Chief Information Officer

Chief Information Officer

Salary

$182,712.00 - $222,048.00 Annually

Location

City of Monterey, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26-0003

Department

CITY MANAGER

Opening Date

08/14/2026

Closing Date

9/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

MEA

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The City of Monterey is seeking an innovative and strategic technology leader to serve as its next Chief Information Officer (CIO). Reporting to the Assistant City Manager, the CIO leads the Information Services Division and is responsible for the Citys technology strategy, cybersecurity, enterprise systems, and digital transformation initiatives.

This position oversees technology operations, major IT projects, budgeting, and technology governance while partnering with departments to deliver secure, reliable, and innovative technology solutions that enhance City services and improve operational efficiency.

For planning purposes, panel interviews are scheduled for October 12, 2026 and will be conducted virtually. Final interviews are scheduled for October 23, 2026, and will be conducted in person.

ABOUT THE CITY OF MONTEREY:

Nestled along Californias Central Coast, the City of Monterey is known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, hospitality, and sense of community. The City of Monterey is a full-service charter city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. The City of Monterey is a full-service city that provides police, fire, public works, planning, recreation, and parks services and operates its own conference center, sports center, parking, and marina facilities.

WHY WORK FOR US?

The City of Monterey offers a competitive benefits package to full-time employees. Some of these benefits include a Health Spending Fund, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Vacation Accruals, Sick Leave, 14 Paid Holidays, Education Incentive Pay, Tuition Reimbursement Programs, CalPERS Retirement, and more!

APPLICATION PROCESS:

A limited number of top applicants-based on their training, experience, and qualifications-will move forward in the selection process. The City will first review all online applications to decide who advances. Next steps may include a written exercise, skills test, panel interview, and final department interview. The Human Resources Department may adjust these steps as needed.

Before starting work, selected candidates must pass a Live Scan fingerprint background check and reference check. Applicants who complete all phases successfully will be placed on an eligibility list, active for 12 months. This list may be used to fill similar full-time, part-time, or seasonal positions.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

The City of Monterey is committed to delivering excellent public services and fostering a workforce that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including those from underrepresented groups.

The City of Monterey does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected category.

SUMMARY: The Chief Information Officer is responsible for leading, managing, and administering the Citys Information Services Division. Responsibilities include developing and implementing the City's Information Technology Strategic Plan; overseeing technology project management, the application portfolio, budgeting and procurement; establishing information technology governance and policies, and directing information systems strategy, cybersecurity and digital resilience. The Chief Information Officer provides strategic leadership for the Citys digital transformation initiatives, including enhancing public service delivery, promoting transparency, advancing data-driven governance, supporting smart city initiatives, and improving operational efficiency.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The Chief Information Officer is a management-level position within the Information Services Division that receives general direction from the Assistant City Manager. This position oversees the Division and exercises direct and indirect supervision over subordinate staff. This classification is distinguished from other Information Services Division management classifications as the City's highest-level Information Technology position.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plan, organize, direct, and administer the Citys Information Services, including enterprise technology operations, infrastructure, networks and telecommunications systems, enterprise applications, project portfolio management, customer support services.
• Direct the Citys cybersecurity, information security, enterprise risk management, business continuity, disaster recovery, and emergency technology planning programs.
• Develop and implement the Citys Information Technology Strategic Plan by collaborating with departments to identify business needs, evaluate emerging technologies, prioritize technology investments, and implement innovative, secure, and cost-effective solutions that improve organizational effectiveness and public service delivery.
• Plan, assign, supervise, develop, and evaluate Information Services staff; establish work priorities and promote a collaborative, customer-focused work environment.
• Establish and maintain citywide technology governance, enterprise architecture, data governance, policies, standards, and procedures; advise City leadership on technology strategy, investments, priorities, and enterprise technology initiatives.
• Develop and administer citywide technology operational and capital budgets; oversee technology procurement activities, requests for proposals, contract negotiations, vendor performance, and technology investments to ensure effective stewardship of City resources and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Lead the Citys digital transformation initiatives by enhancing digital services, promoting transparency, supporting data-driven decision-making, and advancing smart city technologies.
• Establish and monitor technology performance measures, service levels, and customer service standards to ensure reliable and effective delivery of information services.
• Coordinate technology initiatives with regional, state, federal, and external partners; serve as the Emergency Operations Center Information Technology Unit Leader during emergency operations.
• Travel is an essential function of this position. The incumbent must be able to travel regularly between City facilities and other work-related locations to respond to emergency operations, critical technology outages, cybersecurity incidents, and other operational needs, as well as to attend meetings and other work-related events.
• Support the relationship between the City of Monterey and external customers by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.
• Perform other job-related duties within the scope of this job classification as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Public Administration, or a closely related field. A master's degree in Public Administration (MPA), Business Administration (MBA), or a closely related graduate degree in technology management is highly desirable.

