Chief Information Officer (IT Director II) - 60025163

Full Job Description

The mission of the South Carolina Department of Education is to serve students, support teachers, empower parents, and engage the community so that every student graduates prepared to reach their full potential.

Job Purpose:

The South Carolina Department of Education seeks a visionary Chief Information Officer to lead agency-wide technology modernization.

This executive will drive digital transformation, modernize legacy systems, strengthen cybersecurity, enhance data governance, and expand the use of data to inform decision-making.

Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership in developing an overarching IT strategy for the Department of Education, ensuring alignment with the agency’s mission and strategic goals, including efforts related to data-driven decision-making and instructional support.
• Design and implement a next-generation technology architecture that supports the needs of the agency, schools, educators, and students across the state.
• Evaluate, design, implement, and oversee the transition from legacy systems to modern, flexible platforms that facilitate integration, data management, and reporting.
• Work collaboratively with district leaders to develop strategies and programs that help schools and districts leverage technology for improved educational outcomes.
• Oversee implementation of enterprise-level data governance, ensuring data quality, privacy, and security across all platforms.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration between IT and agency departments to ensure the successful implementation of technology solutions that drive strategically aligned outcomes.
• Develop Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for transformation, security maturity, and service performance.
• Report progress on IT initiatives and modernization milestones.
• Build and manage a high-performing IT team, fostering professional growth and ensuring effective collaboration across the department. Provide guidance and mentoring to IT staff, ensuring alignment with agency objectives and industry best practices.
• Report to the Superintendent of Education, State Board of Education, and executive leadership on the status of IT initiatives, technology investments, and risk mitigation strategies.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in communications, business administration, information technology, mathematics, statistics, management information science, or a related field and experience in telecommunications, data processing and/or information technology.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Ten plus (10+) years of experience in progressive IT leadership, with proven experience in leading large-scale technology transformations or modernizing complex application infrastructures.
• Deep understanding of enterprise and cloud technologies, data management, cybersecurity, and IT governance.
• Strong organizational skills, including an ability to manage multiple priorities with competing demands for resources.
• Commitment to continually building on existing knowledge and skills to be up to date on the latest technology and analysis innovations.
• Desire to innovate and create cutting edge solutions which make a significant impact in an empowering work environment.
• Experience modernizing legacy systems.
• Change management/human-centered design experience.
• Cloud migration leadership experience.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies. Ability to foster a cooperative work environment while demonstrating sound judgement and making timely, effective decisions.
• Preferred experience in K-12 educational technologies, working with federal and state education funding programs, or developing technology strategies that support K-12 education, including collaboration with school districts and educational institutions.

Additional Information

As a part of a generous compensation package, we offer comprehensive benefits that include generous paid time off, preeminent health care benefits, professional development opportunities, pension, and a 401(k).

The South Carolina Department of Education offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year.
• 15 days sick leave per year.
• 13 paid holidays.
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs.

ONLY THOSE APPLICANTS CHOSEN FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE NOTIFIED BY LETTER THAT THE POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED.

http://www.ed.sc.gov/jobs/human-resources/title-ix-nondiscrimination/