Metro - Chief Information Officer

Metro is seeking a visionary leader to serve as the next chief information officer (CIO). The CIO provides strategic leadership and executive oversight of the information technology and records management (IT) department guiding the vision direction and overall management of IT services systems and infrastructure. Specifically the CIO leads a team responsible for Metro-wide enterprise services application support cybersecurity and telecommunication services. A key focus of this role is identifying opportunities for innovation evaluating emerging technologies and implementing systems that enhance operational efficiency service quality and organizational effectiveness.

The CIO is responsible for establishing departmental goals and objectives aligned with organizational priorities and ensuring the effective delivery of technology solutions that support both internal operations and public-facing services. The position leads the development and execution of comprehensive work plans oversees the implementation of policies and procedures and manages a combination of internal staff and outsourced service providers to achieve high performance and continuous improvement. The CIO provides critical administrative direction across all IT programs and services supports department managers in recruiting developing and retaining a high-performing team and fosters a culture of service excellence and accountability.

This leadership position also oversees the financial health of the IT department including the preparation and administration of the budget monitoring of expenditures and long-term resource planning. The CIO manages all departmental contracts accounts and financial agreements ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational goals. Serving as a key liaison the CIO maintains open effective communication with executive leadership elected officials and stakeholders providing regular updates on departmental initiatives project progress and overall performance.

Additionally this position addresses and resolves complex issues inquiries or emergencies affecting IT services while proactively driving change management efforts to modernize systems and practices. The CIO provides expert consultation to departments across the organization on technology-related projects cost considerations and contract management ensuring that Metros technology ecosystem evolves to meet current and future needs.

The priorities

• Lead the ongoing efforts to modernize transform and optimize Metros technology. Finalize and implement the Information technology and records management strategic plan while establishing proper expectations and balancing the demand for technology improvements with available resources.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with the goal of building trust credibility and influence throughout the organization. Develop an understanding of departmental goals and initiatives to identify technology needs and support solutions that solve multiple challenges align with business needs and restore confidence in IT services.
• Develop implement and sustain an effective IT governance model. Establish a clear structure and evaluation framework identify processes and policies that minimize risk and promote transparency accountability and effective decision-making.
• Provide the necessary leadership to ensure the enterprise resources planning (ERP) implementation and related business process modernization efforts are successful. Help the organization embrace technology solutions that support process improvements evolve services and further refine business policies and practices.
• Collaborate with the IT security manager to evolve and enhance the security division ensuring the confidentiality integrity and availability of Metros data and information. Strengthen and mature cybersecurity practices align efforts with the NIST framework and address the findings from the information technology audit.
• Mature and further evolve the IT project management office (PMO). Ensure the PMO is viewed as a strategic partner with the goal of centralizing functions improving project governance and decision making and aligning projects with organizational and departmental goals and objectives.
• Encourage employee growth and development. Fill necessary vacancies remove barriers to collaboration and build trust and empower staff to bring fresh ideas develop innovative strategies and provide creative solutions to meet Metros evolving and growing technology needs.

The successful candidate

The chief information officer is a strategic and systems-oriented leader excited by the opportunity to lead the modernization and digital transformation of Metros technology efforts. With strong executive leadership skills the successful candidate creates a clear vision aligned to organizational priorities while easily balancing strategy with execution. Through an organization-wide lens and a holistic perspective the CIO easily identifies trends and problems hindering progress leverages emerging technologies and naturally collaborates to develop and implement technology solutions to drive change and transformation.

The CIO values public service and understands the risk profile associated with public sector organizations leveraging that knowledge to effectively manage in a changing and evolving environment. They recognize the importance of building strong relationships that foster collaboration and partnership at all levels. The CIO brings forward creative and innovative technical solutions while promoting a customer-oriented approach to service delivery. Ideally the successful candidate works proactively to understand the various functions operations and practices of all departments and venues and quickly establishes trust and rapport to achieve desired results. Importantly the CIO actively collaborates with their leadership team to develop technology solutions that solve multiple challenges in a complex environment with competing interests.

A skilled communicator the CIO clearly and effectively articulates Metros technology needs while providing advice and guidance in support of broader organizational alignment. The successful candidate provides strategic leadership in IT governance cybersecurity and innovation driving modernization efforts and advancing organizational goals through thoughtful technology adoption. Additionally the CIO brings prior experience in evaluating and implementing hardware software and cloud solutions to meet the evolving business needs. With strong financial acumen the successful candidate identifies funding options communicates critical budget decisions and proposes necessary trade-offs to ensure the sustainability and resiliency of the organization.

