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Government Chief Information Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chief Information Officer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$159K - $231K/yr

Experience in local government or other large public-sector organizations is highly desirable. Additional Information & Requirements * Competitive benefits package. * The position is a senior ...

Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various agencies and entities with a ... Chief Information Officer Job Requisition ID: JR0000002422 Number of Openings: 1 Shift: Not ...

Chief Information Officer

Boston, MA · On-site

$185 - $215/hr

Chief Information Officer New England Conservatory Boston, MA New England Conservatory (NEC), a premier incubator for musical excellence, seeks a visionary and service-oriented Chief Information ...

Chief Information Officer

Monterey, CA · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

... Chief Information Officer (CIO). Reporting to the Assistant City Manager, the CIO leads the ... government. The City of Monterey is a full-service city that provides police, fire, public works ...

$180 - $240/hr

... Chief Information Officer (CIO). Reporting to the Assistant City Manager, the CIO leads the ... government. The City of Monterey is a full-service city that provides police, fire, public works ...

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Government Chief Information Officer information

See salary details

$41.5K

$151.2K

$269.5K

How much do government chief information officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for government chief information officer in the United States is $151,203.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,500.00 and $185,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a government chief information officer do?

A Government Chief Information Officer (CIO) is responsible for overseeing the information technology (IT) strategy and operations for a government agency or organization. They lead efforts to implement new technologies, ensure data security, and manage digital transformation projects. Government CIOs work to improve public services through technology, coordinate with other government leaders, and ensure compliance with regulations. Their role is essential for efficient, secure, and innovative public sector IT systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a government chief information officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Government Chief Information Officer, you need expertise in IT governance, strategic planning, cybersecurity, and a background in information management, often supported by advanced degrees and relevant certifications like CISSP or PMP. Familiarity with government-specific systems, cloud platforms, enterprise architecture frameworks, and data privacy regulations is essential. Leadership, stakeholder management, and strong communication skills are critical for aligning technology initiatives with public sector goals. These capabilities ensure secure, efficient, and innovative IT operations that deliver value and public trust.

What are some unique challenges faced by a government chief information officer compared to CIOs in the private sector?

A Government CIO often faces challenges such as navigating complex regulatory requirements, managing legacy IT systems, and ensuring cybersecurity across diverse agencies. Unlike private sector CIOs, they must balance innovation with strict budget constraints and public accountability. Collaboration is also key, as Government CIOs frequently coordinate with multiple departments, external vendors, and regulatory bodies to align technology initiatives with public policy goals.

What is the difference between Government Chief Information Officer vs Government IT Manager?

AspectGovernment Chief Information OfficerGovernment IT Manager
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees in IT or related fields, certifications like PMP or CISSPOften requires a bachelor's degree in IT or related field, certifications like CompTIA or Cisco
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership at the executive level, overseeing entire IT departments and policiesOperational management, overseeing daily IT operations and project implementation
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in government agencies for strategic IT planning and policy developmentUsed for managing IT teams and infrastructure within government departments

The Government Chief Information Officer focuses on strategic planning, policy, and high-level decision-making, while the Government IT Manager handles daily operations and project execution. Both roles are essential but differ in scope and responsibilities within government IT structures.

More about Government Chief Information Officer jobs

What cities are hiring for Government Chief Information Officer jobs?

Cities with the most Government Chief Information Officer job openings:

What states have the most Government Chief Information Officer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Government Chief Information Officer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Government Chief Information Officer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Government Chief Information Officer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Government Chief Information Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,203 per year, or $72.7 per hour.

Chief Information Officer

Norfolk, VA • On-site


City of Norfolk, VA
Public Administration • 5 - 10K employees

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

486th of 851 rated public administrative organizations

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Respectful managers


$159K - $231K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Salary : $159,774.25 - $231,162.74 Annually
Location : 800 E. City Hall Avenue, Suite 600, Norfolk, VA
Job Type: Unclassified
Job Number: 14263
Department: Information Technology
Opening Date: 08/07/2026
Description
Norfolk, Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city, home to the world's largest Naval station and the business, arts, and cultural center of Coastal Virginia. Norfolk has been rated a top place to live, work, and raise a family by numerous publications.
The City of Norfolk is seeking a visionary, collaborative executive to serve as its Chief Information Officer (CIO). The CIO serves as the City's principal technology strategist and trusted advisor to the City Manager and executive leadership team, leading enterprise technology, cybersecurity, digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), enterprise data strategy, and innovation initiatives that improve government operations and enhance services for residents, businesses, and employees.
The Chief Information Officer (CIO) leads the Department of Information Technology, managing an annual operating budget of over $20 million and a team of more than 80 professionals. The CIO oversees all enterprise technology services, including cybersecurity, applications, cloud services, data management and analytics, GIS, telecommunications, public safety technology, infrastructure, network operations, end-user computing, and customer support.
This role partners with all city departments to shape technology strategies that improve operational efficiency, modernize business processes, strengthen cybersecurity, and enhance digital services. The CIO provides executive leadership for digital transformation, enterprise architecture, cloud strategy, technology and data governance, and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
The CIO identifies long-term citywide technology needs and develops strategies for systems development, hardware acquisition, and platform integration. This includes reviewing feasibility studies and overseeing the implementation and operation of major information systems. The CIO monitors emerging technologies, assesses their organizational impact, and ensures strong information security practices and reliable access to critical systems.
In addition, the CIO leads innovation initiatives that advance service delivery and operational effectiveness, including evaluating Smart City technologies, IoT solutions, automation, advanced analytics, and other emerging tools. The CIO also leads the city's enterprise AI strategy-establishing governance, policies, and responsible use standards while identifying opportunities to safely leverage AI and automation to improve productivity, decision-making, customer service, and overall efficiency.
Essential Functions
Essential functions include but are not limited to:
  • Lead enterprise digital transformation initiatives.
  • Develop and maintain the City's technology strategic plan.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to the City Manager, executive leadership, and City Council on technology, cybersecurity, AI, and innovation.
  • Develop enterprise AI governance and responsible use policies.
  • Lead cybersecurity strategy, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning.
  • Establish enterprise data governance and analytics programs.
  • Oversee enterprise architecture, cloud strategy, and application modernization.
  • Foster innovation and continuous improvement throughout City government.
  • Develop strategic technology partnerships with regional, state, federal, military, higher education, and private-sector organizations.
  • Manages information technology functions by providing effective resource management, budget development, budget control, financial management, staffing, staff development, employee relations and other human resource management activities.
  • Plans and implements city-wide technology initiatives by managing the development of requirements, requests for proposals, project management and implementation of projects, procurement, and managing the change process.

