This recruitment will remain open until January 31, 2025. The agency reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time after the initial screening date on January 15, 2025. It is in the applicant’s best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Make a Difference: Protect Consumers & Join Our Dynamic Team!

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) is seeking an IT leader who has proven strategic management experience, strong relationship-building skills, and can creatively leverage technology in a fiscally responsible manner for the Chief Information Officer position. This role is within the Operations – Information Technology Division and is stationed in our Tumwater Office.

WHY OIC?

• Meaningful work: Ensure a healthy insurance market & protect Washington consumers.
• Impactful career: Make a daily difference in the lives of countless Washingtonians.
• Work-life balance: Achieve career success while maintaining a healthy personal life.
• Flexible work options: Hybrid work opportunities.

About the Position

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is the highest-level information technology and governance position in the agency, overseeing the IT Application Services, IT Operations, and Information Governance units. This crucial position is expected to drive the agency's technology strategy, manage enterprise-level IT systems, and ensure that our technology aligns with and supports the agency's mission.

The CIO is responsible for leading the planning, execution, and optimization of all IT functions, from infrastructure and applications to information security and privacy. This position will play a key role in shaping the future of our IT landscape while working closely with senior leadership to prioritize initiatives and align IT resources with strategic goals.

The CIO will lead mission-critical projects, oversee IT investments, and represent the agency to key stakeholders, including government agencies and private sector partners. Additionally, the CIO ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, champions business continuity efforts, and fosters a culture of innovation.

This is a unique opportunity to lead the agency’s IT strategy, enhance operational efficiencies, and contribute to the advancement of public sector technology initiatives. If you're ready to bring your expertise, leadership, and vision to a role where you can truly make a difference, we invite you to apply!

This is a Civil-Service Exempt position. The annual salary range for this position is $144,000 - $160,000.

Benefits & Perks

• Comprehensive benefits package: Health, dental, vision, retirement, paid leave (vacation, sick, etc.) and much more!
• Supportive work environment: We value diversity, professional growth, and collaborative atmosphere.
• Wellness programs: Invest in your well-being with on-site resources and initiatives.
• Work-life balance: Flexible schedules with telework opportunities.
• Public service fulfillment: Contribute to a cause that matters and feel the satisfaction of serving the public good.
• Training & Development: Continuously learn and grow with tuition reimbursement. Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and other programs.
• Free parking (Tumwater) & Public transportation pass (Thurston County): Save on commuting costs.
• And more! Explore our website for additional benefits: https://www.insurance.wa.gov

The duties of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Direct and oversee the enhancement, management, and safeguarding of the agency's enterprise level, mission critical information technology systems that directly support the agency's core business functions.
• Participate in strategic planning, budget decision package development, and/or agency request legislation to identify IT impacts, offer considerations for IT solutions and provide guidance regarding IT resource capacity when setting priorities.
• Represents agency to stakeholders, government, and private sector. Acts as primary liaison between information services, senior management, and non-agency stakeholders.
• Assess business plan objectives, and work with business areas to identify opportunities for IT solutions including recommendations on the scope and thoroughness of requirements, estimates of timelines, and allocation of resources.
• Performs task management functions: feasibility studies, project selection, project planning, prioritization of work, implementation of work plans, bill analysis and fiscal note development as related to IT.
• Consults with deputies and managers to determine IT impacts of proposed legislation and/or newly enacted federal or state laws.
• Estimate agency resource allocation in support of project efforts including but not limited to budget, IT software development resources, IT support, technology infrastructure, security, privacy, and networking resources.
• Develops and implements business continuity protocols to minimize disruption to business operations in the event of emergency situations or data loss.
• Identifies, plans, and conducts security audits and system investigations. Reports findings and recommends appropriate mitigation measures to executive leadership.
• Serves as the agency interface to Washington State Office Chief Information Officer (OCIO) and Washington State's Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech}. Responsible for creating, submitting, and accuracy of annual reports required by OCIO.
• Serves as the agency lead privacy officer and information security officer.
• Serves on statewide workgroups and steering committees related to statewide IT services and projects to ensure representation and inclusion of OIC interests.
• Provide the necessary IT investment planning required by OCIO, WaTech, and Washington State's Office of Financial Management (OFM) oversight agencies.
• Plans and supervises IT acquisitions that impact the agency's enterprise systems and/or technology infrastructure.
• Align the agency's IT planning practices and resource allocation with the agency's strategic plan and National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) national initiatives.
• Directs procurement for vendor services and negotiate contracts for projects that exceed the capacity of in­house IT resources.
• Increase the agency's participation with national (and international) initiatives by expanding the agency's interface capability with the NAIC and the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR).
• Responsible for the overall execution of the agency’s information governance function including establishing, implementing and maintaining a framework for which to create, store, archive, retrieve and properly dispose of records as determined by applicable laws and policies.
• Responsible for the overall execution of the agency’s office support functions including ensuring excellence in internal and external customer service, clerical and operational functions related to central agency activities, and full compliance with assigned legal processes.

