IntroductionThe Maryland State Retirement Agency (the "Agency") is the administrator of the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (the "System"). The System is a multi-employer, public employees' benefit retirement system composed of twelve (12) separate retirement and pension systems with additional plan components, covering approximately 205,000 active members and more than 175,000 retirees and beneficiaries. The Agency's Business Operations Office drives results through creative problem solving, working together to manage a global multi-asset portfolio and to provide a secure base of assets to pay the current and future benefits for the underlying retirees and beneficiaries. This unit is in search of a dynamic Chief Information Systems Officer (CISO) to support the Agency's mission.
***This is a Management Service position and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority***GRADE INV0018
LOCATION OF POSITION 120 East Baltimore St Baltimore, MD 21202
Main Purpose of Job This leadership position serves as the senior manager responsible for the strategic direction, control, development, implementation, and execution of the State Retirement Agency's (SRA) information technology (IT) program.
In this role, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) assigns priorities and allocates information systems personnel, budget, and equipment to meet the technology (a.i., data, voice, Internet, and video) needs of the Agency. From an IT perspective, the Agency is "free-standing" (not part of the Department of IT "Enterprise"). This position requires the independent thinking necessary to develop and maintain a six-year strategic plan for information systems development and operation. In addition, the position is expected to contribute to the Agency's overall business strategy and direction, as a primary contributor to both IT-related projects and business operations. At times, the position has been, and will be, expected to personally manage major IT and business operational transitions, e.g., implementation of future pension reforms or business systems and operations changes.
Agency data management functionality includes but is not limited to facilitating the administration of 12 pension and retirement plans (serving over 400,000 participants along with the State plus 120 local government entities), disbursing complex benefit payments, maintaining member payroll information, and managing the (currently) $73 billion trust fund. The CTO is the point person for the Agency for initiating, managing, and bringing to fruition major IT development projects (MITDP) and significant procurements, such as consulting / staffing contracts and operations & maintenance contracts, requiring the CTO to propose, defend, and report on progress to the Board of Trustees, State-level oversight agencies, the Board of Public Works, and the General Assembly.
Additional responsibilities include: (1) operation of a full-function Baltimore Data Center, a Disaster Recovery site in Annapolis, and hybrid-cloud based services; (2) ongoing systems development, expanding hardware and network operations, and increasingly complicated information security functions; and (3) expanded use of Internet-based and mobile technologies. Supporting changes in participant relations (e.g., the "mySRPS" online Internet portal for transacting Agency business) along with Investment Division moves to internal asset management and real-time transactions, Agency information services are now 7x24 and require extraordinarily high availability and reliability. The IT environment at the Agency has evolved to include not only on-premises and back-up data centers, but also integration of cloud-based services. This "hybrid" computing environment increases the challenges of maintaining IT security (the CTO is officially designated as the Agency's Information Security Officer) commensurate with the increasing risk profile represented by mySRPS, Employer Portal, and Investment Division support. Expert information processing and industry knowledge is required to provide the executive direction for these critical areas. Essentially, the Agency is now fully a financial institution operating within the State government setting.
POSITION DUTIESLeads the development and deployment of Agency IT strategies
Oversee the general delivery of IT functions
Manages IS Division and major IT project resources
Develops and oversees Agency IT- and security-related policies and responses
Serve as the Agency's principal IT consultant
Operation of a full-function Baltimore Data Center, a Disaster Recovery site in Annapolis, and hybrid-cloud based services
Ongoing systems development, expanding hardware and network operations, and increasingly complicated information security functions
Expanded use of Internet-based and mobile technologies
Supporting changes in participant relations (e.g., the "mySRPS" online Internet portal for transacting Agency business) along with Investment Division moves to internal asset management and real-time transactions, Agency information services are now 7x24 and require extraordinarily high availability and reliability
Designation of Agency's Security Officer
Interact with internal and external clients to measure and ensure continuous customer satisfaction
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in the field of computer or information science.
Experience: Five plus years of experience in computer or information science.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Preference will be given to candidates with:
Expert information processing and industry knowledge in "hybrid" computing environments to include not only on-premises and back-up date centers, but also integration of cloud-based services.
IT Experience with financial institution operations.
Master's degree or PHD preferred in computer or information science.
Certification or job experience in Artificial Intelligence and/or Cyber Security.
Ten or more years of experience in computer or information science preferred but not required. Dynamic individuals with over 5 years' experience are still encouraged to apply.
SELECTION PROCESSPlease make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.
EXAMINATION PROCESSThe assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.
BENEFITSSTATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITSFURTHER INSTRUCTIONSOnline applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to: Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, 301 W. Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted.
For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at
[email protected] or 410-767-4850, MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.
We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.
People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.
