Job Title: Town of Needham Chief Technology Officer
The Town of Needham is a diverse community of over 32,000 residents and 5,500 students. Located just 10 miles southwest of Boston, Needham is a high-achieving "METCO" community that prides itself on a blend of historic charm, residential excellence and a forward-thinking "One Needham" approach to municipal and educational services. The Town operates under a representative town meeting form of government, with a Select Board acting as the executive branch and a Town Manager overseeing daily administration of the general government departments. Key general government departments include Finance (Accounting, Assessing), Public Works, Public Health, Building, Police, Fire, and Planning & Community Development. Needham Public Schools is a high-achieving school district under the jurisdiction of the elected School Committee and a Superintendent of Schools. The School Department is focused on academic excellence, supported by a curriculum emphasizing critical thinking, social-emotional learning, and restorative practices. All Town departments share a commitment to cultural proficiency, equity, and community collaboration. The Town strives to improve outcomes for historically marginalized residents and students, ensuring our municipal spaces and schools are safe, inclusive, and free of bias or diminishing acts.
The Chief Technology Officer position oversees the development, execution, support, and evaluation of a robust and comprehensive Information Technology (IT) system for all general government departments, including public safety functions, and for the School Department. Under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations, this position works with senior leadership to help Town departments effectively utilize technology applications within their respective areas of responsibility. In addition, this position prioritizes innovation, efficiency, and the implementation of effective industry-leading information technology practices that will enable the Town to provide high-quality programs and services to residents and to ensure smooth operations.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
General Responsibilities:
● Plans, directs, and controls the Information Technology (IT) systems of the general government departments, the School Department, and public safety functions.
● Ensuring cybersecurity and data integrity; and providing backup and emergency recovery plans.
● Apply relevant state and industry standards to the purchase of equipment, software, related media, and supplies for technology integration and management activities according to purchasing guidelines.
● Supervise and maintain an up-to-date inventory of Town-wide technology assets.
● Implements a ticketing system for technology-related needs, repairs, and maintenance. Develops protocols to ensure tickets are completed promptly and accurately.
● Serve as the first responder to emergency and after-hours situations.
● Direct and support Town-wide technology initiatives and special projects.
● Provide technical advice to Town officials on a variety of issues to meet each department’s regulatory, statutory, and management requirements.
Planning:
● Responsible for developing a Town-wide strategic plan for information technology systems that prioritizes innovation, efficiency, and the implementation of effective industry-leading information technology practices that will enable the Town to provide high-quality programs and services to residents, and ensure smooth operations.
● Stays abreast of research in technology applications, systems, and supports, as well as changing national, regional, and local trends that may impact program areas.
● Collaborate with senior leadership to help departments effectively utilize technology applications within their respective areas of responsibility.
● Consult with Town administrators on evolving demands and expectations and the impact those demands and expectations will have on assigned programs.
● Anticipate and develop strategies and programs that respond effectively to anticipated needs and the changing profession.
Financial Management:
● Develop and manage technology operational and capital budgets, with the participation of department managers. Administer programs within approved budget parameters, including the allocation of financial, technology, and staff (FTE) resources.
● Exercise leadership of federal, state, and private source grants to support the technology infrastructure, operations, enhancements, and support activities.
● Advise the Town leadership on the financial implications of technology programs and initiatives.
Policy Formulation and Guidance:
● Recommend information technology policy to Town boards.
● Formulates standards and operating procedures for technology systems, operations, security, and processes, which are consistent with strategic plans, policy, and industry best practices.
● Periodically reviews policies and procedures to determine when modifications are necessary to advance the goals of the department and to serve the overall needs of employees, managers, and the organization.
● Develops and implements continuity and cybersecurity protocols to minimize disruption of Town operations in the event of emergencies or data loss.
● Creates and tests user-friendly documentation for enterprise and online systems.
Program Direction and Staff Supervision:
● Assures that information technology functions are effectively structured and work coordination procedures are in place to achieve a high level of integration and synergy across program functions.
● Recruits and assigns staff, ensuring that they possess and practice the values necessary to achieve the level of program delivery and customer service that is essential to a highly effective organization.
