Deputy State Court Administrator - Chief Information Officer

This position is EXEMPT from the State of Delaware Merit System

Recruitment #041326-J65708-21700

Go Back Apply View Benefits

Summary Statement

The Judicial Branch Chief Information Officer (CIO) serves as the strategic technology leader for the Delaware Courts, responsible for shaping and executing a proactive vision that advances the administration of justice. This vision enhances court operations, strengthens cybersecurity and data integrity, and expands public access to court services through modern, user centered technology.  As head of the Judicial Information Center, the CIO leads a high-performing, multi-disciplinary IT organization and directly oversees the senior leadership team. The CIO drives enterprise-wide initiatives spanning cybersecurity, infrastructure, data management, application development, end user services, and technology procurement, ensuring scalable, secure and innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the courts. In the Dual role of Deputy State Court Administrator, the CIO partners with the State Court Administrator, fellow deputies and the Chief Justice to shape and implement the strategic direction of the Delaware judicial Branch. This role ensures that technology investments are aligned with judicial branch priorities, statewide standards, and long-term goals for efficiency, transparency and access to justice.

Preferred Qualification

  • Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and disciplines within information technology, including but not limited to:
o Information Security
o Database Administration
o Application Development
o Desktop Support
o Website Administration
o Networking and Infrastructure
o Telecommunication and Audio/Visual 

  • Strong understanding of cyber security including threats and vulnerabilities, response planning, and tools for preventing and mitigating attacks.
  • Active involvement in learning and understanding emerging technologies, including the use of AI to streamline workflows and improve efficiency while keeping data secure.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication including technical and non-technical subject matter.
  • Proven leadership skills with expertise in continuous improvement, team development, and coaching.
  • Advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills that can be applied to both operational and technical situations.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

  • Provide executive leadership over major IT modernization initiatives including but not limited to E-Filing, Case Management and Document Management.
  • Develop and maintain a strategic plan for Information Technology for the Delaware Judicial Branch to include modern IT solutions for Courts.
  • Liaison with Court leadership including Court Administrators and Presiding Judges to understand IT challenges and collaborate on prioritization and solutioning.
  • Oversee modernization efforts, including communication about project progress, providing direction to staff and vendor resources, and ensuring project timeline and budget remain on track.
  • Drive organizational change management by working with Court leadership to understand operational impacts of new technologies and emphasizing reasoning for change and value.
  • Directly communicate and collaborate on communications around IT initiatives and events, including planned outages, scheduled upgrades, implementation of new tools and solutions, training opportunities and other IT related activities affecting Judicial Branch employees, partner agencies and/or the public.
  • Review proposed legislation to understand technical impacts. Collaborate with team resources to evaluate scope and level of effort to align with legislation or identify restrictions that would prevent alignment.
  • Collaborate with the Department of Technology and Information (DTI) and their leadership to leverage enterprise solutions, comply with State standards and align on security posture.
  • Lead the Judicial Information Center and directly manage the Senior Leadership Team.
  • Manage the annual technology budget, participate in budget planning, and propose budget requests in support of the IT vision for the Delaware Judicial Branch.  Directly manage the Purchase and Procurement Specialist role in support of budget planning and management.
  • Direct the efficient use of technology by employing standards such as hardware and software lifecycles, vulnerability management, identity management, patching and solution sunsetting.
  • Establish and manage vendor relationships in support of staffing, software, hardware and all other IT related services in support of Judicial Branch Operations. Provide support and guidance during the contracting process.
  • Participate in several multi-disciplinary teams and committees.
  • Engage with professional organizations representing the interests of State Courts.

Job Requirements

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
  • A bachelor’s degree in a technology discipline.
  • At least 10 years of experience in the Information Technology field with increasing responsibilities. (Consideration given to additional IT professional certifications and degrees in lieu of years of experience.)
  • At least 5 years of experience leading an IT organization in either a Chief or Deputy role where responsibilities included enterprise IT Strategic Planning.
  • At least 7 years of direct managerial experience of 5 or more direct reports in an organization of at least 30 employees.
  • At least 3 years of IT budget management and planning.
  • At least 3 years of Vendor Management experience, including procurement, contracting, relationship management and contract enforcement.
  • At least 3 years of participation in IT Modernization projects as either a Technical Lead, Subject Matter Expert, Project Manager or Executive.

Additional Posting Information

Telework eligibility is based on performance.

Conditions of Hire

  • A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.
  • Direct deposit of paychecks is required as a condition of hire. 

Benefits

  • Full-time employees are eligible for FREE parking for employees assigned to the City of Wilmington!
  • To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. 

Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com. 

If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call (302) 739-5458 or email jobs@delaware.gov.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. 


Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet.
Contact us via conventional means. For further assistance, you may contact us by phone at (302) 739-5458, or e-mail at jobs@delaware.gov.