Chief Innovation Officer (Unclassified) (Mayor’s Office)

About the role

The Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) will lead a small but dynamic Technology and Innovation team within the Mayor’s Office of Technology and Innovation (MOTI). The CIO will develop a comprehensive strategy, vision, and program for MOTI, advise the Mayor on major technology and innovation trends, and manage the team's portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Develop a comprehensive strategy, vision, and program for the Mayor's Office of Technology and Innovation
• Act as the public face for the Mayor's Office of Technology and Innovation as appropriate, including representing the city on major stages around the world, interacting with the press, and producing various pieces of media collateral
• Advises the Mayor on major technology and innovation trends and develop strategies and programs to tackle these issues in San José
• Lead, manage and inspire the Technology and Innovation team including developing annual Objectives and Key Results (OKR) and work planning to ensure efficient delivery of the program
• Manage all aspects of the Technology and Innovation team portfolio including developing project priorities, driving public-private partnerships, managing communications and social media interfaces, and developing policy approaches
• Work with the policy team to develop state and national strategies working with our representatives in office to advance San José’s innovation mission
• Advance and maintain relationships with key partners like the Bay Area Council, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, Plug and Play Tech Center, and local tech institutions e.g. Nvidia, Adobe, Zoom
• Support the San Jose Public Library and the AI Center for Civic and Social Good
• Staff the Mayor at relevant meetings and events
• Supervise staff, fellows, and interns as the function grows and evolves

Requirements

This unclassified position requires a disclosure of outside investments, real property interest, income and business positions. The ideal candidate will possess the most desirable combination of training, skills, and experience, which will allow them to serve as a member of the Mayor’s Team.

Qualifications

• A Master's Degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university, preferably in the field of Public Policy, STEM, Engineering, Law, Business, Economics, or a related field
• At least ten (10) years of professional experience in a position with responsibilities and skills similar to the duties listed above
• Real-world experience in public affairs, local government, management consulting, technology firms, or in marketing is highly desirable

Skills

• Experience in technology policy, AI, emerging technologies, innovation, and data
• Passion for and preferred experience with the San José community and Northern California technology ecosystem
• Experience with communications, press, and fundraising preferred
• Strong project management and organizational skills, including using online project management tools e.g. Trello, Slack, etc.
• An understanding of government processes and an appreciation for navigating complex bureaucracies

Benefits

The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws.

Pay

The total salary range for the Chief Innovation Officer is $138,628.10 - $215,798.70. This amount includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable pay. The actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.

Schedule

Employees in this classification are not members of the classified civil service and appointment would be on a contract “at-will” basis and is for a specified period of time to be determined by the appointing elected official and does not extend past the end of the elected official's term. Candidates must be willing to work frequent evenings and weekends, and as exempt management employees, are not eligible for overtime compensation.