Chief Innovation Officer (IN, South Bend)

OverviewThe Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) plays a vital role in working with the City’s leadership team to create, formalize, and foster innovation and strategy throughout the City’s departments. As head of the Department of Innovation & Technology (I&T), the CIO oversees a wide variety of IT, data, and technology-related functions that include Enterprise Services & Software, Customer Service, Infrastructure, Digital Services, Applications, Civic Innovation, and Data & Performance. Although the CIO will work with many external partners and projects, I&T is an internal service department that is positioned to assist all other city departments modernize their operations, analyze data, and achieve operational efficiency.A successful CIO will bea leader with a record of accomplishment for getting things done, crafting strategy, managing clients, and growing successful, productive teamsforward-thinking, keen to understand trends in government technology, and ideate new approaches/models in the fieldable to make tough decisions, weigh trade-offs, and lead large groups through phases of change.a versatile government technology leader with a variety of professional experiences and knowledge that might span across several of the following categories: analytics and data management, enterprise software and digitalization, product management/ownership, digital services, CX/UI/UX, application development, civic technology, smart city partnerships, digital equity, networking, IT service delivery/management, and cybersecuritycollaborative and able to lead a department that has adopted the mantra, “Listen First, Build With.”calm under pressure and able to juggle many tasks and priorities at a time, often handling emergencies or timely challenges alongside long term goalsPlease note that this position is appointed by the Mayor, directly reporting through the Mayor’s Office.As a leader and employee of the City of South Bend, you are called upon to serve in a manner that supports our core values: Excellence, Accountability, Innovation, Inclusion, and Empowerment.SCHEDULEThis is a 40hr per week position, Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm, but hours may vary depending on business need.Pay Rate$120,000 - $130,000Also note that the City of South Bend provides a $2,000 residency bonus to employees who live within South Bend city limits.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESThis list represents the types of duties required by the position. Other duties may be assigned as reasonably expected.Develop and maintain strategic IT plans for the City and align goals of I&T with the broader goals of City Leadership – especially the mayor.Forward procurement and impact across the City’s current top priorities as they intersect with I&T: data-driven and efficient public safety; modernized, user-friendly government forms, websites, and resident experiences that drive ease and trust; intelligent neighborhood infrastructure to catalyze better investments and customer service; bold leadership in AI change management for a more efficient City; a sustainable, well-documented, and secure enterprise IT operation.Craft the annual budget for I&T in collaboration with other I&T staff and Departments then manage the resourcing, spending, and planning that operationalizes said budget.Maintain good customer service relationships with other Department Heads and City Teams.Maintain excellent culture in I&T so it remains an excellent, coveted place to workDrive important projects within City government, often acting as a project champion and change manager for technology.Give direction on projects, programs, and product priorities for staff, leading Directors to work on what is most important.Handle escalated issues including blocked projects, decision impasses, time sensitive emergencies (ex: data breaches, ransomware attacks), etc.Identify areas for innovation and growth including IT transformation projects, R&D partnership projects, and other pilots that can elevate the mission of the City of South BendRecruit and develop talent at all levels under you, in particular Directors and C-Suite positions that directly report to youStay on top of national trends and best practices – in particular, technology standards set by federal agencies and major government innovation and technology philanthropy partnersDevelop new regional and national partnerships in the IT workforce/pipeline space, smart city space, technology equity space, data management space, etc.NON-ESSENTIAL/MARGINAL FUNCTIONSPerform other duties and assume other responsibilities as apparent or as assigned.EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONSTo perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty in a satisfactory manner. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering or related area of study. Significant professional experience will be considered in place of a degree.Strong interpersonal skillsExisting knowledge of government technology: government IT teams, government vendors/technology, trends in government technology, etc.Strong management skills – people, projects, and budgetsStrong sense of accountabilityStrong judgment and analytical ability to make recommendations and decisions and to resolve complex issuesAbility to adapt and continuously learnOTHER KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIESMaster’s degree in Business Management, Public Policy, or Technology preferred.Certifications in product management (ex: Scrum Master, Product Owner), change management, and/or security (CISM) preferredProven leader and public speakerExcellent organizational skillsExperience with project management, change management, and product managementSelf-motivated with keen attention to detail.Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a professional manner.Ability to analyze problems and select proper corrective action.CERTIFICATES, LICENSE, REGISTRATIONValid Driver’s license required.EQUIPMENTDesktop computer or laptop, telephone, fax, copy machine, scanner.PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing this job's duties, the employee is often required to sit, walk, talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, use hands to fingers, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required in this job include vision and the ability to adjust focus.WORK ENVIRONMENTWork is performed in an office setting with moderate inside temperatures. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate in the office. The entire office is smoke free.This position is based in South Bend, Indiana. This position is eligible for hybrid work in the Department of Innovation & Technology, as long as engagement with city teams and work performance remains high.DISCLAIMERThe above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The City of South Bend is an at will employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-10-06