City of Thousand Oaks, CA Chief Technology Officer

Thank you for your interest in the Chief Technology Officer position at the City of Thousand Oaks. The date for first review of applications has passed and the City is currently considering an initial group of highly qualified applicants. It is possible that we may return to the general candidate pool should this initial group not yield a successful candidate. If you are interested in submitting your application for us to keep on file we are happy to accept your materials. Thank you again for your interest.

The City of Thousand Oaks is seeking a visionary technologist and leader to serve as the agencys first Chief Technology Officer (CTO). The CTO will establish the culture and long-term strategy for the Citys newly formed Information Technology (IT) Department and serve on the Citys Executive Team. Historically operating as a division within the Finance Department the City recently created the standalone IT department led by the CTO to drive technology modernization across the City. The new IT Department will officially launch alongside the onboarding of the new CTO. This is a rare opportunity to lead a new department and build a team culture that is forward-thinking high-performing and service-focused.

The Citys inaugural CTO will share the organizations goals of prioritizing data availability for all users promoting a self-service model rather than an expert-required model and prioritizing integrated multi-disciplinary systems over task-specific products. Over the next several years the City aims to be a technology leader in the municipal space and an employer of choice for those seeking to leverage technology for the public good. The CTO will be responsible for building and maintaining this industry reputation through thoughtful leadership project execution and serving as the catalyst for a technology-focused culture across the organization.

The CTO will be instrumental in bringing the Citys recently adopted Information Technology Strategic Plan (ITSP) to life. Among the largest planned projects in this comprehensive five-year roadmap are modernization of the Citys Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and Customer Resource Management (CRM) System initiatives. The Citys Public Records Act (PRA) Utility Billing and Data Analytics systems are also slated for upgrades. Modernization projects already underway include the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Phone System Budget Management Software Water Utility Network Library Public Computer Infrastructure Replacement Enterprise Permitting & Licensing System and Microsoft365 Defender.

The CTO will lead a growing team of 18 high-functioning employees and report directly to the Deputy City Manager. The ITSP includes plans for additional IT positions over the next five years for project management business process improvements and data analytics as well as a new Deputy Director position all to support expanded technology services. As head of the new department the CTO will have direct oversight of IT governance cybersecurity application support infrastructure operations digital services and all other core technology operations for the City.

Priorities

• Establish the new IT department and foster a culture of service and accountability within the team. Mentor and develop current staff and where possible align the work of the department to the teams strengths and desired growth and development areas.
• Build trust and confidence in the new IT department with the entire organization. Establish presence as a valued and respected voice on the Citys Executive Team.
• Own execution of the ITSP for the organization and ensure that the upcoming ERP modernization initiative is properly scoped supported and progressing on right timeline.
• Leveraging the Citys current AI policy establish a Citywide process for the vetting and adoption of emerging technologies particularly AI.
• Drive stability and consistency in IT systems policies and procedures. Work to standardize processes identify opportunities for efficiency and establish continuity in IT management across the City.

The Successful Candidate

The ideal CTO for Thousand Oaks is a forward-thinking and transformational leader who is ready to establish the new IT Departments culture drive long-range planning and serve as a strong and respected voice on the Citys Executive Team.

The ideal candidate will possess deep technological expertise a proven track record of successful enterprise-level implementations demonstrated ability to champion continuous improvement and foster a service-oriented culture in a new environment. They will be adept at evaluating and adopting new technologies particularly in the ever-evolving world of artificial intelligence. They will be effective in leveraging new technology to position the City of Thousand Oaks as a recognized leader in the government technology space.

The CTO will be instrumental in driving the Citys new ERP modernization initiative influencing the pace and detailed implementation plans for the ITSP and modernizing technology assets for the Citys workforce. The successful candidate must be a skilled consensus builder experienced in driving productive cross-departmental collaboration and effective in establishing IT as a valued partner and trusted advisor in all Citywide initiatives. Building collaborative positive working relationships with peers at the executive level particularly fellow internal service department directors will be critical to the new CTOs success.

