Job Description
Job ID: 31258
Agency: Bureau of Information & Telecommunications
Location: Pierre, SDSalary: $175,000 - $200,000 Annual Salary, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: Z
Closing Date: 5/3/25
This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Bureau of Information & Telecommunications. For more information on the Bureau of Information & Telecommunications, please visit https://www.sd.gov/bit .
The State of South Dakota is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking technology leader to serve as Commissioner and Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the Bureau of Information and Technology (BIT). This Cabinet-level executive reports directly to the Governor, sets statewide IT strategy, drives innovation, and leads enterprise-wide digital services, cybersecurity, and infrastructure modernization. The Commissioner oversees South Dakota's centralized IT organization, which encompasses platform management, security, public broadcasting, and agency-specific technology delivery.
Key Areas of Oversight:
- Enterprise Platforms & Infrastructure: Includes cloud services, storage, email, database, mainframe operations, web hosting, and MDM.
- Technology Operations and Communications (TOC): Manages statewide IT operations, network infrastructure, public safety radio, voice/video services, and cybersecurity-driven communications.
- Agency and Application Support (AAS): Oversees five AAS Directors aligned with cabinet agencies (Public Health, Public Safety, Infrastructure & Resources, Government Operations, and Industry & Education) to deliver tailored IT and application support.
- Enterprise Applications & Architecture: Directs statewide modernization of applications and ensures integration through enterprise architecture standards.
- Cybersecurity & Risk: Provides strategic oversight of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), including Zero Trust implementation, SOC, GRC, and K-12 security programs.
- Public Broadcasting (SDPB): Guides digital content, OTT streaming, educational programming, and accessibility technologies.
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO): Partners with the CTO to advance cloud adoption, emerging technologies, and state innovation strategy.
Key Responsibilities:
- Define and execute a statewide technology vision aligned with South Dakota's digital government goals.
- Lead transformational initiatives such as Project Bison (state financial system), AI/data governance, and cloud modernization.
- Deliver secure, citizen-centric platforms while promoting digital equity and broadband access.
- Serve as the principal technology advisor to the Governor and interface with the Legislature on IT and cybersecurity policy.
- Ensure fiscal stewardship, cross-agency collaboration, and high-impact service delivery.
South Dakota is a national leader in digital government transformation. With executive support, centralized IT authority, and a strong innovation culture, this is a defining opportunity to shape the future of state technology and cybersecurity for years to come.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
- 10+ years of leadership in enterprise IT, government technology, or digital modernization.
- Expertise in cybersecurity, cloud platforms, service integration, and IT operations.
- Strong communication, fiscal, and policy engagement skills.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Advanced degree in Information Systems, Public Administration, or a related field.
- Familiarity with best practices in NIST, CISA, FedRAMP frameworks, and enterprise architecture.
- Experience leading large, multidisciplinary teams and public sector IT programs.
This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.
Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment.
The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.
The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/ . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=1JG
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
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