Experience: Eight years of progressively responsible experience in information technology management or enterprise technology leadership; Three years in a senior management role responsible for IT strategy, operations, budgets, and staff supervision. Experience in a government, municipal, public agency, or large enterprise environment is desirable.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

LICENSE

• Possession of a valid drivers license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Citys automobile insurance program.

CERTIFICATION:

• Certifications in Information Systems, Project Management, and Cybersecurity (ITIL, PMP, CISM, CISSP, or equivalent) are desirable.

Supplemental Info

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of:

• Cybersecurity frameworks and best practices (e.g., NIST Cybersecurity Framework, CIS Controls).
• Information security risk management, incident response, and vulnerability management.
• Regulatory and compliance requirements impacting public sector IT (e.g., CJIS, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, state data privacy laws).
• Principles of enterprise architecture, cloud computing, systems integration, enterprise applications, and modern technology infrastructure.
• Data governance, data management, business intelligence, analytics, visualization, and open data principles.
• Digital government, user-centered service delivery, transparency, and technology modernization practices.
• IT service management principles, including service level management, incident response, problem management, and change management.
• Public sector procurement, technology contract administration, vendor management, and software licensing.
• Business continuity and disaster recovery
• Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, automation, cybersecurity, and modernization trends affecting local government.
• Principles and practices of public administration, management, supervision, employee development, budgeting, fiscal management, project management, and organizational leadership.
• Database set-up, design, and implementation.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment.

Skill in:

• Strategic IT leadership, organizational change management, and enterprise technology planning.
• Advising executive leadership and making high-level decisions regarding technology investments, risk, and service delivery.
• Negotiating and managing complex technology contracts, vendor relationships, and service level agreements.
• Identifying, assessing, and mitigating cybersecurity, operational, and enterprise technology risks.
• Applying financial and budgetary principles to develop long term technology investment strategies.
• Using data, analytics, and performance metrics to support decision making and improve service delivery.
• Leading cross-departmental initiatives and facilitating collaboration across organizational and governmental boundaries.
• Developing, communicating, and maintaining effective working relationships with City staff, executive leadership, elected officials, and outside agencies.
• State-of-the-art and best practices in the computer hardware, software applications, and network and data communications fields.
• The design, implementation, and management of local area and wide area networks.
• Following oral, written, and coded instructions.
• Preparing and presenting clear technical reports, recommendations, and presentations, and communicating complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Leading cross-functional initiatives and managing complex technology projects from planning through implementation.
• Supervising administrative and technical staff.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Physical Demands

• Standing & Walking - Primarily sedentary classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required.
• Sitting - Ability to work in a seated position at a computer station for extended periods of time.
• Lifting - Ability to safely lift 35 pounds; this requirement includes bending at knees to facilitate proper lifting techniques.
• Manual Dexterity - Ability to perform multiple work activities requiring a significant level of physical and mental coordination, such as operating a computer keyboard; copying, and adding machines; writing.
• Visual - Ability to read printed materials and view a computer screen for long periods.
• Hearing and Speech - Ability to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.
• Mobility - Ability to work in a standard office setting and operate a motor vehicle to visit various meeting sites, reach, carry, push, pull, stoop, and bend.

Environmental Elements

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All City of Monterey employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

This is a summary of benefits for employees holding classification in the Management Employees' Association ("MEA") bargaining unit. This summary is for information purposes only. More specific details regarding these benefits can be found in the Memorandum of Understanding between the City and MEA.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Retirement: CalPERS 2.7% @ 55 with highest year formula is provided for current City of Monterey employees or new employees who were hired prior to January 1, 2013, and who are currently active or have been active within six months of the date of hire in the CalPERS retirement system. The employee retirement contribution for these employees is 11% and is deducted on a pre-tax basis. The CalPERS retirement formula for new employees who do not meet the criteria stated above is 2% @ 62 with highest three-year compensation. The employee retirement contribution is 7.75% and is deducted on a pre-tax basis. The City participates in the Medicare portion of Social Security.

Health Plan Spending Fund: For plan year 2026, the City shall make a non-elective employer contribution to the flexible benefits plan on behalf of each active employee in this unit for use for health insurance, dependent dental insurance, additional life insurance, dependent care, and/or health care expenses through a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account in the following amounts:

Employee Only = $1,086.89

Employee + 1 = $2,223.60

Employee + 2= $2,872.83

Cash in lieu of benefits = $300.00

Dental: Fully paid employee premium by the City.

Vision: Fully paid premium for employee and eligible dependents by the City.

Life Insurance: $50,000 policy paid by the City, with an option to purchase additional coverage up to $350,000.

Short Term / Long Term Disability Plan: The City provides a Short Term/Long Term Disability Plan.

Deferred Compensation: City will match employee paid contributions to a maximum of $150.00 per month. Participants may contribute up to the maximum annual limit as specified by IRS guidelines.

Flexible Spending Account:The Section 125 Plan provides for an employee to set pre-tax dollars aside, through a payroll deduction, for reimbursement of health care and dependent care expenses.

