Chief Technology Officer

Job Title: Chief Technology Officer

Location: Technology Services

Pay Grade: Administrative and Professional Pay Grade A02

Work Calendar: All 12 Month Staff

FLSA Status: Exempt

GENERAL PURPOSE

Reporting to the Superintendent, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) serves as the strategic and operational leader of technology services for Stafford County Public Schools. The CTO provides visionary leadership for digital innovation, infrastructure, data systems, and instructional technology to support student learning and organizational excellence.

The CTO is responsible for fostering a transparent, service-oriented technology culture focused on access, usability, inclusion, and innovation. The role ensures integration of emerging technologies across the school division and aligns technology strategy with the district's educational mission and strategic priorities.

MAIN JOB TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead technology strategy and systems-level planning

• Provide leadership in the development and implementation of a long-range technology plan aligned with division goals.
• Guide the adoption of digital tools that enhance student learning, educator effectiveness, and operational efficiency.
• Promote a culture of innovation, data-informed practice, and future-ready learning environments.
• Guide the ethical and effective exploration, implementation, and integration of artificial intelligence tools to support teaching, learning, and operational improvement.
• Oversee all aspects of the district's technology ecosystem including digital learning, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and enterprise systems.
• Build, support, and participate in cross-functional teams to guide decision-making and support implementation of major initiatives.
• Support continuous improvement of business processes through the re-engineering and modernization of data systems and technology tools.

Establish and maintains strong policy and resource management for technology

• Establish policies and governance structures to ensure data security, privacy, accessibility, and ethical technology use.
• Monitor system performance and hold staff accountable to service level expectations.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local technology-related mandates and regulations.
• Lead a high-performing, collaborative technology team; coach and develop staff to meet evolving needs.
• Create a growth-oriented professional culture that values inclusion, service, and innovation.
• Recruit and retain top talent across all areas of technology services.
• Align technology investments with division priorities through effective budget planning and resource allocation.
• Guide purchasing decisions and evaluate return on investment for technology implementations.

Build constructive relationships with internal and external stakeholders

• Serve as a trusted advisor and technology liaison to school and central office leaders.
• Provide regular updates to the Superintendent, School Board, and other key stakeholders.
• Represent the Superintendent's Office at meetings and events, as appropriate.
• Serve as the liaison to the School Board Technology Advisory Committee.
• Represent the division in regional and statewide innovation networks and collaborative partnerships.
• Cultivate relationships with vendors, funders, and community partners.

Support and demonstrate core values of Stafford Schools

• Engage in ongoing professional development relevant to position.
• Respond to written and oral requests for information promptly and thoroughly.
• Maintain a clean, neat appearance, appropriate to position.
• Maintain a record of appropriate attendance and punctuality.
• Serve as a role model for students, colleagues, and the general public.
• Work in close harmony with colleagues, supervisors, and co-workers.
• Comply with all District and School policies and regulations, including but not limited to guidelines for confidentiality.
• Perform other related duties as required/assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in Educational Technology, Computer Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of seven (5) years of progressive leadership experience in technology strategy, systems management, and/or instructional technology.
• Experience in K-12 education preferred.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale technology projects / budgets.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge
  • Instructional and administrative uses of technology in K-12 education.
  • IT systems, cybersecurity, data privacy, and enterprise infrastructure.
  • Laws and regulations related to technology use, accessibility, and data governance
• Skills
  • Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills
  • Business case and project plan development
• Abilities
  • Work cooperatively in a team environment to meet goals
  • Organize and perform work independently
  • Meet deadlines for all work even when working on multiple projects
  • Show sustained effort and enthusiasm in quality and quantity of work

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work environment is inside an office with moderate noise, controlled temperatures, and no exposure to chemicals or other negative air quality elements.
• The work is light work, requiring exertion of up to twenty pounds of force to move or lift objects.
• The following physical and mental abilities are representative of those expected to complete the essential functions of the job: sitting for prolonged periods; moving the hands, wrists, or fingers repetitively; moving with force on the back or lower body repetitively; feeling, grasping, or holding objections by hand; identifying colors visually; identifying objects in low light or distant conditions; communicating via spoken language; communicating via written language; perceiving sounds; making decisions using logic and rational thinking.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations shall be made, as required by law, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described.

Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties, just as though they were actually written out in this job description.