Chief Information Officer
Req Id: 1037
Job Function: IT
Location:
Little, Arkansas, US, 72209
Better Connected, Together: Employees Power Our Mission
At Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) and Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI), our diverse, dedicated team powers a shared mission: to deliver electricity that is reliable, affordable and responsible.Better connected, together with Arkansas' electric distribution cooperatives - we provide wholesale power and essential services that improve quality of life across the state, serving more than 1.2 million members and the communities they call home.
Our Employees are the Driving Force Behind Everything We Do
We believe in supporting, valuing, and investing in our people - because when our team thrives, our mission succeeds. If you're looking for meaningful work, a strong sense of purpose, and a place where your contributions truly matter, we invite you to consider joining us.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION
The Chief Information Officer reports to the President & CEO and leads AECC/AECI's Technology & Security Division. Establishes and directs the strategic long-term goals, policies and procedures for the implementation and operation of reliable and resilient technology-related systems to support Cooperative operations including power production in AECC and AECI's commercial operations. Drives innovation by exploring technology solutions, providing technical guidance, and stewardship in all technology investment. The CIO is a member of senior staff, who work together as an executive team, supporting the Board and overseeing Cooperative operations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Direction of T&S Division: Establish and execute a clear information technology vision that promotes innovation, simplifies complex architectures, and drives enterprise growth and efficiency.
Digital Transformation: Evaluate emerging technology (e.g., AI, cloud computing, advanced data analytics) to deliver a modern data strategy.
Manages IT investment lifecycle from initial business case to tracking spending and supporting stakeholders to ensure technology initiatives create measurable value, improve efficiency, reduce risk, and help us remain competitive in a rapidly changing digital environment.
Translates needs from two different business models (AECC and AECI) into modern digital solutions with seamless systems integration.
Leads planning, risk mitigation, policy development and implementation for the Division.
Leads technical governance and development strategy.
Ensures operating requirements are in line with strategic plan of the organization.
Cultivates a strong and transparent working relationship with the Board and ensures open communication about the measurement of financial, programmatic, and operational performance.
Advise and support the Board on T&S related risks and operational activities of the cooperative.
Foster a collaborative relationship amongst the member cooperatives; to help ensure overall operations benefit member-owners.
Provide consultation and support to member cooperatives regarding T&S related topics.
Direct, mentor, and build a high-performing IT team by fostering an inclusive culture of accountability, teamwork, and ongoing learning.
Establishes goals, monitors work and evaluates results of the Technology and Security staff to ensure that both departmental and organizational objectives are met.
Establishes standards and models adherence to our Core Values while creating a culture of personal and team accountability.
Instills discipline in Talent Development and Performance Assessment processes.
Oversee T&S Division cost center and budget preparation.
Ensure assets and resources are adequately tracked and protected.
Establish budgets, monitor financial reports, and determine resource needs.
Oversees the benchmarking, design, procurement, and implementation of communications, security, networking, computer resources, datacenters, and systems.
Develops guidelines for datacenter reliability, network integrity, reporting, incident response, security posture, statewide intercommunications, and financial viability within approved budget.
Design and submit forecasted annual and multi-year strategic replacement, update, and end-of-life, end-of-support reports for technical resources and contracts for structure adjustments and recommendations in accordance with market trend analysis and total strategic mission of T&S division.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES CONT'D
Direct the continuous improvement, deployment, and optimization of all software platforms, networks, and the Cooperative's enterprise technology systems, including the SAP Enterprise Resource Planning system; all other administrative and financial information systems; records management and archive systems; and compliance with terms, conditions, and requirements of all applicable software licenses.
Oversees the optimization of the infrastructure that supports the Cooperative's technology services, including: computing server and storage systems; all computer workstations; voice telephony systems; LAN and WAN systems; and Internet-related systems and connectivity.
Develops and maintains strategic relationships with software vendors and IT service providers.
Development and implement cyber and physical security policies, standards, and procedures sufficient to mitigate security risks for all Coop facilities, systems, networks, and information.
Ensures compliance with applicable legislation, regulations and other requirements related to the cyber and physical security of Coop facilities, systems, networks, and information.
Maintain awareness of and compliance with applicable laws and regulations from various regulatory entities, internal policies, procedures, and directives.
Ensure ongoing monitoring and timely incorporation of any changes to maintain adherence to compliance standards.
The NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards make up the cybersecurity requirements for electric utilities and focus on safeguarding critical assets from both cyber and physical threats.
NERC CIP responsibilities include understanding and ensuring adherence to applicable regulations by working collaboratively with subject matter experts across the organization to continually improve our CIP programs and processes.
Directs administration of AECC's real-time operational systems, including:
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Energy Management Systems (EMS);revenue meter data acquisition and energy accounting systems; and systems to support AECC's participation in wholesale electricity markets.
Provides strategic direction for AECC's Statewide Fiber Network, including the planning, construction, operation, maintenance, and reliable performance of the network.
Oversees development and implementation of systems, processes, and procedures for operation of, maintenance of, and record-keeping for the fiber network.
Coordinates with Member Systems and DSN on fiber-related matters.
The ability to handle stress and work well with others are essential functions of this position.
Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.
Due to our obligation to provide continuous, reliable electric service to our customers, the ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance and the ability to work outside your regularly scheduled office hours when necessary is an essential function of the job.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in Information Systems Management, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering or related field or equivalent Masters Business Administration (MBA), Masters Technical Sciences Executive or Performance Leadership, and/or Change Management certification(s) plus 15 years of related technology experience required. 10 years of technology management or supervisory experience required.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This position is designated as safety sensitive based on the duties performed. Employees in safety sensitive positions must comply with the Cooperative's fitness for duty requirements and all applicable federal and state regulations governing workplace substance use and safety.
Effective communication and influencing skills, both written and oral, with the ability to share information and ideas clearly and concisely with a range of audiences.
Demonstrates insight and creativity; offers options and solutions when approaching issues or problems.
Must work collaboratively and in a collegial manner with other Senior Staff business partners, Board Members, and Staff, to contribute to an overall success-oriented team dynamic.
Use critical thinking skills to identify and determine alternative solutions/approaches.
Ability to maintain confidential information and exercise discretion and tact.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship now or at any time in the future.
Why Join Us?
We invest in our employees with competitive pay, meaningful work, and a comprehensive benefits package that supports your well-being and future:
100% Company Funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
401(k) with 3% Dollar-for Dollar Company Match?
Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
9 Paid holidays
2 Floating holidays?
Educational assistance
Paid time off
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
Free & confidential Employee Assistance Program
EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/DISABLED
Should you elect to apply for this position, AECC/AECI will review your qualifications. If after reviewing the qualifications and experience of all applicants, your skills and credentials meet our needs, someone from our organization may contact you. Please be advised that the time required to complete the applicant review process typically takes between 30 and 90 days but could extend beyond that. Once the position has been filled, all applicants will be notified via email.
?Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation and Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. are Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affirmative Action Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age or any other protected category.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
Nearest Major Market: Little Rock
