Job Posting Title
Chief Technology Officer
Agency
715 TEACHERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM
Supervisory Organization
Teachers' Retirement System
Job Posting End Date
Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.
Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)
Full/Part-Time
Full time
Job Type
Regular
Compensation
Up to $218,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
Job Description
Position Summary
The Teachers’ Retirement System of Oklahoma seeks a visionary and experienced technology executive to serve as its Chief Technology Officer (CTO). This position 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.
Agency Overview
Profile of System
The Teachers’ Retirement System began operations on July 1, 1943. The System is managed by a 15 member Board of Trustees for the purpose of providing retirement allowances and other benefits to public education employees in the common schools, career technology centers, colleges and universities, and other local and state educational agencies of the state of Oklahoma. The mission of the System is “We collect, protect, and grow assets to provide a secure retirement income for public education employees.” The System also strives to provide outstanding customer service to all our active and retired members. All services provided by the staff are performed to meet these objectives.
The Board of Trustees employs the Executive Director who serves as the chief administrative officer who is responsible for the general administration of the System. The System operates according to an administrative budget approved annually by the Board. Although revenue is not appropriated from the state’s General Revenue Fund, the budget is submitted to the Legislature as part of the Governor’s recommended budget. The System operates under the same budgetary controls that apply to all state agencies.
Major Initiatives
Communication
Our relationship with our members begins when they first enter the education profession and extends through their retirement. We are continually looking for avenues to serve as a resource and communicate the benefits of our System with our membership throughout their careers. We are also working to serve as a knowledgeable resource for all external stakeholders of our System.
Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity
In recent years, TRS has developed updated processes and continues to improve upon technological advances giving our members better access to their membership information while maintaining security. We recently celebrated the launch on MyTRS, our new and improved Member Portal – providing members on demand access to their retirement account information and offering self-service options and resources for both active and retired members. We are currently engaged in a multi-year project to modernize our pension administration system which includes improving functionality of our administration, employer, and member portals while also enhancing security of each portal.
Organizational and Operational Strength
In conjunction with the modernization of our pension administration system, we are looking for ways to streamline our operations and increase efficiencies among staff. We pride ourselves in offering a collaborative and enjoyable working environment for our staff – who administer the System with high efficiency – while maintaining a high level of customer service. In addition, we are focusing our efforts on employee retention, succession planning and business continuity.
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.
- AI Governance - vendor evaluation, ethical use standards, data privacy considerations.
- 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.
Level Descriptor
This is the leadership level where incumbents serve as a Chief Officer of the agency. The incumbent will manage and supervise between 5-7 employees as well as external contractors serving the Information Technology department. This level includes positions and incumbents with oversight of a fiscal/financial, legal, administrative, operational, and program management responsibilities.
Position is provided with technical and administrative freedom to plan, develop and organize all phases of the work necessary for its completion within broad program guidelines.
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.
NOTE: 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
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.
Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.
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