Chief Information Officer

Purpose of position

The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) Chief Information Officer (CIO) is responsible for providing leadership, vision, and oversight to the DCA Office of Information Technology. The DCA CIO is a hands-on position that has authority for all information technology planning, personnel, contracts, budgeting, procurement, and operations and is responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable state and federal policies, rules, and regulations related to information technology and information management. The position oversees a team of 9 staff members located throughout the state and involved in various aspects of department activity and serves as a key member of the DCA leadership team.

The CIO is appointed by the Cabinet Secretary of DCA and reports to the Deputy Cabinet Secretary. This is a Governor Exempt position.

The CIO and the IT team supports DCA's mission of building a more vibrant, resilient New Mexico by fostering greater understanding of the diverse people and traditions of our state, supporting culturally and scientifically rich education, strengthening the creative economy, and preserving our cultural resources. It does so by providing the appropriate tools, technologies, and access for the employees and programs of the Department and to the constituents, visitors, and participants for whom the Department operates.

Activities

• Provide strategic direction for addressing the information technology needs of the multiple business areas of the DCA, including its museum and historic sites, arts program, library, historic preservation, and administrative support programs.
• Provide hands-on technical expertise and skills to IT projects throughout DCA.
• Work with senior management to understand business requirements and implement projects to address these needs.
• Create policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure compliance with department, state of New Mexico, and federal rules, laws, and guidelines.
• Monitor and evaluate emerging technology trends and analyze Departmental IT programs and services to identify weaknesses and develop opportunities for improvement.
• Working with the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, prepare plans, and budgets; create the yearly Department-wide IT strategic plan; identify, propose, and develop funding applications and requests; and develop and manage strategic partnerships with other state agencies as well as public and private entities to ensure the technology needs of the Department are met.

The successful candidate will exhibit the following characteristics:

• Technical Expertise - knowledge of a variety of technology platforms and systems, specifically those systems used within cultural organizations; ability to administer all function areas within the IT team.
• Strong leadership and management skills – be an effective leader, able to manage a dispersed team, influence stakeholders, and communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical constituencies.
• Strategic thinking - understand the broader Department goals and align technology initiatives.
• Adaptability and agility - must be flexible and responsive to change; foster a culture of innovation and adaptability and be willing to pivot strategies when necessary to address new challenges.
• Strong Communication skills - ability to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Customer-Centric Focus - focus on how technology can improve the internal and external customer experience; implement IT solutions that improve offerings, services, and communication.
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making - make complex decisions that balance competing priorities such as cost, functionality, and timeline.
• Financial & Budgeting - knowledge and proficiency in managing project budgets; familiarity with State of New Mexico procurement rules generally and IT procurement policies.

The CIO should have an authentic commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in staffing, programming, and engagement. Compensation is anticipated to be between $145,000 - $150,000 depending on education and experience, plus benefits and PERA retirement. References upon request. This is an at-will Governor Exempt position and is not covered by the Personnel Act (Section 10-9-4 NMSA 1978).

For more information on the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, please visit: (https://www.nmculture.org/)

To apply, send resume and letter of interest to: executive.search@dca.nm.gov. Questions? Please contact Jane Egan at 505-469-2417 or jane.egan@dca.nm.gov. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit by April 20, 2025.

Please note that candidates’ materials submitted in this process may be subject to disclosure under New Mexico’s Inspection of Public Records Act.

The Department of Cultural Affairs is committed to an equitable and inclusive work environment for all candidates and employees and provides equal opportunities in all employment practices without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or childbirth, age, disability, or veteran status.