city of thousand oaks company
The Position
The City of Thousand Oaks is seeking a visionary technologist and leader to serve as the agency’s first Chief Technology Officer (CTO). The CTO will establish the culture and long-term strategy for the City’s newly formed Information Technology (IT) Department and serve on the City’s Executive Team. Historically operating as a division within the Finance Department, the City recently created the standalone IT department, led by the CTO, to drive technology modernization across the City. This is a rare opportunity to lead a new department and build a team culture that is forward-thinking, high-performing, and service-focused.
The City’s inaugural CTO will share the organization’s goals of prioritizing data availability for all users, promoting a self-service model rather than an expert-required model, and prioritizing integrated multi-disciplinary systems over task-specific products. Over the next several years, the City aims to be a technology leader in the municipal space and an employer of choice for those seeking to leverage technology for the public good. The CTO will be responsible for building and maintaining this industry reputation through thoughtful leadership, project execution, and serving as the catalyst for a technology-focused culture across the organization.
The CTO will be instrumental in bringing the City’s recently adopted Information Technology Strategic Plan (ITSP) to life. They will lead a growing team of 18 high-functioning employees and report directly to the Deputy City Manager. As head of the new department, the CTO will have direct oversight of IT governance, cybersecurity, application support, infrastructure operations, digital services, and all other core technology operations for the City.
Qualifications
Minimum requirements include at least eight (8) years of increasingly responsible experience in information technology management, including at least three (3) years of supervisory and/or management responsibility. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science, information systems, engineering or a closely related field is also required. Experience managing both on-premises and cloud-based systems, virtualization technologies, enterprise-wide applications, and organization-wide cybersecurity is essential.
Preferred qualifications include prior experience in driving change and transformation with a focus on technology modernization. Demonstrated expertise in developing and executing organization-wide strategic plans specific to information technology is also desirable.
Compensation and Benefits
The anticipated hiring range for the new CTO is $205,000 to $255,000, with a full salary range up to $307,000. The City typically makes offers within the hiring range based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications. A $10,000 relocation allowance is available for eligible candidates.
For a complete overview of the City’s extensive benefits, review the detailed summary here. Highlights include membership in CalPERS (California Public Employees' Retirement System), a deferred compensation plan that includes a City match of up to 6%, and generous vacation, sick, and holiday leave. The City operates on a 9/80 work schedule, with flexible remote work options available, though the CTO’s consistent in-person presence at City Hall will be critical in building the foundation of the new department.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at jobs.crelate.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. For first consideration, please submit your application by October 29, 2025. Early application is encouraged. For questions or additional information, please contact Sarah Slegers at Raftelis (Email/LinkedIn).
