City of Philadelphia · 1 week ago
Chief Digital Services Officer
Philadelphia, PA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$175K/yr - $175K/yr
7+ years expThe City of Philadelphia is seeking a Chief Digital Services Officer (CDSO) to lead its digital transformation agenda. This role involves managing the design, development, and delivery of digital services and systems that enhance city operations and improve accessibility for residents.
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Responsibilities
Manage the City’s public-facing digital strategy. Develop and implement a comprehensive City-wide digital innovation strategy that aligns with key departmental business objectives. This includes setting the vision for digital initiatives, ensuring they integrate seamlessly with overall strategic planning and align with broad organizational goals
Champion innovation leadership. Lead digital innovation across departmental units. Encourage creative thinking, explore emerging technologies, and identify opportunities for growth and efficiency
Prioritize digital equity, and accessibility. This involves creating solutions that serve all residents, regardless of socioeconomic status or abilities and using user research and data to make informed decisions
Lead and inspire the Software Development Director and other business units, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment
Oversee the recruitment, development, and performance management of the digital innovation team
Excel in change management. Leading teams through digital transformations requires the ability to navigate resistance, communicate effectively, and inspire confidence in the vision
Oversee the design, development, and deployment of cutting-edge mobile apps, websites, and software applications
Ensure all digital projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet high-quality standards
Ensure appropriate platform management. Oversee the development and management of digital platforms. This includes evaluating existing systems, identifying gaps, and recommending improvements
The CDSO must align digital initiatives with broader organizational goals, anticipate future trends, and make informed decisions
Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends to ensure the city remains at the forefront of digital innovation
Foster a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement, encouraging the exploration of new technologies and methodologies
Collaborate with key stakeholders. Work closely with cross-functional partners, including the CIO and other executive team members, to drive digital initiatives. Foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and best practices
Identify opportunities for digital transformation across city departments and services to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and user experience
Establish metrics and KPI’s to measure the success of digital initiatives and report progress to the CIO and other stakeholders
Ensure transparency and accountability in all digital projects, maintaining a high level of public trust and engagement
Establish and report on Return on Investment (ROI) metrics. Measure ROI for digital projects. Fine-tune approaches as needed to ensure the organization invests in the right tools and resources
Coordinates the development and implementation of major project timelines where appropriate
Follows effective relationship and project management processes in coordination with team members and engagement managers at the City
Sets and monitors SLAs for production systems that the team supports
Collaborates with City leaders, providing infrastructure and networking support
Qualification
Required
Proven track record managing complex projects
Ability to solve complex business problems and develop user/business-driven technology strategies and plans
Strong written and oral communication skills (including ability to present ideas in user-friendly, business-friendly, and technical language) and interpersonal skills with a focus on rapport-building, listening, and questioning skills
Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities, including the ability to anticipate, identify, and solve critical problems
Exceptional customer service orientation
At least 7+ years working in a similar field
At least 5 years of direct management experience, preferably 2+ at the executive management level
A strong background in digital technologies and a proven track record in digital transformation
Benefits
Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Generous retirement savings options are available
Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
Enjoy a Free Commute on SEPTA - Starting September 1, 2023, eligible City employees will no longer have to worry about paying for SEPTA public transportation. Whether you're a full-time, part-time, or provisional employee, you can seize the opportunity to sign up for the SEPTA Key Advantage Program and receive free Key cards for free rides on SEPTA buses, trains, trolleys, and regional rails.
Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!
Company
City of Philadelphia
Philadelphia is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the fifth-most-populous city in the United States.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
City of Philadelphia has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (30)
2024 (13)
2023 (5)
2022 (15)
2021 (13)
2020 (8)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
A
Alan Burstein
Chief Surveyor
A
Alba Collazo-Irwin
Chief Deputy
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