Chief Information Officer

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

The Chief Information and Security  Officer reports to the President & CEO and leads AECC/AECI’s Technology and Security Division. Establishes and directs the strategic long-term goals, policies and procedures for the implementation and operation of reliable and resilient technology-related systems to support all facets of the Cooperative operations including power generation and delivery in a regulated utility as well as as AECI’s commerical operations. Drives business tranformation and innovation by exploring technology solutions, providing technical guidance, and being a steward in all technology investment.   The Chief Information Technology Officer is a member of senior staff, who work together as an executive team, to support the Board of Directors and oversee operations of the cooperative to ensure financial stewardship, communication and implementation of cooperative vision, and employee development. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Direction of Technology and Security Division: Establish and execute a clear information technology vision that promotes innovation, simplifies complex architectures, and drives enterprise-wide growth and efficiency.
• Digital Transformation: Evaluate emerging technology trends (e.g., AI automation, cloud computing, advanced data analytics) to deliver a modern data strategy for the cooperative.
• Manages the lifecycle of IT investments from the initial business case to tracking spending and supporting stakeholders to ensure that technology initiatives create measurable business value, improve efficiency, reduce risk, and help the organization remain competitive in a rapidly changing digital environment.
• Translates needs from two different business models (regulated utility and a sales and service organization) into modern digital solutions with seamless systems integration.
• Leads planning, risk mitigation, policy development and implementation for the Technology and Security Division.
• Leads technical governance and development strategy.
• Recommends program development, procurement, and changes to existing programs that enhance overall technical strategic plan.
• Guides recommendations through the internal approval process and prepares recommendations for Board approval.
• Identifies and works with senior leadership team to develop and execute with responsible divisions.
• Ensures that operating requirements are in line with the strategic plan of the organization.
• Support Board of Directors: Cultivate a strong and transparent working relationship with the Board of Directors and ensure open communication about the measurement of financial, programmatic, and operational performance against stated goals and objectives.
• Advise and support the Board of Directors on Technology and Security related organizational risks, and operational activities of the cooperative.
• Assist in the development of material for the monthly board meetings and board strategic planning sessions.
• Foster a collaborative relationship amongst the member cooperatives, to help ensure overall operations benefit member-owners.
• Provide consultation and support to member cooperative systems regarding Technology and Security related topics to include technology deployment, enterprise support systems, energy management systems, cyber & physical security, and fiber networks.
• Teambuilding: Direct, mentor, and build a high-performing IT team by fostering an inclusive culture of accountability, teamwork, and ongoing learning.
• Establishes goals, monitors work and evaluates results of the Technology and Security staff to ensure that both departmental and organizational objectives are met.
• Establishes standards and models adherence to our Core Values while creating a culture of personal and team accountability.
• Instills discipline in Talent Development and Performance Assessment processes.
• Financial Stewardship: Oversees the Technology and Security Division cost center and oversees and maintains budget preparation.
• Ensure the cooperative’s assets and resources are adequately tracked and protected.
• Establish budgets, monitor financial reports, and determine resource needs to meet the Cooperative’s obligations to the member systems.
• Oversees the benchmarking, design, procurement, and implementation of communications, security, networking, computer resources, datacenters, and systems.
• Develops guidelines for datacenter reliability, network integrity, reporting, incident response, security posture composition, statewide intercommunications, and financial viability within approved budget to meet operational, regulatory, and obligatory member requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES CONT'D

• Design and submit forecasted annual and multi-year strategic replacement, update, and end-of-life, end-of-support reports for technical resources and contracts for structure adjustments and recommendations in accordance with market trend analysis and total strategic mission of Technology and Security division.
• Planning, implementation, operation, and maintenance of the Cooperative’s technology- and security-related operations.
• Direct the continuous improvement, deployment, and optimization of all software platforms, networks, and the Cooperative’s enterprise technology systems, including: the SAP Enterprise Resource Planning system; all other administrative and financial information systems; records management and archive systems; and compliance with terms, conditions, and requirements of all applicable software licenses.
• Oversees the optimization of the infrastructure that supports the Cooperative’s technology services, including computing server and storage systems; all computer workstations; voice telephony systems; local-area and wide-area networking systems; and Internet-related systems and connectivity.
• Develops and maintains strategic relationships with our main software vendors and IT service providers.
• Development and implementation of cyber and physical security policies, standards, and procedures sufficient to mitigate security risks for all Cooperative facilities, systems, networks, and information.
• Ensures compliance with applicable legislation, regulations and other requirements related to the cyber and physical security of Cooperative facilities, systems, networks, and information.
• Maintain awareness of and compliance with applicable laws and regulations from various regulatory entities, internal policies, procedures, and directives.
• Ensure ongoing monitoring and timely incorporation of any changes to maintain adherence to compliance standards.
• The NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards make up the cybersecurity requirements for electric utilities and focus on safeguarding critical assets from both cyber and physical threats.
• NERC CIP responsibilities include understanding and ensuring adherence to those regulations applicable to AECC assets that help maintain the reliability and resiliency of the Bulk Electric System (BES) by working collaboratively with subject matter experts across the organization to continually improve our CIP programs and processes for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Directs the administration of AECC’s real-time operational systems, including:Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Energy Management Systems (EMS), revenue meter data acquisition and energy accounting systems, and systems to support AECC's participation in wholesale electricity markets.
• Provides strategic direction for AECC’s Statewide Fiber Network, including the planning, construction, operation, maintenance, and reliable performance of the network.
• Oversees the development and implementation of systems, processes, and procedures for operation of, maintenance of, and record-keeping for the fiber network.
• Coordinates with Member Systems and Diamond State Networks on joint fiber build projects, network interconnections and other fiber-related matters.
• The ability to handle stress and work well with others are essential functions of this position.
• Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.
• Due to our obligation to provide continuous, reliable electric service to our customers, the ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance and the ability to work outside your regularly scheduled office hours when necessary is an essential function of the job.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems Management, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering or related field or equivalent Masters Business Administration (MBA), Masters Technical Sciences Executive or Performance Leadership, and/or Change Management certification(s)  plus 15 years of related technology experience required. 10 years of technology management or supervisory experience required.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This position is designated as safety sensitive based on the duties performed. Employees in safety sensitive positions must comply with the Cooperative’s fitness for duty requirements and all applicable federal and state regulations governing workplace substance use and safety.
• Effective communication and influencing skills, both written and oral, with the ability to share information and ideas clearly and concisely with a range of audiences. 
• Demonstrates insight and creativity; offers options and solutions when approaching issues or problems. 
• Must work collaboratively and in a collegial manner with other Senior Staff business partners, Board Members, and Staff, to contribute to an overall success-oriented team dynamic.   
• Is proactive in identification and communication of issues or barriers that may impede an initiative or compromise its success. 
• Use critical thinking skills to identify and determine alternative solutions/approaches. 
• Ability to maintain confidential information and exercise discretion and tact.