IT DIRECTOR II (Chief Information Officer)

Introduction

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The Maryland Department of Agriculture is a department under Maryland''s Executive Branch. Formed in 1972 by the Maryland General Assembly to address the agriculture needs for the State of Maryland, the Department oversees and serves as a regulatory body for animal health , consumer services to include marketing and lab services, plant and pest management and resource conservation. As the number one industry in Maryland, the diversity of agriculture programs in the State continue to expand and grow.Â

GRADE

24

LOCATION OF POSITION

MDA Headquarters, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis Maryland

Main Purpose of Job

The main purpose of this position is to provide overall technology strategy and direction of the MDA. This position involves building and leading the IT department, managing technological resources, protecting privacy and the security of data, and aligning technology initiatives with MDA''s goals. This position ensures the effective and efficient operation of all technology systems, supports business processes, and drives digital transformation to enhance business performance.

The MDA Chief Information Officer develops, delivers, and defends the business information technologies that empower every aspect of the MDA mission. The incumbent is accountable for all aspects of IT strategy, alignment, planning, IT budget and support for the organization. The Chief Information Officer will fully understand the goals, objectives, and operations of the organization at a functional level. The CIO must be technically competent to lead the technical team and align their efforts such that the team delivers coordinated, effective, and efficient IT services to the organization.

POSITION DUTIES

Strategic Planning

• Develop and implement the organization''s IT strategic plan and roadmap in alignment with MDA goals objectives and in coordination with the Maryland Department of Information Technology.Â
• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies to drive innovation across the agency.Â
• Provide leadership for project scoping, solutioning, project increment planning, Statement of Work and Memo of Understanding development, as well as project cost estimation documentation, in collaboration with MDA Office of the Secretary, Program Managers and other stakeholders.Â
• Lead the strategic IT planning, alignment, and tactical planning for the organization as well as being accountable to facilitate the IT governance process(s) necessary to prioritize, fund, and deliver IT services for the organization. Direct the planning, acquisition and deployment of IT solutions/equipment that comply with State''s standards. In coordination with the Assistant Secretary of Administration, develop the annual technology, cybersecurity and IT communications budget.Â
• Recommend a regular schedule of equipment replacement and oversee deployment of all equipment ensuring program staff needs are prioritized.Â

IT Operations and InfrastructureÂ

• Ensure the reliability, security, and performance of all IT systems and infrastructure.Â
• Oversee the management of IT assets, budgets, and resources.Â
• Coordinates IT procurements and contract negotiations with end users and procurement staff.Â
• Collaborates and coordinates with MDA Program managers on needs for MDA owned and maintained labs, and IoT technology.Â

Digital TransformationÂ

• Drive digital transformation initiatives to enhance customer experience, operational efficiency, and business agility.Â
• Collaborate with other Agencies to identify and implement technology solutions that support MDA goals and objectives.Â

Leadership and Management and Stakeholder EngagementÂ

• Oversee major IT projects ensuring adherence to budget, time, and needs.Â
• Lead, mentor, and manage MDA IT team. Oversee the recruitment, development, and retention of staffÂ
• Lead a team of IT professionals with strong skills and a customer service culture.Â
• Advise the Secretary and Senior Management of important matters pertaining to IT and business requirements. Be accountable to establish and maintain performance metrics that measure and report the effectiveness of the IT activities and IT investments made by the organization. These metrics should be driven by business outcomes and other organizational metrics that demonstrate how the organization is better able to meet its goals and objectives through careful investment in technology to meet those goalsÂ
• Communicate effectively with executive leadership, stakeholders, and board members regarding ITÂ strategy, projects, and performance.Â
• Act as a liaison between IT and other business units to ensure alignment and collaboration.Â

Governance and ComplianceÂ

• Ensure compliance with security standards, including DoITâs Emergency Directives (ED) and Binding Operational Directives (BOD) for longer term operation risk management. Also must maintain Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) and Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) requirements. Develop and enforce IT policies, procedures, and standards to ensure compliance with State policy, legal and regulatory requirements.Â
• Enforce cybersecurity and privacy policies to protect MDA data and systems from threats and breaches.Â
• Conduct risk assessments annually and ensure data privacy, security, accessibility, and responsible AI.Â
• Adhere to data governance standards ensuring data quality and strategic decision making.Â

Vendor ManagementÂ

• Oversee the procurement and implementation of new technology solutions.Â
• Direct the planning, acquisition and deployment of IT solutions, software, services and equipment that comply with State standards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor''s degree from an accredited college or university in technology business administration, computer science, computer information management, information security, or a related field.

Experience: Eight (8) years of experience working in an information technology environment managing IT initiatives, budgets, procurements, IT projects, cybersecurity compliance, and resource planning, including four (4) years of direct management of IT technical staff and resources.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

Experience cybersecurity compliance with large orginization or government entity.

Experience overseeing an IT budget including contract management.

Experience managing an IT department with direct reports.

Experience in managing multidisciplinary teams in complex IT projects.

Possess any of the following certifications: Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP); Project Management Professional(PMP); PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP); Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP).

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are STRONGLY preferred. If you unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application to: Maryland Department of Agriculture Human Resource Office, Room 304 50 Harry S Truman Parkway Annapolis, MD 21401. If you are submitting additional information, such as diplomas and transcripts, the preferred method is to upload them online with your application.Â

If you are unable to upload, you may mail, hand-deliver or fax (HR Fax # 443-602-9831). All paper applications must be received by the closing date, no exceptions. (Postmarks not accepted.)

Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application.Â

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the Stateâs diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country. TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact: Kathleen Newhouse at 410-841-5837 or kathleen.newhouse2@maryland.gov.