Download: Chief Information and Technology Officer (CIO) to learn more about the role and culture at MassDOT.
Position Summary:
Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) serves as the senior technology executive overseeing all information technology operations for the Department of Transportation (MassDOT). The CIO delivers strategic vision and leadership to ensure the agency’s technology ecosystem—encompassing hardware, software, data, and third-party services—is reliable, resilient, secure, and continuously modernized. By aligning MassDOT’s IT roadmap with the Executive Office of Technology Services & Security Secretariat (EOTSS) standards and security directives, while fiercely advocating for the unique needs of transportation programs, the CIO enables safe, efficient, and innovative solutions that directly advance the agency’s mission to deliver a world-class, equitable, and sustainable transportation network for the Commonwealth.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop and mature the security, risk management, and operational governance framework for MassDOT’s technology environment, ensuring alignment with EOTSS directives while proactively mitigating cyber threats and enabling resilient, mission-critical operations
- Provide strategic leadership for IT modernization, portfolio management, and innovation initiatives; oversee the reliability, scalability, and security of hardware, software, data assets, and third-party services to support safe and efficient transportation programs
- Formulate annual and multi-year IT budgeting strategies, capital investment plans, and resource allocation priorities; champion mission-critical technology needs within the Capital Improvement Plan and operating budget while demonstrating fiscal stewardship and ROI
- Direct enterprise architecture, standards, and procurement governance; ensure uniform policies, procedures, and best-value contracting for hardware, software, network systems, and professional services to maximize interoperability, economies of scale, and cross-agency utility
- Lead talent acquisition, workforce development, and vendor management; build high-performing IT teams and oversee contracts to deliver consistent, high-quality support for transportation applications and infrastructure statewide
- Perform business case development, cost-benefit analysis, and performance measurement for all major technology investments; validate alignment with agency goals and Commonwealth-wide efficiencies
Preferred Qualifications:
- The CIO must possess knowledge of enterprise IT architecture, cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., NIS), cloud-native platforms (Salesforce, ServiceNow, Snowflake, AWS, Office 365) and emerging artificial intelligence technologies; familiarity with Comcamonwealth procurement laws, EOTSS standards, and capital planning processes is essential.
- Required skills include strategic planning and roadmap development, budget formulation and justification, vendor negotiation for multi-million-dollar contracts, and risk-based decision-making under constrained resources; the CIO must excel at translating complex technical concepts into executive and public-facing narratives.
- Key abilities encompass leading cross-functional teams in a unionized environment, forging consensus among diverse stakeholders (Secretary, EOTSS, RMV, Highway), driving organizational change during legacy modernization, and maintaining 24/7 mission-critical operations while proactively mitigating cyber threats that could disrupt statewide mobility and public safety.
Pre-Hire Process:
A finalist for this position must be able to pass a comprehensive background check including a criminal record check, Department of Revenue (DOR) check, and employment references.
About MassDOT:
The 4,000+ employees of Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) take great pride in connecting the Commonwealth’s residents and communities. MassDOT is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating transportation policies and projects for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to efficiently plan, design, construct, and maintain a safe statewide transportation system which effectively meets the transportation needs of the Commonwealth. Information about MassDOT’s inclusive culture and career opportunities can be found at mass.gov/massdot-careers.
MassDOT’s divisions include Highway, Registry of Motor Vehicles, Aeronautics, and Rail & Transit. Headquarters (Planning & Enterprise Services) provides business and administrative support and policy leadership for each of the four (4) divisions.
