Full Job Description

WSLCB Vision

Safe communities for Washington State

Mission

Promote public safety, public health, and trust through fair administration, education, and enforcement of liquor, cannabis, tobacco and vapor laws

This position is an Exempt Management Service (EMS) Band 4 employment opportunity. First review of applications will be January 14, 2026.

Although this is an open continuous recruitment, we encourage you to apply early. The hiring authority reserves the right and may exercise the option to make a hiring decision at any time.

Who we are

The mission of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) is to promote public safety and trust through fair administration, education and enforcement of liquor, cannabis, tobacco, and vapor laws.

We search for people who demonstrate a strong work ethic, excellence in customer service, partnering and teamwork, and quality performance.

We want to create a culture that fosters excellence in customer service, open and honest communication, transparency and accountability, data driven decisions, and business-initiated process improvement.

Our commitment to DEIB

The WSLCB strives to promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) in all aspects of our work. This includes a commitment to our workforce and external stakeholders.

It is our mission to build, educate, and inspire an inclusive environment that recognizes, respects, and celebrates diversity in the workplace and in the community we serve.

We are committed to maintaining a thriving culture where employees and those we serve feel safe and accepted regardless of education, background, or beliefs.

As a WSLCB team member, you will have opportunity to join statewide business resource groups (BRGs) such as, Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network; Veteran Employee Resource Group; Latino Leadership Network, Blacks United in Leadership and Diversity; Disability Inclusion Network; Washington Immigrant Network; Hawaiians, Asians, and Pacific Islanders Promoting an Empowerment Network; Supporting our Voices, Empowering Rights, and Engaging Indigenous Governance; and Interagency Committee of State Employed Women.

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis board is hiring for a strong technology and people leader to guide our technology resources and inspire our teams.

As a key member of the Agency Leadership Team, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) contributes to the agency strategy as well as sets and directs short- and long-range plans for WSLCB’s technology strategy, carefully balancing innovation, resource allocation, risk management and alignment with the agency’s priorities.

Grow and nurture a culture of collaboration, service, and continuous improvement for a division of 46 staff, including six direct reports, one of which is an administrative assistant.

This position is an appointing authority and is responsible for a $16 million biannual operating budget, contract and vendor management.

The CIO ensures the strength and reliability of WSLCB’s technology infrastructure, applications, data and information management, security, and compliance program.

Accountable for ensuring compliance with division and state technology policies and ensures the division makes the most efficient use of state resources.

Using an in-depth knowledge of business strategy, inspire the team to design innovative solutions to transform the customer experience and improve operations.

In this role you will provide executive IT sponsorship and support for major IT projects, including the agency’s custom licensing, education, enforcement and administrative data system (LEEADS).

Our current services include systems analysis, application development, SaaS application maintenance and configuration, software quality assurance, storage and processing administration, network administration, security, telephony, desktop support and customer support.

This role represents the agency with external partners in the public and private sectors, including WATECH, Office of Cybersecurity and the state CIO community and other interested parties.

The Information Technology Services Division is headquartered in Olympia. It is through in-depth knowledge of business strategy that the division designs innovative solutions to transform the customer experience and improve operations.

WSLCB is the right place for you if you have experience developing and delivering technology strategy focused on meeting business and customer needs, have proven results in inspiring your teams, and can adapt and change to best fit the situation.

WSLCB provides a modern work environment and excellent benefits including:

• A comprehensive benefits package (including but not limited to Medical/Dental/Vision, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance etc.)
• Paid Vacation, Leave, and Holidays
• Tuition Waiver (enrollment in courses at state universities/colleges on a space availability basis - all or a portion of the tuition/fees may be waived for state employees)
• Tuition reimbursement (courses taken with prior approval in order to further employee’s career development with the WSLCB)
• Training and career development programs (including online courses and LinkedIn Learning)
• A healthy work/life balance (this may include flexible/alternative work schedules and telework/remote work opportunities, when possible)
• Employee Assistance Program - confidential program created to promote the health, safety and well-being of public service employees
• Generous wellness program (we offer reimbursements for certain fitness related activities)
• Onsite exercise facility (for employees working at WSLCB Headquarter Building in Olympia)

Infants at Work Program to promote parent and infant bonding, parental well-being, and healthy infant development.

