Chief Technology Officer

Chief Technology Officer

Position Summary: The Teachers’ Retirement System of Oklahoma seeks a visionary and experienced technology executive to serve as its Chief Technology Officer (CTO). The CTO provides strategic direction for all information technology assets, enterprise systems, cybersecurity posture, and digital transformation initiatives across the agency. The CTO reports directly to the Executive Director and serves as a member of the executive leadership team, advising on technology policy, information technology needs and budgeting, and innovation opportunities in the investment, finance, legal and operations departments that advance the agency's mission and improve services to the public.

The CTO will also serve as the technology executive for an ongoing multi-year pension administration system modernization project.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Develop, implement, and maintain a multi-year IT strategic plan aligned with the agency's broader strategic plan, mission, operational objectives, and statewide technology policies.
• Advise the Executive Director and executive leadership on emerging technology trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Represent the agency in statewide CTO/CIO councils, interagency technology workgroups, and legislative briefings.
• Lead enterprise architecture planning and ensure alignment with state IT standards and the statewide technology blueprint.

Technology Operations & Infrastructure

• Oversee the design, deployment, operation, and continuous improvement of the agency's IT infrastructure, cloud environments, and enterprise applications.
• Ensure system reliability, availability, and performance across all mission-critical platforms and services.
• Direct vendor and contract management for IT procurements, software licensing, and managed services agreements.
• Oversee IT help desk, end‑user support, and technology asset lifecycle management.

Cybersecurity & Risk Management

• Establish and maintain a comprehensive information security program in compliance with state and federal regulations (e.g., IRS Pub 1075, NIST, FISMA, CJIS).
• Lead incident response planning, business continuity, and disaster recovery programs.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and ensure timely remediation of vulnerabilities.
• Promote a culture of cybersecurity awareness and compliance throughout the agency.

Digital Transformation & Innovation

• Champion digital modernization efforts, including cloud migration, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and process automation.
• Drive customer‑centric design principles in member‑facing applications and digital services.
• Partner with agency divisions to identify technology solutions that improve operational efficiency and service delivery.
• Evaluate and pilot emerging technologies with a focus on measurable outcomes and return on investment.

Governance, Budget & Compliance

• Develop and manage the agency's IT operating and capital budget, including forecasting, procurement, and expenditure reporting.
• Establish and enforce IT governance policies, standards, and project management frameworks (e.g., PMBOK, Agile, ITIL).
• Ensure compliance with state procurement laws, accessibility requirements (ADA/Section 508), and open records obligations.
• Prepare and present technology investment proposals, project status reports, and performance metrics to agency leadership and oversight bodies.
• Serve as the agency's primary point of contact for IT audits conducted by or in conjunction with the State Auditor, legislative oversight bodies, or external reviewers.

People Leadership

• Recruit, develop, and retain a high‑performing IT workforce, including both on‑staff and contractor roles; foster an inclusive, collaborative team culture.
• Define organizational structure, roles, and career development pathways within the IT division.
• Set performance expectations, conduct evaluations, and address personnel matters in compliance with state HR policies.
• Mentor staff and promote ongoing technical training and professional development opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, or a closely related field. (A master's degree is preferred.)
• Six (6) or more years of progressively responsible IT leadership experience, including at least three (3) years in a senior or executive‑level role managing large‑scale technology programs.
• Demonstrated experience leading enterprise IT strategy, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital transformation in a complex organization.
• Experience managing significant IT budgets and overseeing major system implementations or modernization projects.
• Proven track record of building and leading diverse, high‑performing technology teams.
• OR an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one additional year of education (master’s degree or doctorate) for one year of experience.

NOTE: A maximum of two (2) years of education can be substituted for the three (3) years relevant professional experience. No substitution will be allowed for the required professional experience in a supervisory or administrative capacity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with pension or benefits administration systems.
• Experience in state or local government IT operations or public‑sector technology leadership.
• Relevant professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, PMP, ITIL, AWS/Azure Solutions Architect, or equivalent.
• Familiarity with state IT governance structures, legislative appropriations processes, and interagency technology standards.
• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, case management platforms, or public‑safety technology environments.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Deep knowledge of enterprise IT architecture, cloud computing (IaaS/PaaS/SaaS), and modern software development methodologies.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity frameworks, risk management, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Exceptional executive communication skills – able to translate complex technical concepts for non‑technical audiences.
• Skilled in strategic planning, budget formulation, and technology portfolio management.
• Demonstrated ability to build consensus, negotiate effectively, and drive change across a complex organization.
• High ethical standards and a commitment to transparent, accountable public service.

Working Conditions

This is a full‑time, on‑site position at the agency's Oklahoma City, OK headquarters. Remote or hybrid arrangements are not available. Occasional statewide travel for interagency meetings and conferences is required. The position may require availability outside of regular business hours during system outages, security incidents, or legislative sessions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. The agency is committed to building a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities it serves.

Equal Opportunity Employment (State Level)

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.