Reports to: TRS Executive Director

Supervises: Deputy CIO, Application Development Manager, Network Manager, Database Manager, Delivery & Quality Assurance Manager, Security Supervisor

Metrics: Headcount: 40 FTEs and various consultants, $3.0 million payroll budget, $3.7 million non‐payroll budget

The Chief Information Officer serves as the senior executive officer responsible for providing leadership and management to the IT Department and is responsible for system-wide planning, management, security, and coordination of the technology resources for the System. The incumbent will demonstrate a healthy balance of people management and technical skills.

This position is strategic in nature while also overseeing daily operations, trouble shooting and problem-solving solutions. The incumbent must focus on team building, providing essential tools for staff success, and leveraging the expertise of internal staff and users while augmenting staff when necessary.

The incumbent must keep current on best practices while working closely with decision makers to develop and implement cost-effective technology solutions. A key function of this position is to evaluate existing systems, make necessary enhancements and improvements and oversee the redesign of business applications.

Must have fifteen or more years of technology leadership experience in a public or private sector retirement system or major consultancy.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Responsible for the planning, direction and execution of all IT functions including Application Development; Networking; Database Management; Cyber Security; and Delivery and Quality Assurance.
• Provide supervisory guidance, leadership and mentoring to IT managers.
• Assist managers in developing a diverse, high-performing and customer-oriented staff through goal setting and encouraging professional and personal staff development.
• Create motivated work teams by developing trust, fostering open communication and demonstrating a commitment to the mission and goals of the System.
• Support the use of Agile principles and methodology.
• Engage in succession planning to assure the stability of the System and continuity of services.
• Plan and budget for the immediate and long-term needs of the department including resource needs, new technology and organizational design.
• Review and maintain existing information technology systems. Plan, direct and execute necessary replacement and implementation of such systems.
• Provide efficient and secure information technology systems for TRS and its members.
• Ensure policies and procedures are followed throughout the vendor procurement process. Assist in the negotiation of contractual agreements with business partners and external vendors.
• Contribute proactively to TRS’s leadership team. This team is responsible for executive level decision making including strategic planning, budgeting and priority setting. Provide counsel to the executive team on issues relating to information technology needs and services.
• Assist in providing information on technology matters to the Board of Trustees as it pertains to budget planning and major project initiatives.

The Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois is a public pension benefit plan that provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits for Illinois public school teachers, administrators, and other school personnel. Funded by contributions from members, employers, and the State of Illinois, as well as by investment income, TRS manages $50 billion in assets and is the 37^th largest system in the United States. The system serves 417,292 members from all public schools except those in the city of Chicago. Founded in 1939, TRS is one of five state-funded retirement systems.

Interested candidates should email a complete resume no later than April 20 to Linda Brown at the email address below. 

Linda Brown
Chief Operations Officer
Darlington Partners
lmb@darlingtonpartners.com

Please do not select the “Apply” button and apply directly to TRS.