Chief Technology Officer

Job Description:

Chief Technology Officer

Description

Position Description

Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) is seeking a strategic and innovative technology leader to serve as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and drive the organization’s technology strategy, modernization, and digital transformation. This role plays a critical part in aligning technology investments with business priorities while advancing the delivery and reliability of TPU’s Power, Water, and Rail utility divisions.

Reporting to the Utility Technology Services (UTS) Tacoma Power Deputy General Manager/Chief Information Officer (CIO), the CTO provides executive leadership and oversight for enterprise architecture, data and artificial intelligence, geospatial platforms, utility business enablement, and technology program and project management. This position partners with leadership and stakeholders across TPU to advance technology initiatives, strengthen business capabilities, and transform the digital customer experience.

The CTO leads the development and execution of short and long term technology strategies, leveraging industry best practices to modernize systems, optimize technology investments, and support evolving utility needs. This role guides the integration of traditional Operational Technology (OT), including SCADA systems and grid infrastructure, with modern Information Technology (IT), cloud data engineering, and artificial intelligence to enable innovation, operational efficiency, and reliable utility services.

This position requires strategic vision, executive leadership, strong business acumen, and the ability to drive complex technology initiatives through collaboration, organizational alignment, and effective execution.
Key Responsibilities:

• Technology Strategy and Governance: Lead the development and execution of short and long-term technology strategies aligned with TPU Division strategic plans and Smart Utility Plans. Oversee technology portfolio governance, project planning, implementation, and prioritization to advance organizational goals.
  
• Digital Transformation and Innovation: Champion the evaluation, pilot testing, and deployment of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, predictive asset maintenance, load forecasting, geospatial platforms, microgrids, and other digital solutions that improve utility operations, efficiency, and customer experience.
  
• Financial Planning and Resource Management: Direct capital and operating budget planning, monitor expenditures, and establish cost-of-service and cost-recovery models. Develop and justify technology business cases that evaluate long-term costs, return on investment, and alignment with TPU’s strategic priorities.
  
• Executive Leadership and Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate with the CIO, TPU divisions, City departments, and utility leadership to align technology investments with business needs. Communicate complex technology strategies, risks, and financial impacts to executive leadership, the Public Utility Board, City Council, and other stakeholders.
  
• Enterprise Technology and Program Oversight: Provide executive oversight of enterprise architecture, data analytics and artificial intelligence, geospatial platforms, utility business enablement, and technology program and project management functions to ensure effective delivery of strategic initiatives.
  
• Cybersecurity and Technology Integration: Partner with cybersecurity leadership to advance secure, modern technology architectures across utility infrastructure, including generation facilities, substations, transmission assets, and field-deployed devices. Promote integration between operational technology (OT), information technology (IT), and emerging digital platforms.
  
• Vendor and Technology Partner Management: Establish and maintain strategic relationships with technology vendors, cloud providers, hardware manufacturers, and integration consultants. Oversee service-level agreements, contractual deliverables, and partner performance to ensure technology solutions meet TPU’s operational and business needs.
  
• Organizational Leadership and Performance Management: Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable work environment that values diversity and supports equal opportunity. Establish performance expectations, provide coaching and development, and hold teams accountable for measurable results while supporting technology adoption, workforce readiness, and operational safety.
  

Qualifications

Minimum Education*
Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology or directly related field

Minimum Experience*
10 years of progressively responsible experience that includes prior supervisory, managerial and/or subject-matter expert experience in information technology. Some assignments may require a background check.

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
As Assigned:
North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection certification (NECC-CIP)

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn !

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Annual Salary: $202,550.40 - $285,168.00

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:
http://www.cityoftacoma.org/
https://www.mytpu.org/
http://www.traveltacoma.com/

City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

A Commitment to Equity & Diversity
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Application Process

Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process. Applicants who have the strongest backgrounds related to the responsibilities of this position may be invited to participate in the interview process, which may include a work problem. Appointment is subject to passing a background check.

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the NEOGOV system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 11/18/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$202,550.40 - $285,168.00 Annually