DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

Director Of Technology & Innovation

The City of Long Beach, CA (City) is seeking a hands-on, business-minded technology leader who can translate vision into execution and serve as its next Director of Technology & Innovation (Director). Reporting directly to the City Manager and serving as a key member of the City's executive leadership team, the Director will lead one of California's most innovative municipal technology organizations through an important period of transformation, modernization, and strategic prioritization. As technology continues to play an increasingly critical role in service delivery, operational effectiveness, cybersecurity, and organizational performance, the Director will roll up their sleeves to ensure the Department is structured, staffed, and funded so that the City's technology investments deliver meaningful value to departments, employees, and the community.

Technology leaders who are prepared to align innovation with organizational outcomes, lead through complexity, and deliver meaningful results for a world-class city are encouraged to apply.

Idyllically located on the Pacific Coast just south of Los Angeles and adjacent to Orange County, Long Beach is a vibrant city of approximately 450K residents. Known for its diverse and inclusive community, Long Beach features a unique blend of urban sophistication, cultural richness, and coastal charm. The City encompasses about 51 square miles, offering an array of parks, beaches, and recreational opportunities. Residents enjoy mild climate year-round perfect for outdoor activities such as biking, running, water sports, and much more. Long Beach is home to world-class attractions including the Aquarium of the Pacific, the historic Queen Mary, the annual IndyCar Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, and the 11k seat F&M Bank Amphitheater – the largest waterfront amphitheater on the West Coast. The City of Long Beach will serve as a major Venue City for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Long Beach also boasts a thriving economy supported by industries such as aerospace, education, health services, manufacturing, tourism and professional services. With two advanced educational institutions, California State University Long Beach and Long Beach City College, and robust K-12 schools, the City is a hub for learning and innovation. Transportation options abound. The Long Beach and Metro transit systems along with the City's own airport provide convenient access throughout the broader Southern California region. Long Beach is recognized as one of the nation's most walkable and bike-friendly cities.

Long Beach operates as a charter city governed by an elected Mayor and nine City Council members elected by district. The City Manager, appointed by the Mayor and City Council, oversees the daily operations of 15 departments and a Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) annual budget of $3.7B. The City employs over 6K full-time and part-time staff; dedicated to providing exceptional public services with the vast majority being represented by eleven employee associations. As the City navigates a challenging fiscal environment and addresses projected budget shortfalls, City Leadership remains focused on strategic prioritization, operational efficiency, and long-term organizational sustainability while continuing to deliver high-quality services to the community.

The Department of Technology & Innovation (TID) serves as the strategic technology partner for the City, delivering the systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital services, and innovation initiatives that support City operations and community services. Guided by its mission to provide a customer-focused environment that integrates people, process, and technology, TID plays a vital role in enhancing organizational effectiveness, improving service delivery, and helping the City meet the evolving needs of residents, businesses, and visitors. The Department operates with an FY26 budget of approximately $90.4M and a team of approximately 208 employees (7 direct reports).

The Department is currently implementing TID28, the City's Information Technology Strategic Roadmap, a comprehensive plan designed to align technology investments with organizational priorities, modernize critical systems, strengthen cybersecurity, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer experience for both City staff and the community. As Long Beach continues to evolve as a world-class city, TID is uniquely positioned to help shape how technology enables innovation, resilience, transparency, and exceptional public service.

Strategic Priorities & Major Initiatives:

1. Operational Excellence & Service Delivery
2. Enterprise Technology Modernization
3. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Resiliency
4. Preparing for the Future

The Position & Engaged Leader:

Reporting directly to the City Manager and serving as a key member of the City's 26-member executive leadership team, the Director of Technology & Innovation provides strategic leadership for one of California's most innovative municipal technology organizations.

This is a unique opportunity for a strategic, operational, and business-minded leader to help shape the next chapter of technology leadership in Long Beach. The City seeks a leader who understands that technology is not the end goal; rather, it is a tool for improving service delivery to customer departments and the community, providing community access to city services, enhancing organizational effectiveness, managing risk, and helping the City achieve its broader objectives. The successful candidate will thrive operating at both the executive and operational levels, providing strategic leadership while remaining actively engaged in the day-to-day management of a complex technology organization.

The City requires a leader who is:

• A strategic and operational leader who remains actively engaged in the day-to-day work of the Department.
• Able to navigate municipal bureaucracy, organizational complexity, and department dynamics to build consensus and drive results.
• Customer-focused and committed to responsive service, collaboration, and strong partnerships across the organization.
• A skilled communicator who translates complex technical concepts into practical business solutions.
• A strong people manager who builds trust, develops staff, fosters accountability, and cultivates a healthy workplace culture.
• Financially astute and able to maximize resources, prioritize investments, and improve operational efficiency.
• Values both the high-profile strategic initiatives and the essential day-to-day technology operations that quietly enable every City department to succeed.
• An innovative yet pragmatic problem-solver who delivers reliable technology services while preparing the organization for the future
• Willing to challenge traditional assumptions, evaluate alternative approaches, and implement practical solutions.

Requirements To File:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, public administration, business, or closely related field.
• Experience: Eight (8) years of professional-level experience in technology management, system administration, and/or program administration, with at least five (5) years of significant management experience.
• Desired: Local government experience; Master's degree.
• Substitution: Education may be substituted for lengthy experience and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Selection Procedure:

For first consideration, apply by submitting a resume and cover letter by August 10th, at:

SAVE THE DATES:

Interviews have been firmly scheduled to take place in-person on September 3rd and 4th. All candidates invited to interview will interview on September 3rd and a finalist group will then be moved forward to the final interviews on September 4th. Candidates must be available all-day for both interview dates.

Questions? Please contact your Recruiter, Sam Sackman:

• Email: sam@tristargovsolutions.com
• Website: www.tristargovsolutions.com
• Phone: 408-605-0790

The City of Long Beach offers its employees opportunities to grow personally and professionally. As a permanent employee, you are eligible to receive fringe benefits that include:

• Retirement: California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) defined benefit retirement plan, which is coordinated with Social Security. The benefit is 2.5% or 2.7% (depending on hire date) @55 for "Classic" members and 2% @62 for new members as defined by PEPRA, subject to the compensation limitations set by PERS. Both the City and the employee contributes toward CalPERS retirement contributions. The city also participates in Social Security.
• Health and Dental Insurance: The City offers the choice of HMO and PPO plans. The city pays major portion of the premium for employee and dependents depending on the health/ dental plan selected.
• Life Insurance: City-paid term life insurance policy equal to three (3) times annual salary to a maximum of $500,000.
• Disability Insurance: City-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Management Physical: Annual City-paid physical examination.
• Vacation: Twelve (12) vacation