Depending on your job duties, work location and supervisor approval, eligible employees who are new mothers, fathers or legal guardians can bring their infant (six weeks to six months) when they return to work

• Free parking

Requirements

Some of your primary responsibilities include:

Supports Agency Mission and Establishes Technology Strategy

• The CIO develops and executes the information technology strategic plans, resource allocation, and risk
  management ensuring services, products, and projects aligned with agency strategic and operational goals, and
  statewide IT policy.
• Responsible for the effective execution and oversight of the design, development, operation and support of IT systems and programs that fulfill the needs of the business, including enterprise architecture management, application management, security and risk management, infrastructure and operations support management.

Lead and Manage Technology Professionals

• Engages and works with Human Resources (HR), Finance and key stakeholders to map out scenarios for IT workforce transformations. Develops the IT workforce strategy and action plans that align with and enables the effective execution of business and IT strategies.
• Develops and maintains an IT workforce with the appropriate mix of business knowledge, technical skills and soft competencies. Balances the need for growing the agility required to achieve digital business objectives, with ensuring the core IT functions are reliable, stable and efficient.

Oversee Division Business Operations

• Establish and communicate operational and strategic priorities, engaging necessary stakeholders including division staff and customers.
• Ensure that division technology and business standards are established and followed.
• Implement and support the division's operational compliance programs, which analyzes conformance to state, agency and division laws, rules, policies, procedures and standards. Collaborate with executive leadership and business partners to define and execute the digital business strategy.

Qualifications

Required Education, Experience, and Competencies

Education to experience equivalency (experience may be gained concurrently)

Associate’s degree = 2 years

Bachelor’s degree = 4 years

Master’s degree = 5 years

Experience:

Nine (9) years of combined relevant experience and education in computer science, information technology, public administration, public affairs or closely related field.

Experience must include:

• Leading a team of senior IT managers and professional staff
• Advanced knowledge and expertise in managing diverse IT systems, solutions, and tools
• Expert, in-depth knowledge and experience making strategic and operational decisions considering the diverse employment laws, rules and policies
• Experience developing and delivering IT strategy, considering customer and external interested party needs
• Experience building and managing an operating budget
• Experience managing technology contracts, including strong vendor management
• Experience independently sponsoring IT projects using recognized methodologies such as PMI or PRINCE2
• Knowledge of the Legislative and rulemaking processes, performing bill analyses and preparing/reviewing fiscal notes
• Experience managing cybersecurity standards and practices as well as other IT policies and procedures

LCB is seeking a strong leader who:

Accepts personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness necessary to achieve excellent results. Develops innovative solutions for a variety of issues.

Makes timely decisions often facing limited data or resources. Accepts ownership when expectations are not met and responds quickly to resolve issues with others.

Builds and maintains relationships by earning the trust, respect, and confidence of coworkers and customers through consistent honesty and professionalism in all interactions.

Builds and maintains working relationships characterized by mutual acceptance and cooperation.

Contributes to an environment that honors diversity and uses diverse perspectives to meet the agency’s mission and goals.

Is an effective communicator who leads with curiosity and can convey clear, timely, persuasive messages that positively influence the thoughts and actions of others.

Effectively expresses ideas and information through the written and spoken word using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the reader or audience (“plain talk”).

Appropriately shares information with leaders, staff, and other interested parties. Practices active listening, listen without interrupting; and asks questions to clarify and verify information.

Consistently exercises sound judgment and makes reasonable decisions, often with limited information and in the absence of direction. Exercised advanced critical thinking and problem-solving to meet the needs of the agency.

Understand and follows agency values of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging through actions, behaviors and decisions.

Understands, appreciates and takes actions to learn and grow themselves and their team.

Takes action to meet the needs of others, welcoming and valuing diverse identities and perspectives.

If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. At the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.

Additional Information

IMPORTANT: To be considered for this position, you MUST include the following, failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified:

1. Completed online application.
2. Current Resume.
3. Letter of Interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for the position.
4. Three professional references to include a current or recent supervisor with email addresses and phone numbers.

Please Note: As part of our hiring process, we require an employment reference for the preferred candidate from their current or most recent supervisor.

If the preferred candidate is a current or recent state employee, we will also review the personnel file as part of our process. References are typically conducted after interviews.

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from job seekers with diverse backgrounds. Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees enjoy a respectful, safe, and supportive working environment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. You are welcome to include your name and gender pronouns in your application, to ensure we address you appropriately throughout the application process.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email hrjobs@lcb.wa.gov or call (360) 664.1720. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.