This transformational leader adopts a human-centered approach fostering trust through authenticity while empowering staff and cultivating a culture that embraces positive change. The CIO champions employee growth and development prioritizing coaching mentoring and professional advancement to set their team up for success. With a we before me mindset they practice active listening remain approachable and use curiosity and strong inquiry skills to uncover team insights and ideas that align with organizational needs. By leveraging the team strengths encouraging creativity and supporting innovation they build an engaged and high-performing department.

Qualifications

At least eight years of progressively responsible management experience with responsibility for information systems management strategic planning budgeting and personnel management are required. Knowledge of server and cloud platforms virtualization technologies systems application software database administration and enterprise security practices is essential. Prior experience driving change and transformation with a focus on modernizing technology is ideal. Strong fiscal management coupled with project and program management is required. Experience in a complex multi-disciplinary environment is essential. An interest in public service coupled with a broad and diverse background that includes the public sector is preferred. Prior experience managing in a union environment is desired.

A bachelors degree in computer science information systems business administration or any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge skills and abilities to perform the job duties and responsibilities.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Hello were Metro

Metro brings people together across greater Portland to shape places services and tools that work best at a regional scale today and in the future.

Metro exists to address issues that connect engage and challenge us across our diverse region. Together we face critical challenges such as the housing and homelessness crisis the need for family-sustaining jobs and the effects of a changing climate. Only through collaboration can we effectively tackle these issues and build a brighter future for our region.

Serving 1.7 million people across three counties and 24 cities Metros mission includes:

• Creating safe affordable and livable communities through housing homeless services and economic development
• Building roads transit and trails for all
• Ensuring clean water air and access to nature
• Reducing waste and increasing recycling services
• Supporting major attractions like the Oregon Zoo Oregon Convention Center and more

An elected council

The Metro Council consists of a president elected regionwide and six councilors who are elected by district every four years in nonpartisan races. The Metro Auditor elected regionwide is responsible for oversight of Metros annual financial statements and for conducting performance audits. The council appoints a chief operating officer to carry out council policies and manage Metro operations.

Employees

More than 1600 employees carry out Metros mission from park rangers to economists from animal keepers to stagehands from cartographers to designers. Hundreds of volunteers lend a hand at Metros parks natural areas cemeteries offices and arts and event centers.

A welcoming workplace

Metro works to hire staff who reflect the diversity of greater Portland and are committed to creating a safe and welcoming workplace for everyone. We are committed to eliminating disparities that people of color experience through policies programs services and destinations.

About Metros information technology and records management department

The information technology and records management (IT) department drives technology advancements that serve the needs of Metro and align with the agencys strategic targets of housing environment and economic growth. The IT department provides key services in digital communication server and file management business systems point of sale desktop productivity event management security video management email digital security systems and many other services. The records management section ensures that Metro manages records effectively throughout their lifecycle and provides records access to citizens.

With a 2025-26 budget of $14 million and 41 full-time staff the IT department finds itself in a time of change and transformation. Technology is always evolving which provides both challenge and opportunity. The FY 2025-26 budget focuses on continuing to implement the IT cybersecurity framework prioritize and protect Metro technology and data assets address technical debt automate processes and procedures and use data to provide actionable information for departments and greater transparency to the public.

Greater Portland

Greater Portlands livability and wide range of diverse communities make the region especially attractive. People in greater Portland enjoy active unique and fulfilling lifestyles enhanced by access to incredible outdoor recreation options and a renowned food and arts scene. Greater Portland is not only the regions cultural hub but it also occupies center stage in the states positive economic health as a hotbed for a number of industries including technology athletic and outdoor apparel healthcare and manufacturing.

The salary range for the chief information officer is $193488 to $246945 and will depend on the qualifications of the successful candidate. Metro offers an excellent benefits package that is among the best in the region and includes comprehensive medical dental vision and life insurance public employee retirement system contributions holiday and leave time and other employee perks. Full benefit details can be viewed here.

How to apply

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. Open until filled with the first review of applications on August 25 2025.

Metro is committed to upholding and promoting equal opportunity in employment. We know that a diverse workforce is a strong workforce. Metro encourages people of all backgrounds cultures and religions to apply including veterans people of color immigrants refugees women members of the LGBTQ community and people with disabilities. Assistance with the recruitment application and selection process is available to applicants with disabilities upon request.

Metro hires veterans

Qualified veterans are eligible for Veterans Preference when applying for Metro positions. Please submit a copy of the DD Form 214 or 215 showing your discharge status. If you are disabled you will also need to include a public employment preference letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Please attach the qualifying documents to your application. Documents are due no later than 5 p.m. on the closing date of the recruitment.

Questions

For more information or questions regarding Metros chief information officer position please contact Heather Gantz at or Robert Colichio at .