● Implement practices that foster service excellence for all stakeholders.
● Supervises and evaluates IT staff members. Delegates authority and assigns co-evaluators as appropriate.
● Provides high-quality training and professional development for all staff.
● Creates communication, collaboration, and coordination processes, which ensure that all staff are informed of department policies, issues, and guidance that their programs are expected to support.
● Promotes a culture of transparency and collaboration where individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives are respected; ensures a high-trust environment where staff are empowered to share ideas and work collectively toward innovative solutions.
Program Evaluation, Analysis, and Feedback:
● Reviews and analyzes systems and applications for security, interconnectivity, operability, continuity, level of complexity, and design. Implements revisions to increase effectiveness, efficiency, safety, and continuous operation.
● Establishes a system of data collection and analysis that provides for continuous improvement of program effectiveness and/or changing needs.
● Oversees security of systems, networks, and enterprise information; facilitates IT security audits or investigations.
Representation:
● Maintains collegial relationships with technology administrators outside of the Town.
● Speaks and acts on behalf of the Superintendent and Town Manager when interacting with public and community groups.
● Acts as staff support to the Town-wide User Advisory Group and applicable subcommittees..
● Attends various events (meetings, conferences, training, Board meetings) for the purpose of gathering and/or communicating information required to perform the functions of the job.
● Performs other duties as assigned.
Education, Experience and Certifications:
● Bachelor's degree in computer science, business administration, or related field. Master’s degree is preferred. A minimum of five years of technology management and/or leadership experience can be substituted for the educational requirement.
● CJIS Clearance - candidate must possess or be able to obtain Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) clearance in Massachusetts, including passing a background check and security screening process mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS).
Abilities & Knowledge:
● Knowledge of current technology environments, including telecommunications, networks, database administration, programming, media, and desktops.
● Demonstrates strong knowledge of macOS, iOS, ChromeOS, and Windows operating systems.
● Project management skills and demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and manage programs and projects.
● Experience in the application of technology to municipal and school department practices.
● Knowledge of network monitoring tools and security software.
● Ability to stay up-to-date technically and apply new knowledge to the job. Includes adapting to and mastering new applications and processes implemented by the department.
● Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
● Understanding and demonstration of “client-centered” support and services.
● Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
● Ability to work both independently and cooperatively.
● Ability to organize work, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
● Ability to establish effective working relationships at all levels of the organization.
● Ability to remain calm, deliberate, and tactful in stressful and emotional situations.
● Demonstrated supervisory ability.
● Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, and practice safe work habits.
● Must be able to lift 50 lbs of weight and climb an 8 ft ladder.
Confidentiality:
The Chief Technology Officer has access to highly sensitive, confidential, and proprietary information across all Town departments. The incumbent must exercise the highest degree of professional discretion and strict adherence to state and federal privacy laws. Any unauthorized disclosure of information or breach of confidentiality protocols may be grounds for immediate disciplinary action, up to and including termination, and may carry legal liabilities under Massachusetts General Law.
Supervision Received:
Works independently, reporting to the Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations.
Supervision Exercised:
This position supervises a staff of 17 working in three divisions, including: Enterprise Applications, Network & Systems, and Service Desk/ Operational Support.
Job Environment:
Works in an office environment and off-site locations. Travels between buildings.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to work at a desk; travel to different locations to work with staff, vendors, and the public; and traverse stairs. The employee must be able to lift 50 lbs. of weight and climb an 8 ft ladder. Ability to operate a keyboard at efficient speed and to view computer screens for extended periods of time. Operates motor vehicles and walks short distances. Ability to operate standard office equipment.
(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)
Work Year:
This position has a work year of 260 days, at 7 hours per day. After-hours and weekend work are embedded in the role, as necessary, to resolve emergent incidents and effectively manage projects.
Salary Information:
FLSA: Exempt
Salary Scale: Independent Contract, Grade R: $185,396 - $206,388, subject to annual cost of living adjustments.
Application:
Apply online at: https://www.needham.k12.ma.us/careers
Applications accepted: 3/9/26 - 3/31/26