[Hiring] Chief Technology Officer @City of Tacoma

Role Description

Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) is seeking a strategic and innovative technology leader to serve as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and drive the organization’s technology strategy, modernization, and digital transformation. This role plays a critical part in aligning technology investments with business priorities while advancing the delivery and reliability of TPU’s Power, Water, and Rail utility divisions.

Reporting to the Utility Technology Services (UTS) Tacoma Power Deputy General Manager/Chief Information Officer (CIO), the CTO provides executive leadership and oversight for:

• Enterprise architecture
• Data and artificial intelligence
• Geospatial platforms
• Utility business enablement
• Technology program and project management

This position partners with leadership and stakeholders across TPU to advance technology initiatives, strengthen business capabilities, and transform the digital customer experience.

The CTO leads the development and execution of short and long-term technology strategies, leveraging industry best practices to modernize systems, optimize technology investments, and support evolving utility needs. This role guides the integration of traditional Operational Technology (OT) with modern Information Technology (IT) to enable innovation, operational efficiency, and reliable utility services.

This position requires strategic vision, executive leadership, strong business acumen, and the ability to drive complex technology initiatives through collaboration, organizational alignment, and effective execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology or directly related field
• 10 years of progressively responsible experience that includes prior supervisory, managerial and/or subject-matter expert experience in information technology
• Some assignments may require a background check
• North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection certification (NECC-CIP) (As Assigned)
• Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Requirements

• Lead the development and execution of short and long-term technology strategies aligned with TPU Division strategic plans and Smart Utility Plans
• Champion the evaluation, pilot testing, and deployment of emerging technologies
• Direct capital and operating budget planning, monitor expenditures, and establish cost-of-service and cost-recovery models
• Collaborate with the CIO, TPU divisions, City departments, and utility leadership
• Provide executive oversight of enterprise architecture, data analytics, and artificial intelligence
• Partner with cybersecurity leadership to advance secure, modern technology architectures
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with technology vendors and partners
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable work environment

Benefits

• Annual Salary: $202,550.40 - $285,168.00