Job Posting: Chief Information Officer

CA Student Aid Commission

JC-478198
-
Chief Information Officer
C. E. A.

$11,778.00 - $14,032.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 6/11/2025

Job Description and Duties

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) is seeking a Chief Information Officer. In this role, the Chief of the Information Technology Services Division (ITSD) is part of the Executive Management Team and plans, organizes, directs, and manages all activities and commitments for the CSAC’s Information Technology (IT) programs. This includes formulating, evaluating, and implementing all CSAC’s IT programs, policies, and procedures in order to carry out the mission and goals of the CSAC. The IT Division Chief provides a high degree of expertise in developing and implementing major new programs and related policies for the State by providing technical guidance to legislative staff, Commission members, Governor’s Office staff, advisory committees, higher education segments, and Executive Staff of CSAC.

What you’ll do:

  • Provide vision, leadership, and technical direction for the development of the Commission and Statewide Information Technology (IT) applications.
  • Work in collaboration with other CSAC directors, identifies and prioritizes technology initiatives in support of the mission and programs of the Commission.
  • Plans, organize, direct, and manage all activities and commitments for the CSAC’s IT programs.
  • Provide a high degree of expertise in developing and implementing major new programs and related policies for the State by providing technical guidance to legislative staff, Commission members, Governor’s Office staff, advisory committees, higher education segments, and Executive Staff of the Commission.
  • Ensure the Commission’s technology systems adequately and appropriately support current and future business needs by continually developing and maintaining its information technology systems for customers and stakeholders.
  • Direct and manage the managers and staff of approximately six IT teams including System Requirements & Testing, Application Services, Service Management & Support Services, the Enterprise Services/Configuration Management section, and the Information Security Office as well as the GDSM coordination of contracted staff. Directs and manages the underlying administrative business needs for the IT Division and adheres to all applicable State laws, rules, regulations and requirements for the Commission and the State.
  • Directly manage and is responsible for carrying out all phases of the GDSM to its completion.
  • Represent the Commission before public hearings and meetings with other state or federal agencies or public groups regarding program policies, programs, and activities. Act as key advisor to the Executive Officer and Chief Deputy Director on policy decisions effecting CSAC’s IT projects and systems.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

  • Exposure to computer screens and other basic office equipment.
  • Work in a climate-controlled office environment, open office space with artifical lighting.
  • Attend meetings in designated conference rooms and be willing to travel to off-site locations.
  • Capability to work remotely.
  • This position may be eligible for hybrid telework. The amount of hybrid telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on the CSAC’s current telework policy. While the CSAC supports hybrid telework, in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises, as determined by the Department. The selected candidate may be required to conduct business travel on behalf of the Department or commute to the headquarters location. Business travel reimbursements consider an employee’s designated Headquarters Location, primary residence, and may be subject to the California Department of Human Resources regulations or applicable bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

Minimum Requirements

This position does not have a Classification Specification. Requirements and qualifications for this position can be found in this announcement. For additional questions, please contact the hiring department listed below.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-478198
Position #(s):
270-701-7500-001
Working Title:
Chief Information Officer
Classification:
C. E. A.
$11,778.00 - $14,032.00 B
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Career Executive Assignment - Non Tenured, Full Time

Department Information

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), is the principal state agency responsible for administering financial aid programs for students attending public and private universities, colleges, and vocational schools in California. Our mission is to promote education equity by making postsecondary education affordable for all Californians. By joining us, you become part of a passionate and driven organization dedicated to its mission where all areas across the organization are aligned with the common goal of developing technical and analytical skills and leadership abilities, through promoting teamwork and cross-functional teams.
Department Website: https://www.csac.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

Applicants who fail to submit all components of the exam documents as described below and in this exam bulletin, may be eliminated from the exam process.

The exam will consist of a review of each candidate’s application, résumé, and Statement of Qualifications (SOQ), and is weighted 100%. The SOQ must identify the applicant’s experience, education, certification, and training in his/her response to each of the below statements. The SOQ is a written document separate from the application and résumé and is a narrative discussion in response to the statements below.

Statement of Qualifications Instructions:

The SOQ should be no more than four (4) pages in length, typewritten or generated on 8 ½ X 11” paper, using no smaller than a 12-point font. Please clearly title your documents as the “Statement of Qualifications”. Résumés and/or cover letters do not take the place of the SOQ. Applications received without a Statement of Qualifications may be rejected or disqualified from the hiring process.

  1. Describe your experience leading and managing an information systems/technology enterprise or department and your experience in the recruitment and retention of IT staff for building a positive and productive organizational culture.
  2. Describe your experience managing the development and maintenance of an enterprise-level and mission-critical application.
  3. Describe your experience in ensuring the privacy and security of critical data assets and networks.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 6/11/2025

Who May Apply

Individuals who are eligible to be appointed to this Career Executive Assignment (CEA) by the State of California.

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

CA Student Aid Commission
Human Resources Office (USPS)
Attn: Recruitment
P.O. Box 419027
Rancho Cordova, CA 95741

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

CA Student Aid Commission
Human Resources Office (DO)
Recruitment
11120 International Drive, Suite 100
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
  • Statement of Qualifications - See "Special Requirements" section for instructions on completing the required Statement of Qualifications.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Examination Qualification Requirements

All applicants must possess the knowledge and abilities, and any other requirements, described in this announcement.