Education/Experience
Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field preferred. Equivalent education and executive leadership experience may be considered.
Ten (10) years of progressively responsible information technology leadership experience, including executive-level management of complex technology organizations, enterprise cybersecurity, digital transformation initiatives, strategic planning, and budget administration.
Experience in local government or other large public-sector organizations is highly desirable.
Additional Information & Requirements
  • Competitive benefits package.
  • The position is a senior executive unclassified position which serves at the will of the City Manager.
Signing Bonus: This position is eligible for a one-time $5,000 sign-on bonus.
Please click the below link for more information:
  • Regular full-time and permanent part-time employees may receive paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, employer paid pension plan, basic life insurance, voluntary participation in medical and dental, Section 457 deferred compensation, long-term disability, optional life insurance for self, spouse and children, medical and dependent care reimbursement plans, access to membership in credit union and employer provided parking.
  • Special project/grant employees are generally eligible for the same benefits of regular full-time employees; however, retirement, life insurance and participation in health plans vary depending upon funding and authorization.
  • Temporary/seasonal and part-time employees are generally only eligible for employer provided parking and access to membership in credit union.
  • Retirement
If you are hired October 5, 2010, or after to a position with City of Norfolk Retirement System benefits, you will be required to contribute five percent (5%) of your salary toward your retirement benefit. This will be a pre-tax payroll deduction.
If you are hired January 1, 2022, or after to a position with Virginia Retirement System (VRS) benefits, you will be required to contribute five percent (5%) of your salary toward your retirement benefit. This will be a pre-tax payroll deduction.
  • The Tuition Assistance Program is established to encourage employees toward continued self-development and education. Permanent full-time and permanent part-time classified, unclassified permanent, full-time special projects, and constitutional employees who have completed six months continuous service will be eligible to apply. The applicant's school of enrollment must be an accredited institution.

NOTE:
The benefits described above are broad generalizations. The specific benefits that an employee may be eligible for are governed by City regulations, as applicable to job type.
Non-City
Positions listed with a job type designation of "Non-City" are not subject to the benefits descriptions above. Refer to the content of the job posting for information regarding these positions.
01
The following Supplemental Questions are specific to the position for which you have applied to assist the hiring manager in screening applications for specific experience being sought. Please be specific in answering these questions as they will be used to evaluate which applications will be given further consideration in the process. Do not answer "see resume" or "see application" as these are not valid answers. Please note that if you are invited to be interviewed by the department, your responses to the following questions may be subject to verification.
  • I understand and will answer the following supplemental questions completely and thoroughly.

02
If you were referred for this position by a current City of Norfolk employee, please provide the employee's full name, department, and job title. If not, please indicate by typing "N/A."
03
Please select the highest level of education you have completed.
  • Less than High School Diploma/GED
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Some College (6 months or more)
  • Vocational/Technical Degree
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree or higher

04
Do you have a degree equivalent in database administration, information systems or information technology?
  • Yes
  • No

05
How many years experience do you have working in technology leadership?
  • Less than five (5)
  • 5-7 years
  • 7-10 years
  • More than 10 years
  • No experience

06
How many years experience do you have in a management role?
  • Less than three (3)
  • 3-5 years
  • More than five (5)
  • No experience

07
What do you see as the role of the CIO in the city organization?
08
Explain how you see the CIO functioning both strategically and on a day-to-day basis?
09
Please acknowledge receipt of the following information: This position is Unclassified and serves at the will of the City Manager.
  • I acknowledge receipt of the information above

10
Are you a current or previous City of Norfolk employee?
  • Yes - I am a current City of Norfolk Employee
  • Yes - I am a previous City of Norfolk Employee
  • No - I am not a previous or current City of Norfolk employee

11
Please provide an explanation of any periods of unemployment that are 30 days or longer. Indicate N/A if you have not experienced any periods of unemployment.
12
Please indicate your veteran status. (A copy of your long form DD-214 may be required)
  • I am not a Veteran
  • I am a Veteran
  • I am a Disabled Veteran

Required Question


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