Job Posting: Chief Information Officer

Covered California

JC-521321
-
Chief Information Officer
CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

$21,667.00 - $35,294.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 7/3/2026

Job Description and Duties

Are you an experienced technology leader ready to drive innovation and operational excellence in California’s healthcare landscape? Covered California, the state’s health insurance marketplace and a champion for transforming access to affordable healthcare, is seeking an exceptional individual to join our team as Chief Information Officer (CIO).

 

In this high-profile and mission-critical role, under the direction of the Chief Deputy Executive Director, Operations, you’ll lead the design, development, and execution of Covered California’s enterprise-wide information technology strategy. As CIO, you will oversee complex, consumer-facing technology systems, including CalHEERS, the cornerstone of eligibility, enrollment, and retention for health coverage programs serving millions of Californians. Your leadership will ensure Covered California’s systems are secure, cost-effective, federally compliant, and positioned to deliver exceptional service to consumers and partners.

 

The CIO drives innovation and collaboration across the organization, providing strategic guidance to executive leadership and the Board of Directors on technology initiatives that advance Covered California’s mission. You’ll represent Covered California on high-level IT matters with government agencies, vendors, health plans, and other stakeholders, while fostering a culture of operational excellence, inclusion, and accountability within the Information Technology Division.

 

This is a unique opportunity to lead transformative technology solutions in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with statewide and national impact. If you are a visionary leader with deep experience in enterprise technology strategy, federal compliance, consumer-facing systems, and team development, and are ready to bring your expertise to a role that combines leadership, strategy, and purpose, Covered California invites you to apply for the Chief Information Officer position. Join us in shaping the future of healthcare access for all Californians.

Review the full duty statement to learn more about the duties and responsibilities of this position.

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

Working Conditions

  • This position may be eligible for telework. In accordance with Government Code section 14200, only employees who reside in California are eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on Covered California’s current telework policy. While Covered California supports 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.

 

  • This position is headquartered in Sacramento County, 1601 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815. Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated headquarters office subject to regulations and bargaining unit contract provisions. Travel expenses associated with commuting to the employee’s office headquarters location are not reimbursable, other than authorized transit subsidies.

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-521321
Position #(s):
801-130-6059-001
Working Title:
Chief Information Officer
Classification:
CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
$21,667.00 - $35,294.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Exempt Executive Assignment - Non Tenured, Full Time

Department Information

Covered California works to improve the health of all Californians by assuring their access to affordable, high-quality healthcare. Our employees are the vital link that ensures that our vision, mission, and values are fully realized and are the driving force that allows us to continually provide exceptional service to those who need it most.

 

We offer an award-winning wellness program, inclusive and diverse atmosphere, employee recognition programs, on site fitness centers at our Sacramento and Service Center locations, and free parking at all of our locations!

 

Life can change in an instant – so can your career!

 

Visit our website to learn more about why Covered California is an employer of choice.

Special Requirements

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) Instructions: A SOQ is required to apply. The SOQ will be used as a pre-interview screening tool. Applicants who do not follow the SOQ instructions and/or do not answer the prompt as stated below may not be considered.

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be useful in the development of written responses; however, it is important to use these tools responsibly and ethically.  Where assistive tools may be used, responses within the SOQ should be your own original work. Applicants must write in their own words and avoid plagiarism. Failure to comply may be cause for disqualification.

 

The SOQ must be a narrative discussion of how your education, experience, skills, and training meet the desirable qualifications to qualify you for the position. The SOQ also serves as documentation of your ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Additionally, be sure to address each of the questions below in your response. Refer specifically to the “Desirable Qualifications” section of the bulletin when crafting your response to ensure alignment with the requirements of the position.

 

Your SOQ must be typed, Arial 12 pt. font, single spaced, and no more than four (4) pages in length using standard margins and include a header at the top of each page with your name and the job control number.

 

  1. Please explain how your professional experience, accomplishments, and education have successfully prepared you for the Chief Information Officer role with Covered California.
  2. Describe your experience working with large, complex consumer-facing information technology systems and solutions that are subject to federal and state oversight entities.
  3. Provide an overview of your experience leading enterprise-wide innovation efforts.
  4. Please describe your leadership philosophy and management style.
  5. Describe your experience leading and developing IT teams. How do you foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and professional growth?
  6. Share an example of how you successfully led an organization through a significant IT-related change or transformation. What strategies did you use to mitigate resistance and ensure a smooth transition?