Note: Eligibility to take a CEA examination does not require current permanent status in the civil service.

General Qualifications

State civil service employees must possess essential general qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, and ability to work cooperatively with others.

Knowledge and Abilities

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform high administrative and policy – influencing functions effectively. Such overall ability requires possession of most of the following more specific knowledge and abilities:

  • Knowledge of the organization and functions of California State Government including the organization and practices of the Legislature and the Executive Branch; principles, practices, and trends of public administration, organization, and management; techniques of organizing and motivating groups; program development and evaluation; methods of administrative problem solving; principles and practices of policy formulation and development; and personnel management techniques; the department’s or agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program objectives; and a manager’s role in the Equal Employment Opportunity Program.
  • Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional and administrative staff; analyze administrative policies, organization, procedures and practices; integrate the activities of a diverse program to attain common goals; gain the confidence and support of top level administrators and advise them on a wide range of administrative matters; develop cooperative working relationships with representatives of all levels of government, the public, and the Legislature and Executive branches; analyze complex problems and recommend effective courses of action; and prepare and review reports; and effectively contribute to the department’s or agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity objectives.

These knowledge and abilities are expected to be obtained from the following kinds of experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation and/or evaluation of program policies (experience may have been paid or volunteer; in State service, other government settings, or in a private organization):

CEA Level A - Responsible for broad administrative and program activities, including the execution and/or evaluation of program policies.

CEA Level B - Responsible for extensive managerial and program administration or broad program manager experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation, and/or evaluation of program policies.

CEA Level C - Responsible for extensive highly professional influence and contributes to program, policy, and the methods to provide professional services needed to set policies, to meet the mission of the State department and often exercising technical and or professional skills that are required at this level.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
  1. Strong leadership and management team experience demonstrating an ability to motivate and supervise a multi-disciplinary professional staff, create a clear vision, set goals and expectations, encourage initiative at all levels, and use sound judgment in managing complex and varied programs.
  2. Experience working in collaboration with organizational leadership to facilitate IT decision-making and priority setting.
  3. Working knowledge of the principles and practices of organization, fiscal and human resource management audits, information security, the legislative process, and the Commission’s programs.
  4. Experience with long-range planning, budget and time management, policy development and implementation in the Information Technology industry.
  5. Experience in dealing with external contacts such as the Legislature, the Department of Finance, the California Technology Agency, Commissioners, key stakeholder representatives, and representatives of the higher education segments.
  6. Experience improving operational standards and procedures and the methods and manner in which program divisions establish work processes to effectively manage information systems.
  7. Experience in bringing IT and Business teams together to work collaboratively and efficiently to meet the goals and objectives of the agency.
  8. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  9. Experience and familiarity within the field of education or student financial aid programs and services, is helpful, but not required.
  10. Experience in managing external vendors and vendor contracts.

Examination Information

If you meet the requirements stated in this announcement, you may take this competitive examination. Possession of the Examination Qualifications requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination will be compared with the performance of others who take this examination, and all successful candidates will be ranked according to their scores.

A minimum rating of 70% must be attained in the Examination to obtain list eligibility for this position. All candidates will receive written notification of their examination results.

The results of this examination will only be used to fill this position. Applications will be retained for twelve months.

Hiring interviews for the Job may be conducted with the most qualified candidates.

The examining Department reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service law and rules and all competitors will be notified.

Special Testing Arrangements

If you have a disability and need special testing arrangements, answer the Reasonable Accommodations question appropriately on your Application (STD 678). You will be contacted to make specific arrangements. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this announcement.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: https://www.csac.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
Human Resources Office
(916) 464-8910
personnel@csac.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Libby Avalos
(916) 464-7998
EEO@csac.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Additional Application Instructions

A completed application package must include the following:

  • On the Examination/Employment Application (STD. 678) enter the Position Number, Position Title, and Job Control Number in the "Examination(s) or Job Title(s) For Which You Are Applying" section.
  • "To" and "From" dates (Month/Day/Year) and total hours worked per week for all employment history listed on the STD. 678.
  • Name, address, and phone numbers of current and former employers and supervisors.
  • "To" and "From" dates (Month/Day/Year) on the resume (if applicable).
  • State employees must list the specific departments for which they worked and indicate the specific civil service classification held (not working titles).
  • All required documents listed in the "Required Application Documents" section.
  • If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include a copy of your official/informal transcripts for verification. These transcripts must include your name and the name of the school. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment.
  • If you have a degree from outside of the United States, you must also submit an evaluation of this degree to determine its US equivalency. If you need an evaluation, you can visit this website https://www.naces.org/ to find organizations that provide these services.
All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification must be included in your completed Application Package to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.

Failure to provide the information listed above may disqualify you from consideration for this recruitment.

Resumes, Cover Letters, etc. DO NOT replace the required, completed Examination/Employment Application (STD. 678).

Personally Identifiable Information:
Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any of your documents in your application package.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at CSAC

Diversity Statement: Here at the CSAC, we want all of our employees to feel respected, valued, appreciated, and equipped to thrive. CSAC encourages employees to work together to fuel the creativity and innovation process necessary to serve our customers well. This commitment fosters and inclusive work environment where all backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are honored as we join in common cause to make college affordable for all California students.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job