Agile Programming Methodologies, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Budgeting, CISM - Certified Information Security Manager, CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional, Cloud Architecture, Cloud Computing, Communication Skills, Computer Security, Customer Experience, Customer Relations, Customer Support/Service, Ecosystems, Emerging Technology, Enterprise Application Integration (EAI), Enterprise Architecture, Establish Priorities, Guidewire, Higher Education, Incident Response, Insurance, Internet Security, Keyboards, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Manual Dexterity, Network Architecture/Engineering, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Project Management Professional (PMP), Protective Services, Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Requirements, Reimbursement, Risk Management, Security Architecture, Security Compliance, Security Monitoring, Service Delivery, Software Development, Strategic Planning, Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), System Integration (SI), TOGAF - The Open Group Architecture Framework, Team Building, Team Player, Technical Leadership, Technical Strategy, Training Program, Training/Teaching, Vendor/Supplier Relations
This posting is scheduled to close on July 30, 2026. If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received, this posting may close early. Apply today!
About the Job
Montana State Fund (MSF) is seeking an innovative, forward‑looking Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to help shape the technological future of Montana’s largest workers’ compensation insurance carrier. Reporting to the Chief Information Officer, the CTO serves as a member of the IT Department leadership team.
This role will define MSF’s long‑term technology vision, anticipate emerging capabilities, and ensure the organization is prepared for the rapidly evolving needs of customers, regulators, and the insurance marketplace. This position will provide strategic direction across enterprise architecture, cloud evolution, cybersecurity posture, and innovation pathways—helping MSF remain resilient, modern, and customer‑centered.
Key responsibilities include:
- Enterprise Strategic Vision: Working with company and department leadership, lead the development and delivery of a long-term, customer-focused technology vision, and the strategies needed to achieve that vision. Focus areas include customer digital experience, use of AI and other emerging technologies, and shift of IT from an on-premises focus to a cloud-based delivery system.
- Enterprise Architecture and Technology Strategy: Establish and maintain enterprise architecture standards that support efficient, secure, and customer focused technology solutions. Ensure all architecture decisions prioritize the protection and seamless services to MSF’s customers. Provide strategic direction for cloud, system design, integrations, and technology lifecycle management with a focus on enabling responsive, high-quality services that align with MSF’s use of Guidewire’s Insurance Suite. Serve as the architecture advisor to IT leadership and executive management, ensuring thoughtful investment is sustainable, secure, and customer centered.
- Security Leadership and Governance: Provide strategic leadership for cybersecurity operations and ensure the protection of MSF’s data and systems Oversee the development and enforcement of security policies, standards, and controls that safeguard the trust of customers and vendor partners. Work closely with risk management and MSF compliance to proactively manage security risks, monitor threats, and ensure alignment with regulatory requirements. Lead security initiatives that provide reliable, safe, and secure services to customers, including vulnerability management, incident response, and security awareness training.
- People Leadership and Team Development: Lead and develop high-performing teams across security, network, and architecture. Foster a collaborative and innovative environment where team members are passionate about supporting MSF’s mission and delivering excellent service to policyholders and injured workers.
Additional functions:
- Develop and execute comprehensive strategic plans for enterprise architecture and cybersecurity, ensuring alignment with MSF's overarching business goals and mission.
- Champion a culture of security awareness and risk mitigation throughout the organization, ensuring robust compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements.
- Manage vendor relationships and budgets effectively to optimize technology investments and secure essential services.
- Foster strong relationships with stakeholders across all levels of the organization, leveraging outstanding communication and leadership to drive collaborative initiatives.
This is a high‑impact role for a technology leader who excels in strategic thinking, horizon scanning, and shaping the future of enterprise technology.
Required Skills
About You
To find success and satisfaction in this role, candidates will possess the following traits:
- A seasoned technology leader with deep experience in architecture, security, or application development—and a passion for anticipating what’s next.
- Energized by long‑range planning, innovation, and guiding organizations toward resilient and forward‑leaning technology ecosystems.
- Excel at building relationships, communicating complex ideas clearly, and leading collaborative, mission‑driven teams.
- Balance strategic imagination with practical judgment, enabling thoughtful, sustainable decisions that protect and enhance customer experience.
- A leader who demonstrates strong ownership, approaches challenges with curiosity, works with speed and intention, and consistently delivers high‑quality results.
At Montana State Fund, how we do our jobs matters to us as much as what we do. To support our customer-centered workplace, successful candidates are team players who possess:
- Customer and growth mindset
- Empathy
- Accountability
- Adaptability
- Resiliency
- Communication skills
Required Experience
Minimum qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to the position, and
- Ten (10) years of IT architecture, security, or applications development, including five (5) years in IT leadership.
An equivalent combination of education and experience of the above requirements may be considered.
Preferred:
- Master’s degree in a field relevant to the position.
- Five (5) years’ experience in insurance or related industry.
- Experience working with Guidewire Insurance Suite or similar insurance solutions.
- Experience with AWS cloud.
- Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, TOGAF, AWS Solution Architect, PMP, or Agile.
About Montana State Fund
Montana State Fund is more than just an insurance company. We are a team of dedicated professionals committed to making a positive impact. Our mission is to partner with employers and their employees to care for those injured on the job and champion a culture of workplace safety for our fellow Montanans.
Six values guide us in our day-to-day work:
- Do what's right
- Deliver with heart
- Focus on what matters
- Succeed together
- Find a better way
- Take the long view
Job location
This position requires regular attendance and presence in the MSF Helena office.
Working conditions
Fast paced general office environment. Some stress may occur. Regular travel is not expected but may occur occasionally around organizational specific events or during the course of employment. Requires sitting for extended periods of time, standing, visual acumen, manual dexterity, detailed verbal communications and fine finger manipulation for working with computer keyboards.
Compensation and Benefits
Starting salary for this exempt position begins at $167,000 - $208,700 per year.
Montana State Fund offers excellent benefits, paid time off, and a competitive compensation program, including:
- Excellent health insurance with dental, vision, life, long-term disability and more, with optional dependent coverage.
- Flexible spending accounts for dependent care and medical expenses.
- Public employees’ retirement plan tax-deferred contributions with a generous employer match.
- Optional 457(b) deferred compensation to further increase retirement savings.
- Higher education reimbursement and other training and development programs.
- Robust personal leave, paid holidays, and extended leave.
Learn more about working at MSF: click here
Are you interested in this opportunity? Apply today!