Chief Technology Officer

Full Job Description

The City of Seattle is seeking a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead the city’s work in applying technology, data, and innovation to equitably benefit Seattle and support the business needs of city departments.

The CTO serves as the principal technology leader for the city with overall responsibility for vision, strategy, and leadership of information technology resources and management of the work of Seattle IT.

The CTO collaborates with stakeholders to bring expertise that informs city programs and investments, delivering secure and effective technology services, and promoting value-driven technology innovations.

Reporting to the Mayor, this cabinet-level position oversees the delivery of technology services within the city, leads an organization of 633 employees and manages an annual operating budget of $280 million with a capital budget of $20 million.

Seattle IT’s mission is to leverage technology and innovation to address Seattle’s most pressing challenges—housing, safe communities, shared prosperity, environmental justice, and inclusive governance—so city employees can focus on what matters most: serving Seattle.

Requirements

Lead Seattle IT – Ensure Seattle IT operations, investments, and staff effectively and efficiently support city technology needs.

Align delivery with city policy objectives, service equity, and regulatory compliance.

Prioritize investments based on mayoral and council priorities; collaborate with departments to understand their goals and missions.

Consult and Advise on Technology – Serve as primary technology advisor to the mayor, council, executive leadership, and city department directors, offering an independent perspective on technology issues and investments.

Translate complex technical concepts clearly for diverse audiences.

Oversee partnerships with vendors, industry partners, and regional government to maximize value, and balance competing resource demands with community outcomes in mind.

Inform and Support the Public – Advise on city policies and programs that support city residents having more equitable access to technology, data, and government services.

Leverage technology to deepen public engagement with city government, promoting transparency and accountability.

Apply knowledge of public records, open data, and disclosure laws to better serve constituents.

Manage Enterprise Architecture and Data – Partner with departments to standardize architecture and data accessibility across city departments. Maintain the integrity, security, and sustainability of city IT infrastructure. Establish citywide policies for IT acquisitions, data, and projects.

Risk Management and Safeguarding Security – Ensure technology investments strengthen the city’s resilience and security posture.

Apply an integrative approach to data, privacy, cloud, and cyber-physical systems.

Operates with a strong understanding of security, compliance, and risk management—including IT, AI, privacy, and procurement regulations.

Deliver and Improve Services – Establish and continuously improve service delivery models, service levels, and performance metrics.

Partner with business unit leaders to identify technology opportunities that improve departmental effectiveness.

Oversee city technology governance, including solution selection and approval of business cases, investment requests, and project scope, schedule, and budget.

Engage and Develop Workforce – Foster an inclusive culture that empowers staff, respects diverse perspectives, and promotes equity and psychological safety.

Champion talent development for an agile, growth-minded workforce.

Manage employees in a represented environment, collaborate with union leadership, and oversee personnel actions including hiring, grievances, and performance.

Qualifications

The CTO is a pragmatic, collaborative leader who aligns technology strategy with city priorities and community needs.

They advise executive leadership with credibility, guide enterprise-wide technology decisions, and implement change through shared goals, accountability and strong project delivery.

They value people, emphasize equity, and cultivate an inclusive culture where staff feel supported and empowered.

Well-qualified candidates will have senior leadership experience in a large, complex organization; local government experience is preferred.

Their background includes managing technology teams to reduce legacy debt, strengthen cybersecurity, and automate business processes, with demonstrated financial, political, and legal acumen and a commitment to public service.

Additional Information

This full-time benefited position is classified as a Chief Technology Officer in the city payroll system.

It is not covered under the Civil Service System and is FLSA-exempt (not eligible for overtime pay).

The full salary range for this classification title is $216,693 – $357,528 annually, based on 2088 hours ($103.78 - $171.23 per hour).

Job offers are contingent on the review of criminal history and verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process.

In compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17, applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Please contact Pam Inch at Pam.Inch@seattle.gov to request accommodation. The City of Seattle recognizes that every city employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism.

Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same.

To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in race and social justice by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package, including vacation, holiday, and sick leave, as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about https://www.seattle.gov/humanresources/benefits/employees-andemployee benefits is available on the city's website at: covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Application Process:

To be considered, you must include a resume and cover letter with your application.

We encourage you to use your cover letter to explain why you want to lead Seattle IT and to highlight your qualifications for the position.

Your resume should summarize the talent, experience, knowledge, and skills you bring to this leadership role.

Application materials must be received by 4:00 PM Pacific Time on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, and will receive first consideration.

Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

This position is open to all individuals whose experience, skills, and abilities align with the qualifications presented above. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy.

The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.