Chief Technology Officer

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking a technology leader to develop and execute a robust IT strategy that aligns with the Department’s mission and values.  The successful candidate will be a change leader who will implement  new and innovative solutions from private, philanthropic, national, and government best practices to use and develop resources within the Office of Technology for Human Services (OTHS) to enhance the Department’s delivery of services and the efficiency of DHS IT systems.

The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) leads the operations of the Office of Technology for Human Services (OTHS) at the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), providing direction and oversight for all OTHS functions.    The CTO serves as advisor to the Human Services Secretary and is the official point of contact with other government agencies and private entities on information, cybersecurity, and technology management issues. The CTO will also directly oversee and supervise all the Department’s related IT efforts.

This is a unique opportunity to lead, inspire and build a technology team designed to drive digital transformation and shape the technological future of the Department.

OTHS is responsible for department-wide IT processes, including all Local Departments of Social Services in 23 Maryland counties and Baltimore City.   

• project, program, and portfolio management support 
• support for information technology (IT) acquisitions  
• infrastructure support (support for network, data centers, cloud, and phone  systems)  
• development, maintenance, and operation of information systems 
• implementation of information technology security controls and state cybersecurity protocols in the agency 
• development, maintenance, and enforcement of IT policies, procedures  standards, and guidelines

Essential functions include:

●      Directs all information technology functions of the Department including all data centers, cybersecurity, technical service centers, production scheduling, help desks, communications networks (data and video), computer program development, agency staff training in information technology and computer systems operations.

●      Ensures that information technology is developed, acquired and managed within the department in accordance with Federal, State, and Department policies, standards, and procedures.

●      Reviews the technology needs of the Department, advising the Secretary on innovative solutions to IT challenges and manages OTHS resources to implement solutions as approved by the Secretary or their designee.

●      Directs the information management and data integrity of the Department to include information security and privacy.

●      Monitors and validates the performance of information technology investments managed by the Department, evaluating those investments on the basis of applicable performance measurements, and advising the Secretary whether to initiate, continue, modify, or terminate an investment.

●      Ensures the department’s security and privacy programs are established and maintained, provide for ongoing risk assessments, adequate security for the departments operations and assets, particularly for the protection of sensitive health information.

●      Ensures that, at a minimum, an annual self-assessment of the department’s information security program, and that comprehensive Disaster Recovery Plans are kept current. 

●      Works closely with Program Directors and statewide Local Directors of Social Services to ensure that all new systems development projects include the participation of all stakeholders, and strive to eliminate duplicate data collection /data entry processes.

●      Directs and actively participates in the preparation of the departmental information technology operating budget request and Information Technology Project Request (ITPR). 

●      Determines the department’s optimal information technology organizational structure and develops strategies to achieve staffing requirements. 

●      Ensures that all agency information technology procurements, contract management, program and project management activities are aligned with best practices and sound principles, and that all agency major information technology projects and procurements are planned, budgeted, and implemented in accordance with State laws and policies. 

●      Develops and oversees a department-wide strategic information technology master plan that is consistent with the statewide strategic information technology plan.

●      Ensures integration of information technology into strategic planning, budgetary, Managing for Results (MFR), acquisition, and program management processes.

●      Enforces the performance evaluation process for the department’s information technology staff, assessing the staff’s information technology skills and knowledge relative to job performance and setting appropriate strategies for hiring, training, and professionally developing information technology staff.

●      Partners with other State information technology leaders to facilitate the implementation of sound and integrated statewide information technology architectures.

Preferred candidates should possess the following:

• Experience planning and implementation of enterprise IT systems in support of business operations in order to improve cost effectiveness and service quality
• Ability to strike a balance between being the chief innovator, while being vigilant about assessing risk and what controls need to be in place for cybersecurity and data privacy

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. It is important that you report all related education and experience that is relevant to this recruitment qualifications. We will not consider information submitted after this date.  Successful candidates will be placed on the employment (eligible) list. The resulting list may be used for future vacancies with this agency.

As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including: health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost. CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILS: STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

·       Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date).

·       Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.

·       Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.  

·       Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.

·       Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year.  

·       Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension.  

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to, Department of Human Services, Recruitment Unit, 25 South Charles Street, 11th floor, Baltimore, MD 21202.

Or email kendra.young2@maryland.gov: Voice 410-767-0603, toll-free: 1-800-332-6347. 

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov. 

Do not submit unsolicited documentation.

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

As an equal opportunity employer Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. 

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country and encourage them to apply.