Posting closes on 9/1/2026

Salary Range: $144,664 - $166,374

The Chief Information Officer's role is to provide vision and leadership for developing and implementing information technology initiatives. This position directs the planning and implementation of enterprise Information Technology (IT) systems in support of Department operations in order to improve cost effectiveness, service quality, and business development. This individual is responsible for all aspects of the Department's information technology and systems.

Examples of Work

The following examples are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed. No attempt is made to be exhaustive. Related, similar, or other logical duties are performed as assigned. The Department may require employees to perform functions beyond those contained in job descriptions. The Department may modify job descriptions based on Department needs. The Arkansas Department of Transportation is an "at will" employer.

Strategy and Planning

• Participate in strategic and operational governance processes as a member of the senior management team.
• Lead IT strategic and operational planning to achieve strategic goals by fostering innovation, prioritizing IT initiatives, and coordinating the evaluation, deployment, and management of current and future IT systems across the Department.
• Develop and maintain an appropriate IT organizational structure that supports the needs of the Department.
• Establish IT division goals, objectives, and operating procedures.
• Identify opportunities for the appropriate and cost-effective investment of financial resources in IT systems and resources, including staffing, sourcing, purchasing, and in-house development.
• Assess and communicate risks associated with IT investments.
• Develop, track, and control the information technology annual operating and capital budgets.
• Develop business case justifications and cost/benefit analyses for IT spending and initiatives.
• Direct development and execution of an enterprise-wide IT disaster recovery and business continuity plan.

Acquisition & Deployment

• Coordinate and facilitate consultation with stakeholders to define business and systems requirements for new technology implementations.
• Approve, prioritize, and control projects and the project portfolio as they relate to the selection, acquisition, development, and installation of major information systems.
• Review hardware and software acquisition and maintenance contracts and pursue master agreements to capitalize on economies of scale.
• Define and communicate corporate plans, policies, and standards for the Department for acquiring, implementing, and operating IT systems.

Operational Management

• Ensure continuous delivery of IT services through oversight of service level agreements with end users and monitoring of IT systems performance.
• Ensure IT system operation adheres to applicable laws and regulations.
• Establish lines of control for current and proposed information systems.
• Keep current with trends and issues in the IT industry, including current technologies and prices. Advise, counsel, and educate executives and management on their competitive or financial impact.
• Promote and oversee strategic relationships between internal IT resources and external entities, including government, vendors, and partner organizations.
• Supervise recruitment, development, retention, and organization of all IT staff in accordance with budgetary objectives and personnel policies.

Minimum Requirements

The educational equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in computer science, engineering, or related field. The educational equivalent to a master's degree in one of the aforementioned fields is preferred. Experience managing information technology or cybersecurity programs; developing and maintaining effective working relationships; making formal and informal information presentations; participating in short- and long-range IT planning including developing and implementing policies and procedures; and successfully delivering and continuously improving IT services.

("Accredited" means the educational institution or program is accredited by an accrediting organization recognized either by the United States Department of Education or by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.)

A criminal background check will be required to determine suitability of employment, and failure to meet these standards may cause the applicant to be rejected or terminated from that position.