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: 7/3/2026

Who May Apply

This is a non-testing Classification, therefore, anyone meeting the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification may apply for this position. Individuals in specific programs, such as the Welfare to Work Program, are encouraged to apply and will be given priority according to the applicable Laws and Rules. Please note on your application your current participation in these programs. Individuals who are eligible to be appointed to this Exempt Position by the State of California.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

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:

Covered California
ECSU
Attn: Human Resources: ERU
1601 Exposition Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95815

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Covered California
ECSU
Human Resources: ERU
1601 Exposition Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95815
Monday through Friday
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 -
    • A Statement of Qualifications is REQUIRED and must be submitted along with your Employment Application (STD. 678). Applications submitted without an SOQ will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, or other documents will not be accepted in place of an SOQ. Please review the “Special Requirements” section of this bulletin for detailed instructions.
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.

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:
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in information technology leadership, strategy, and oversight, including significant executive or senior leadership responsibility.
  • Demonstrated success leading technological development and implementation of integrated, enterprise-wide business technology solutions for a large, complex, mission-critical operation.
  • Extensive experience overseeing large, complex consumer-facing information technology systems and solutions subject to federal and state oversight.
  • Demonstrated experience representing executive leadership and governing bodies with high-level stakeholders on information technology matters.
  • Experience communicating and facilitating information technology governance processes and managing information systems within healthcare or a similarly highly regulated industry.
  • Proven track record in process improvement evaluation and the ability to execute innovative technology solutions that achieve the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.
  • Demonstrated experience overseeing implementation and adherence to policy standards to ensure federal compliance and authority to connect to federal data services.
  • Proven ability to influence senior leaders and cross-functional partners, translating complex technology issues into clear business strategies and decisions.
  • Proven track record of building, leading, and mentoring high-performing teams in a collaborative environment that values diversity and inclusion.
  • Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships internally and externally to accomplish organizational goals.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Highly developed analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, organizational, and management skills.
  • Deep understanding of and appreciation for the ethnic, cultural, geographic, and socio-economic diversity of Californians.
  • Strong organizational and management skills
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Management Information Systems, Computer Information Systems, Software Engineering, Information Technology Management, Project Management, or a related field desired.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred

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.

Human Resources Contact:
Abby Da Silva
(916) 954-3280
Abby.DaSilva@covered.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:
EEO Office
(916) 228-8930
EEO@covered.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.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Background Check: All applicants shall be subject to a pre-employment background investigation. The investigation will consist of completion of a pre-employment questionnaire, fingerprinting, and an inquiry to the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose criminal records.

 

This position is identified as a Conflict of Interest (COI) Form 700 position. Government Code Section 19990 specifies a state officer or employee shall not engage in any employment, activity, or enterprise which is clearly inconsistent, incompatible, in conflict with, or inimical to his or her duties as a state officer or employee. Government Code Section 100500 (f) (1) states, in pertinent part:

 

“...staff of the Exchange shall not be employed by, a consultant to, a member of the board of directors of, affiliated with, or otherwise a representative of, a carrier or other insurer, and agent or broker, a health care provider, or a health care facility or health clinic while serving on the board or on the staff of the Covered California. A member of the board or of the staff of the Exchange shall not be a member, a board member, or an employee of a trade association of carriers, health facilities, health clinics, or health care providers while serving on the board or on the staff of the Exchange.”  

 

Applicants who may fall under Government Code 100500 (f) (1) will be considered ineligible for appointment with the Exchange. Please read the Covered California Incompatible Activities Statement and Policy (CCAM 14-400). Please email any questions or concerns you may have prior to accepting a final offer of employment to Form700@covered.ca.gov.

Additional Application Instructions

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

 

All information regarding your employment history must be included on the State Employment Application STD. 678. Applications that are submitted blank or with “see resume” in place of duties performed or applications received without the following information for each job entry will be considered incomplete and will not be accepted:

  • "To" and "from" dates (month/day/year)
  • Hours worked per week
  • Private sector job titles
  • Supervisor name and phone number
  • Job duties performed
  • State employees must list the specific departments for which they worked and indicate the specific civil service classification titles held (not working titles).

 

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 documents in your application package.

 

If you have additional questions regarding this advertisement or are having issues applying through CalCareers, please contact Abby Da Silva, Section Chief, Executive Recruitment at (916) 954-3280 or by email at abby.dasilva@covered.ca.gov.

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