Director, IT/Chief Information Office (CIO)

About the position The Chief Information Officer (CIO) will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive digitization strategy for LCEC, a large electric distribution cooperative. This role is pivotal in driving the cooperative's digital transformation, ensuring that technology investments align with strategic objectives, and enhancing operational efficiency, reliability, and member services. The CIO will oversee the integration of new technologies to modernize grid management, improve customer experiences, and support organization-wide information technology programs, all while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and maintaining robust cybersecurity practices.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute a long-term digital transformation strategy, focused on modernizing the electric grid, optimizing operations, and improving member engagement.
• Oversee the integration of smart grid technologies, including Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), predictive analytics, and distribution automation, to enhance grid reliability and operational efficiency.
• Lead efforts to automate business processes and operations through AI, IoT, cloud computing, and data analytics, maximizing resource utilization and minimizing downtime.
• Drive the development of digital tools (web portals, mobile apps) to enhance member experiences, including self-service capabilities, personalized energy consumption data, and proactive communication during outages.
• Oversee the continual upgrade of IT systems and infrastructure, ensuring they are aligned with future technological needs and scalable as the cooperative grows.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to protect the cooperative's digital infrastructure and member data, ensuring compliance with industry regulations such as NERC CIP, ISO 27001, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and other state/federal laws.
• Lead the strategy for data collection, storage, and utilization, leveraging advanced analytics and AI to optimize grid operations, improve energy efficiency, and drive data-driven decision-making.
• Manage IT budget and investments, ensuring a balance between capital expenditures for infrastructure upgrades and ongoing operational costs.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Evaluate the ROI of digital transformation initiatives, ensuring that technology investments result in measurable improvements in operational efficiency, service quality, and member satisfaction.
• Negotiate and manage relationships with key technology vendors and partners, ensuring that service agreements align with the cooperative's goals and deliver value.
• Work closely with the CEO and other executives to ensure the technology strategy supports the cooperative's mission, vision, and long-term business goals.
• Engage with members to understand their needs and incorporate their feedback into the design and deployment of new digital solutions.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory changes, and technological innovations that impact the electric distribution sector, ensuring the cooperative remains compliant and competitive.
• Build and lead a high-performing IT team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Ensure the development of team members through training, mentoring, and professional development opportunities, ensuring the team is equipped with the skills needed to support digital initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in IT or technology management, with at least 5 years in a senior executive role (e.g., CIO, CTO).
• Demonstrated success in leading large-scale digital transformation projects, particularly in the context of infrastructure modernization, automation, and data analytics.
• Strong knowledge and application of cybersecurity principles and related regulatory requirements (e.g., NERC CIP, ISO 27001, NIST).
• Expertise in cloud computing, IoT, predictive analytics, AI, and other emerging technologies.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience managing IT budgets and assessing the ROI of technology investments.
• Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with the ability to lead diverse teams across multiple functions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence both internal and external stakeholders. Nice-to-haves
• Master's Degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Background in utilities, electric distribution, or energy sector.
• Related technical certifications.

Benefits

• Company-wide annual incentive plan
• Medical, vision and dental insurance
• 401(k) plan with a generous 6% company match
• Company funded Pension Plan
• On-site wellness/medical facility
• Company paid Short & Long-Term Disability insurance
• Health Savings Account with an employer contribution

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