Description
Where Innovation Meets Purpose. Lead Technology That Changes Lives.
A County Like No Other
Santa Clara County isn’t your typical region—and the
County of Santa Clara isn’t your typical government agency. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the County is surrounded by some of the most innovative minds and technologies in the world. Yet its mission is deeply human: to provide for the needs of a dynamic community, provide quality services, and promote a healthy, safe, and prosperous community for over
2 million residents, many of whom rely on the County for life-saving services.
The County is responsible for delivering essential services—providing local public and behavioral health systems, 9-1-1 communications, social services and safety net programs, child and adult protective services, supportive housing, emergency medical services and an award-winning public healthcare system, criminal justice, diversion and re-entry services, vital records and property records management, elections, transportation and land use planning, and a park system—all of which rely on technological innovation and reliability.
Why This Role Is Different
This is not just a CIO role. It’s a chance to lead one of the largest public-sector technology organizations in the country and to do so in a place that values
innovation, equity, and impact over profit.
You will lead the County’s Technology Services and Solutions (TSS) department, which manages the County’s technology infrastructure, enterprise systems, and data platforms, while also supporting emerging technologies to create long-term value for the County’s business operations. TSS leads initiatives in transitioning to modern technologies, improving customer experience, and driving digital transformation. TSS provides internal service delivery to the County’s numerous departments for systems, applications, and tools used by the County’s 24,000 employees and members of the public.
Why You Might Love This Job
- Real-World Impact: Your work will directly affect the lives of millions. From ensuring applications facilitate streamlined and improved Emergency Room access in underserved communities to supporting 911 dispatch systems, your leadership will be felt in moments that matter most.
- Mission Over Margin: This is a place where technology serves people—not shareholders. The County’s mission is rooted in compassion, equity, and public good.
- A Strong Team, Ready for Stability: You’ll inherit a capable, committed team that’s eager for steady, visionary leadership. The foundation is solid—what’s needed now is someone to build on it.
- Technological Diverse Landscape: You will lead all technology for the County organization from infrastructure services, enterprise systems, end-user services, technical operations, and transition services support, used in a variety of verticals—health system; financial and employee systems; public safety, justice, and emergency management; social services; and essential government services, such as elections and administration;
- Shape the Future of Public Tech: You’ll have the opportunity to position the County of Santa Clara as a national leader in AI, digital transformation, and policy innovation—with a seat at the table in Sacramento
- Tell the Story of Tech as a Partner: Help shift the narrative from “tech as a cost center” to “tech as a strategic enabler.” You’ll be the voice that connects TSS’s work to every department’s success—from libraries to jails to public health.
- Supportive Executive Leadership: You’ll work with leaders who believe in hiring smart people, giving them room to lead, and clearing the path for progress. They’re hands-on, present, and deeply invested in your success.
What You’ll Do
- Lead Strategically: Set the vision for technology across the County of Santa Clara, with a focus on long-term innovation, operational excellence, and service delivery.
- Service-oriented Partnership: Understand the unique needs of stakeholders to design streamlined workflows and improved operational efficiencies, while ensuring unwavering quality standards.
- Deliver at Scale: Oversee complex, high-stakes IT projects across healthcare, public safety, and social services—ensuring they’re on time, on budget, and mission-aligned.
- Inspire and Empower: Lead a 1,000-person department with empathy, clarity, and accountability. Build a culture of trust, innovation, and service.
- Navigate Complexity: Work within a unique public-sector environment that blends hierarchy with consensus, and where labor partnerships and elected officials play key roles.
- Advocate and Communicate: Be the face of TSS—internally and externally. Proactively share wins, build relationships, and ensure technology is seen as a strategic partner.
Who You Are
You may come from the public sector—or you may not. What matters most is your ability to lead at scale, think strategically, and care deeply about high-quality service and impact.
- Technically Fluent: You understand the power and potential of technology, including emerging areas like AI.
- Experienced at Scale: You’ve led large, complex teams on cross-functional initiatives and know how to delegate, empower, and deliver.
- Customer-Service Oriented: You have experience achieving peak team performance to execute strategic goals in partnership with stakeholders.
- Aligning Technology Investment: You understand how to optimize IT investments to ensure alignment with business objectives and operate in a cost-effective manner.
- Mission-Driven: You’re motivated by purpose, not just performance metrics.
- Adaptable and Curious: You bring fresh ideas and embrace new solutions and optimizing performance in a culture of public service.
- A Long-Term Builder: You’re not looking for a steppingstone—you’re looking to make a difference and stay long enough to see it through.
Why the County of Santa Clara?
Because here,
technology saves lives. Because here,
you can lead with purpose. And because here,
you’ll be part of something bigger than yourself.
More About Our Competitive Executive Benefits
Strategic Financial and Retirement Benefits
- CalPERS pension with reciprocity across most California public agencies (2.5% @ 55 for Classic Members, 2% @ 62 for Non-Classic Members)
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan with both pre-tax and Roth options, up to IRS limits
- $325,000 in term life insurance plus $300,000 in accidental death and disability coverage
- Eligible employer under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
Executive-Level Health, Wellness, and Family Support
- Premium health insurance options (Kaiser, HealthNet, Valley Health Plan) with up to 96% County-paid coverage
- Fully covered dental (Delta or Liberty) and vision (VSP) plans for individuals and families
- Employee Assistance Program Dependent Care Assistance, and Flexible Spending Accounts
- Access to wellness and leadership development programs designed to support executive performance and resilience
Leadership Mobility, Time Off, and Professional Growth
- 39 days of annual leave with a cash-out option, plus 13 paid holidays
- Relocation assistance to support seamless transitions
- Tuition reimbursement and internal executive development programs
- Valley Transportation Agency Smart Pass/Clipper Card for sustainable commuting
- To learn more about benefits, check out our dedicated page .
Ready to lead one of the most impactful public sector technology organizations in the country?
Apply now and help shape the future of the
County of Santa Clara. Learn more about the County and the impact you can have as a leader.
Application Process and Key Dates
Filing Deadline: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
This recruitment may close or be extended as early as 10 days after posting.
Early application is strongly encouraged. Please check the website regularly for updates.
Apply At
https://esa.santaclaracounty.gov/career-seekers
What To Include In Your Application
- Résumé
- Cover Letter (maximum 3 pages) Describe why you are the ideal candidate, highlighting relevant leadership experience and accomplishments.
Next Steps In The Process
Following mutual interest, a
comprehensive background investigation and
reference check will be conducted. Finalists will be asked to provide
at least five professional references, with prior authorization obtained by Executive Services.
Questions regarding this Executive recruitment may be directed to
David Huebner, Executive Services at executive.services@esa.sccgov.org
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Employment Standards
Considerable education and administrative experience to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of technology and the ability to plan, organize, and direct the diversified activities and services of a large, public Information Technology agency.
The required knowledge and abilities would typically be acquired through education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications, Business/Public Administration, or a closely related field and a minimum of five (5) years recent executive level information systems management experience in a production environment in a governmental jurisdiction or private sector organization comparable in size and complexity to that of the County of Santa Clara.
View the full job specification on our career site.