Group Legal: Subject to provider limitations, the City will continue to provide a Group Legal Services Plan for employees represented by MEA through an employee-paid premium. Participation in the program shall be voluntary and consistent with the providers requirements that the potential pool of participants must include a minimum of 200 employees.

Tuition Reimbursement: Subject to department approval, employees may be eligible for an allowance of $2,000 per fiscal year, per employee for reimbursement for costs incurred for job-related course textbooks, seminars, conferences, and other accredited courses.

Fitness Pass: Fitness Pass Program available to use the City of Monterey Sports Center.

Fitness Activity Plan: Employees are eligible to participate in a Fitness Activity Plan, allowing them to work out off-duty in exchange for leave time accrued in a Fitness Leave Bank. Employees may accrue up to 40 hours per year (10 hours per quarter), with a maximum of 80 hours allowed in the bank. The Fitness Leave Bank has no cash value, and accrued time does not expire.

City Recreation Program Fees: Resident Rates for City Recreation classes and programs for employees and immediate family household members.

Employee Assistance Program: Fully paid confidential counseling and referral service for employee and eligible dependents.

Voluntary Unpaid Leave: With advance approval, an employee may take up to forty (40) hours of unpaid leave per calendar year.

Management Leave: Management employees shall be provided with eighty (80) hours of management leave at the beginning of each calendar year. Newly hired managers will be awarded leave on a prorated basis depending on hire date.

Holidays: 14 paid days annually plus 1 floating holiday.

Sick Leave: 12 days per year. *

Vacation: 1-5 years/10 days; 6-10 years/15 days; 11-15 years/ 17 days; 15+ years/20 days; 20+ years/23 days per year. *

• Relocation assistance, sick leave and vacation balances and initial vacation accrual rate negotiable.
• ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
• Candidate selected will serve up to one-year probationary period.
• Candidates who pass the testing process will be placed on an eligibility list. This list may be used to fill additional positions (including subordinate positions) that become available during the life of the list.
• This bulletin is for informational purposes only and does not supersede rules regulations, ordinances and resolutions currently in effect.
• Pursuant to the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, employees must show proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
• The City of Monterey is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

01

Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Your responses to the questions will be reviewed and scored in a Qualifications Appraisal evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as this information will be critical in the competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your responses to the supplemental questions as incomplete. If applicable, please limit your response to 250 words or less. The text boxes below does NOT provide the word count. Note: All application materials submitted will be reviewed along with your supplemental questions and City of Monterey application. I have read and understand the supplemental questions instructions.

• Yes
• No

02

Please indicate your highest level of education.

• Masters degree or higher
• Bachelors degree
• Associates degree
• High School Diploma or GED

03

Please indicate your experience in information technology management or enterprise technology leadership.

• 10 years or more
• 9 years or more
• 8 years or more
• Less than 8 years

04

Please indicate the number of years of senior-level management experience, specifically at the Division Manager level or higher (e.g., IT Manager, CIO, CTO, or Director of IT).

• 5 years or more
• 4 years or more
• 3 years or more
• Less than 3 years

05

Do you have experience working in a government, municipal or public agency?

• Yes
• No

06

How many full-time IT staff members do you currently supervise, either directly or through your management chain of command?

• 10 or more staff
• 4-9 staff
• 1-3 staff
• None

07

This position requires travel between City facilities and other work-related locations, including responding to emergency operations and technology incidents. Do you possess a valid drivers license and have the ability to maintain insurability under the City of Montereys automobile insurance program?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you currently possess any professional certifications related to information technology, project management, cybersecurity, or enterprise technology leadership?

• Yes
• No

09

Please list any professional certifications you possess that are relevant to this position (e.g., ITIL, PMP, CISM, CISSP, or equivalent). Include the certification name and issuing organization. If none, enter "N/A."

10

What is your organization's total IT budget for the current fiscal year, including both operational and capital expenditures? Please specify the amount allocated to each.

11

The Chief Information Officer is tasked with leading digital transformation and new initiatives while also ensuring the reliable, day-to-day operation of existing enterprise technology and infrastructure. Describe a specific time when you championed an innovative technology solution while simultaneously managing critical, ongoing operational needs, or an unexpected technology crisis. How did you allocate resources, and what was the outcome?

12

Our Information Services Division supports a highly diverse staff with varied application and service needs-spanning from Fire, Police, and Public Works to Recreation and Conference Center operations. Describe your approach to leading an IT team that is facing increased technological demands with limited staffing and financial resources. How do you support your staff while effectively managing service level expectations and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with diverse customer departments?

13

A critical requirement of this role involves directing the Citys cybersecurity, enterprise risk management, and technology governance programs. Provide a concrete example of a time you implemented a necessary security protocol or governance policy that significantly changed how staff operated. How did you manage the change process, educate users with varying levels of technical proficiency, and secure buy-in across the organization?

Required Question

Employer City of Monterey

Address 735 Pacific Street; Suite B

Monterey, California, 93940

Phone 831-646-3765

831-646-3765

Website http://www.monterey.gov