Chief Information Officer

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The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority ("SFRTA"), the operator of Tri-Rail, is seeking qualified candidates for the role of Chief Information Officer (CIO) to join our team. The CIO serves as a member of the executive team and is responsible for the strategic development and execution of SFRTA's information technology (IT) initiatives, software delivery and support, cybersecurity, and all facets of IT resourcing to accomplish SFRTA’s mission.  The CIO drives technological innovations that support the agency's strategic goals, focusing on enhancing commuter rail operations, customer service, regulatory compliance, and issues facing IT in the public sector.

• Assessment and Strategic Planning: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the existing IT landscape, identify gaps, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement, and develop a strategic roadmap for technological transformation based on the assessment.

• Strategic Leadership: Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive IT strategy that aligns with SFRTA’s strategic goals and the evolving demands of the public transit industry.

• Technology Roadmap: Maintain a multi-year technology roadmap, including planning and prioritization of IT projects and investment.

• Team Leadership: Manage a team of IT professionals, including hiring, training, and performance evaluation.

• Operational Support: Oversee the implementation and support of all operational and business support systems.

• Information Security: Establish and oversee governance and policies to ensure data integrity, security, and regulatory compliance.

• Budget Management: Develop and manage the IT budget, including cost-benefit analysis and ROI assessment.

• Innovative Solutions: Promote the use of information technology and innovative technology solutions to improve the operations, productivity, accessibility, efficiency, effectiveness, and service delivery of SFRTA.

• Policy Development: Collaborate with other executive officers and department heads to shape interdepartmental IT policy.

• Data Loss Prevention: Develop, implement, and maintain a data loss prevention (DLP) strategy to prevent data from being improperly accessed or deleted.

• Cybersecurity: Leverage innovative technologies to help prevent, respond to, and recover from cyberattacks.

Success in this role will be driven by a combination of technical expertise, innovative thinking, and strong leadership. Below are the knowledge, skills, abilities, technical proficiencies, and qualifications that will help you thrive as part of the SFRTA team.

Knowledge of:

• Cloud Computing and Infrastructure Planning: Knowledge of cloud-based services, including deployment, migration strategies, and infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) models.

• Strategic IT Planning and Innovation Trends: Keeps current with emerging technologies, digital transformation strategies, and their impact on public sector operations.

• Public Sector IT Governance and Cybersecurity Regulations: Understands the legal and regulatory frameworks governing data privacy, cybersecurity, and IT operations in public agencies.

• Enterprise Technology and Application Development: Familiar with information systems architecture, software development lifecycles, and scalable solutions that meet organizational needs.

Skills in:

• Project and Portfolio Management: Skilled in leading complex, cross-functional technology projects from planning through execution, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.

• Communication and Collaboration: Communicates effectively with executive leadership, technical teams, and external partners, translating technical concepts into accessible language.

• Data Analytics and Interpretation: Can analyze data sets to inform IT decisions, improve operations, and guide resource allocation.

• Team Leadership and Staff Development: Able to mentor, motivate, and develop a high-performing IT team that delivers innovation and service excellence.

Ability to:

• Align Technology with Organizational Goals: Effectively integrates IT strategy with agency priorities to drive performance and long-term impact.

• Implement and Manage Secure IT Systems: Oversees the deployment of secure systems that protect data integrity, minimize risk, and ensure compliance.

• Solve Complex Technical Challenges: Identifies operational issues and applies technology-based solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

• Manage Multiple Priorities in a Fast-Paced Environment: Balances short-term needs with long-term initiatives while adapting to evolving demands and timelines.

• Foster a Culture of Innovation and Accountability: Encourages forward-thinking ideas while holding the team to high standards of execution and service.

COMPUTER & SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

Technical Proficiency:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access for communication, analysis, documentation, and reporting.  

• Enterprise and Cloud-Based Systems: Experienced in navigating cloud platforms and enterprise applications used for infrastructure management, cybersecurity, and data integration.

• IT Management Tools: Familiar with project management, service desk, and systems monitoring tools commonly used in IT environments to track performance, manage assets, and support decision-making.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Candidates must meet the minimum education and experience requirements listed below. Additional preferred qualifications highlight the background that will further support success in this leadership role.

Education

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Computer Information Systems (CIS), Management Information Systems (MIS), IT Management, or a related technical field.

Experience

• Seven (7) years of professional experience managing technical staff in all facets of IT, including portfolio management, IT infrastructure and operations, cybersecurity, information assurance, innovation and emerging technologies, enterprise data management, and application and digital solutions.

• Three (3) years of formal supervisory and training experience.

Certification

• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification or obtain within 18 months from the hire date.

• Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO) or obtain within three (3) years from the hire date.

Education

• Master's degree in public or business administration, Information Technology Management, or a related field.

Experience

• Professional experience in the transportation, rail, or public sector.

Certification

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA);
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP);
• Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) in routing and switching;
• CompTIA Network+, or Microsoft certifications in Windows Server and Windows Client.

DISCLAIMER

At-will Relationship.  This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Job Description.  This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position nor does it include all marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of essential job duties.  Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. 

Essential Functions.  The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of experience, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  All duties and responsibilities that are essential job functions are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.  To perform this job successfully, the employee will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.  The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (“SFRTA”) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.  It is the policy of SFRTA to provide a professional working environment that provides equal opportunities for all employees.  To accomplish this, we will comply with all applicable laws, prohibiting discrimination and harassment on the grounds of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disabilities, marital status, medical condition, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran or military status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state and local laws.

Americans with Disabilities Act.  The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority shall not discriminate against an individual on the basis of disability.  SFRTA shall make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant or employee.  If selected for an interview, candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency Human Resources department at 954-788-7930 at least 72 hours prior to the date of the interview. 

Drug-Free Workplace.  The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority is a Drug-Free Workplace, authorized by FS 440.101 and Chapter 59A-24 of the Florida Administrative Code. An applicant receiving an offer of employment must submit to a drug screening. A refusal to submit, or a positive confirmed test result, may be used as a basis to rescind the offer for employment. The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority conducts reasonable suspicion testing.  An employee may be required to submit for testing when the employer has a reasonable suspicion, as defined in the act that an employee is using or has used drugs in violation of the employer’s policy. It is a condition of employment for an employee to refrain from reporting to work or working with the presence of drugs or alcohol in his/her body.

Background Checks.  The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority conducts a background check on all applicants who accept an offer of employment.  Background checks will include social security number verification, prior employment verification, personal and professional references, educational verification and criminal history. In addition, a motor vehicle records background search will be required if applicable to the position. Applicants who receive an offer of employment must complete a background check authorization form and return it to the Human Resources department signed and dated. Offers of employment are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check. 

Introductory Period.  It is the policy of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority that all new employees and all present employees transferred or promoted to a new job should be evaluated for an initial Introductory Period.  The Introductory Period is a minimum of six (6) months.  After satisfactory completion of the Introductory Period, employees are evaluated as provided for in the Performance Appraisal Policy and become regular status employees.

Certification Requirements.  Employees in a position that requires certification after the hire date must fulfill that requirement within the allowed timeframe.  Employees unable to meet certification requirements may be terminated. 

Department of Revenue Child Support Services.  The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority reports hired employees to the Florida Department of Revenue Child Support Services.

E-Verify.  The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority participates in E-Verify, which allows employers to verify eligibility to work in the United States.   View E-Verify Notice and Right to Work Notice for details. 

Nearest Major Market: Miami/Fort Lauderdale