The right candidate is not afraid to challenge the status quo and is energized by the prospect of transforming the Citys current IT division into a strategic proactive full-service IT Department. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact in a well-resourced city with a high-functioning supportive executive leadership team and Council.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements include at least eight (8) years of increasingly responsible experience in information technology management including at least three (3) years of supervisory and/or management responsibility. A bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science information systems engineering or a closely related field is also required. Experience managing both on-premises and cloud-based systems virtualization technologies enterprise-wide applications and organization-wide cybersecurity is essential.

Preferred qualifications include prior experience in driving change and transformation with a focus on technology modernization. Demonstrated expertise in developing and executing organization-wide strategic plans specific to information technology is also desirable.

Inside The City

The City of Thousand Oaks is a General Law City serving the public under the Council-Manager form of government. The City Council is comprised of 5 members elected by district to serve 4-year terms with staggered elections every 2 years. The position of Mayor is rotated annually among the Council Members.

The Mayor and City Council appoint the City Manager who is responsible for implementing the goals policies and objectives of the City Council. City Manager Andrew Drew Powers has been with the organization since 2007 holding various positions including Assistant City Manager and Communications Manager prior to his appointment to the position of City Manager in 2016. The City is currently comprised of 9 departments: City Manager City Attorney Strategic Communications & Public Affairs City Clerk Finance Community Development Human Resources Cultural & Community Services and Public Works. With the appointment of the new CTO the newly-established tenth department Information Technology will be added to this list.

The City contracts with Ventura County for police services and is served by the Ventura County Fire District. With an FY 2024/2025 Adopted Operating and Capital Budget of $271.4 million and 397 FTE the Citys team and resources are aligned to achieve extraordinary goals be responsive to community needs complete important projects and deliver exceptional internal and external customer service. The City strives toward its aspirational values of service flexibility teamwork performance innovation wellness belonging and growth mindset to drive positive change and enhance the quality of life for all residents. For more information please visit .

The Community

Located between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara in Ventura County the City of Thousand Oaks is a premiere community recognized for being one of the most desirable places in California to live work recreate and raise a family. Incorporated in 1964 and within a 55.4 square mile area the City is the second largest in Ventura County with a population of approximately 125000 residents.

Thousand Oaks consistently ranks among the safest cities in the United States and is home to some of the nations top schools. Residents enjoy access to high-quality cultural programs through the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. This is one of the largest performing arts centers between Los Angeles and San Francisco and features world-class entertainment musicals concerts childrens shows ballets and more. The City prides itself on its designated open space which includes over 15000 acres of natural publicly owned open space and 150 miles of trails for hiking biking or leisurely walking. Thousand Oaks is a Tree City in the USA and has been named one of Ventura Countys greenest cities.

The Citys blueprint for a revitalized downtown and recently completed 2045 General Plan envision a vibrant walkable downtown with mixed-use development wide sidewalks public plazas and gathering spaces. The Citys plans reflect the transformation of underused areas into dynamic hubs with housing entertainment and local retail while maintaining the citys signature open space and suburban character. New development will reflect the Citys commitment to inclusivity arts and culture safety environmental sustainability and accessibility for the whole community.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated hiring range for the new CTO is $205000 to $255000 with a full salary range up to $307000. The City typically makes offers within the hiring range based on the candidates experience and qualifications. A $10000 relocation allowance is available for eligible candidates.

For a complete overview of the Citys extensive benefits review the detailed summary here. Highlights include membership in CalPERS (California Public Employees Retirement System) a deferred compensation plan that includes a City match of up to 6% and generous vacation sick and holiday leave. The City operates on a 9/80 work schedule with flexible remote work options available though the CTOs consistent in-person presence at City Hall will be critical in building the foundation of the new department.

How to Apply

Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will remain open until filled with a first review of applications beginning October 29 2025. Early application is encouraged.

For More Information

Please direct questions to Sarah Slegers at and Niayla Hairston at .

RECRUITMENT BROCHURE

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