To read more about this position and view all duties, click here to request a position description.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree or higher* in computer science, information technology or related field AND

At least six years senior level IT management experience managing large, high risk, IT projects; including leading and managing senior IT resources.

OR

Associate's degree in computer science or related field AND

At least eight years senior level IT management experience managing large, high risk, IT projects; including leading and managing senior IT resources.

OR

At least 10 years senior level IT management experience managing large, high risk, IT projects; including leading and managing senior IT resources.

In addition to one of the above requirements:

At least five (5) years demonstrated performance managing high performing IT or cross-functional teams.

*Degree must be from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation or a foreign equivalent.

Expert knowledge of:

• Software development practices, processes, and procedures.
• State contracting and procurement laws, policies, requirements, and contracting/procurement best practices.
• Project management principles and practices.
• Enterprise level information management systems and technology related subjects, including networking, server environments, hardware/software upgrades, and disaster recovery planning and software release/configuration management.

Demonstrated Experience:

• Budgeting, planning, and allocating resources to support organization's mission and business priorities.
• Leading IT infrastructure/architecture planning and applying enterprise level IT best practices.
• Managing diverse project teams composed of IT, business users, and vendors.
• Applying current IT security and system standards.
• Communicating complex issues effectively and adjusting communication to audience needs.
• Addressing conflict and leading teams to resolution.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Prior State or Government CIO experience
• Experience successfully planning and leading enterprise level business process transformation projects.
• Experience with Agile project management and with successful Agile development teams.
• Master’s degree in computer science or information technology
• Strategic Planning experience

Ready to join us?

Learn more about the Chief Information Officer position and the OIC by visiting our website. We encourage you to check out our video below and listen to what our employees have to say about working here!

Welcome to the OIC

Submit your application today and take the first step towards a rewarding career at the OIC!

Other Information:

• State law (RCW 48.02.090[5]) prohibits employees of the OIC from having any interest, directly or indirectly, in an insurance company other than as a policyholder. This prohibition includes the receipt of renewal commissions. If employment is accepted with this agency, you agree to abide by this state law.
• If a degree or other credentials are listed by the candidate, proof will be required at the finalist stage. Candidates are encouraged to pre-plan for this. University degrees must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or foreign equivalent.
• If a degree was awarded outside the United States, candidates must provide a credential evaluation report.
• Applications that do not include a cover letter and resume or are incomplete will be automatically disqualified.
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• At the OIC, honoring diversity, equity, and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, safe, and supportive working environment. Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures, and attributes, can OIC employees and volunteers achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the agency.
• The Office of Insurance Commissioner is an equal opportunity employer, does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at Recruitment@oic.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.
• If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing (log in, password or email issues) or completing your application (error messages), please call toll-free at (855) 524-5627.
• For general questions regarding applying for jobs, contact the recruiter or Recruitment@oic.wa.gov.

How to Apply:

1. Create an online account: Go to the job posting and click the big green “Apply” button. You’ll need to set up an account if you haven’t already.
2. Provide references: List three people who have supervised your work and can vouch for your skills. If you don’t have enough, you can include people like teachers, college professors, or other professional colleagues.
3. Complete your application: Be sure to answer all the questions fully and honestly. Avoid vague answers like “see resume.” This may result in disqualification.

Your application will be reviewed based on how well it shows that your experience & credentials match the required and preferred qualifications of the position.

General suggestions for creating a good application:

• Read the job posting very carefully. Find out as much as you can about the position.
• Make sure you are very diligent in following all the application instructions. Include all requested documentation.
• Make sure your application and supplemental question responses address how you meet each of the required and desired qualifications.

• Carefully read each of the supplemental questions and respond completely to each one. Pay attention to each component of the question, providing examples, and thoroughly describing when and where you achieved the experience. Detail the types of work you performed, the work products, etc., to demonstrate 'how'.

• Specifically include all your work experiences doing the same or similar work, especially if you reference work in these jobs in describing when/where you gained experience or skills.
• Make sure your application reflects your best writing.

Wage/salary depends on qualifications or state rules of compensation (if currently a state employee).

Contact us: For inquiries about this position, please contact us at recruitment@oic.wa.gov.