The CIO’s responsibilities include overseeing a 600-member technology team and the system’s $100 million IT budget.
CalPERS’ chief operating officer, Douglas Hoffner, explained that the successful applicant will possess technological knowledge as well as leadership skills.
“Our ideal candidate needs to be technologically savvy, but we’re also looking for someone who is a proven leader with a vision well into the future,” Hoffner told Industry Insider – California. “CalPERS prides itself on providing innovative products and services to the public we serve. Advancing technologies helps us improve productivity — balancing that with finding ways to save costs is key to ensuring we’re remaining prudent stewards of the CalPERS Fund.”
The vacancy is a result of the departure of former CIO Christian Farland, who held that role from February 2018 through last month. Farland took a position as client executive with HiPER Solutions of San Francisco.
The CalPERS CIO provides executive direction and oversight to three divisions: the Technology Business Management Division, the Technology Infrastructure Services Division, and the Enterprise Solutions Development Division.
“The CIO plays a critical role in setting strategic IT direction and policies that align with the enterprise business goals and objectives and mitigate technological risk,” says the job posting, which was published Wednesday.
The key functions of the CIO role, according to the job posting and duty statement, include:
- Makes broad policy recommendations regarding IT, impacting all CalPERS programs, operations and services;
- Responsible for strategic planning, IT and information security policy development and review, and creation of long-range information systems plans;
- Researches and develops new IT products and facilities for CalPERS programs;
- Represents CalPERS with the Department of Finance and the Legislature on technology issues; and
- Provides consultation and advice to high-level program managers, executive staff and the Board of Administration.
The department is offering incentives in its recruitment: “Act quickly to apply for this hybrid position, where you’ll enjoy up to 40 percent (two days) remote work each week!” the job posting states. In addition, it adds: “This is an incentive eligible position. The incumbent will be eligible for an incentive award of up to 15 percent of their annual salary.”
The monthly salary range for this position is $10,831 to $14,274, and the recruitment will continue until the position is filled.
