Director, Innovation and Strategic Planning (DOT Executive VII)

Open Recruitment

Executive Service
(These positions serve at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.)

If you have ever taken a flight from BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport; renewed your Maryland driver's license; traveled to an Orioles game on the Light Rail; embarked on a cruise from the Port of Baltimore; received roadside assistance from CHART Emergency Patrol; reduced your commute time by using one of Maryland's toll roads; or applied for Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification, then you have experienced some of the superb services provided by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT).

MDOT has various careers for people of all experiences, backgrounds, and abilities who come together to contribute to one mission-connecting our customers to life's opportunities. Join us in serving our Maryland residents, visitors, and businesses!

The Maryland Department of Transportation, The Secretary's Office (MDOT TSO), seeks a visionary and strategic technology leader to fill the Director, Innovation and Strategic Planning (DOT Executive VII) role. The Director, Innovation and Strategic Planning plays a critical leadership role in advancing MDOT's enterprise IT strategy by driving innovation, shaping strategic direction, overseeing enterprise IT project management, and leading IT research and development (R&D). Reporting directly to the Chief Information Officer (CIO), this strategic leadership position is central to ensuring that MDOT's IT capabilities remain forward-looking, cohesive, and aligned with the department's long-term goals. This role is responsible for identifying emerging technologies, fostering innovative solutions, and translating visionary ideas into practical, enterprise-wide IT initiatives. The Director provides leadership in the development and execution of MDOT's enterprise IT strategic plan, ensuring alignment with broader organizational priorities and operational needs.

In this dynamic role, you will:

• Lead the development and implementation of MDOT's enterprise IT strategic plan.
• Drive IT innovation by identifying emerging technologies, leading pilot programs, and scaling successful initiatives agency-wide.
• Oversee the department's IT project portfolio, ensuring projects are prioritized, resourced, and strategically aligned.
• Direct enterprise IT research and development; build partnerships with academic and industry leaders to drive collaborative innovation.
• Establish strategic planning frameworks, IT governance models, and performance metrics for continuous improvement.
• Lead technology forecasting and roadmap development to guide long-term investments and digital transformation.
• Supervise staff and/or project teams supporting innovation and strategic planning functions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or a closely related field.

Experience:

Eight (8) years of progressively responsible IT leadership experience in enterprise IT strategy, innovation, and strategic planning within a large, complex organization.

Five (5) years of experience must include leading large-scale IT innovation, modernization, or transformation initiatives in a complex or multi-division environment.

Three (3) years of experience managing budgets, cybersecurity alignment, operational resilience, and risk management frameworks.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Experience leading enterprise digital transformation and architecture initiatives.
• Deep understanding of emerging technologies (e.g., AI, IoT, blockchain) and their application in public sector environments.
• Strong leadership with the ability to influence C-level decisions and IT investment strategies.
• Proven track record of developing long-term strategic plans aligned with organizational goals.
• Exceptional communication, executive presence, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in state or federal government is strongly preferred (minimum two years).

Consideration for employment may be based solely on the contents of your application; therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information. Please include all relevant experience on your application. This includes, but is not limited to, full or part time, volunteer, military, acting capacity, or any other experience that is relevant to the position for which you are applying.

If you have held more than one position at the same employer, please list each position that you held and the length of time that you held each position.

None.

TO APPLY: You must complete an MDOT employment application (DTS-1) online to be considered for this recruitment. RESUMES CANNOT BE SUBSTITUTED FOR THE MDOT EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION. No paper applications will be accepted.

The application must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly describe the required work experience. Dates (month and year) must be stated. Vague descriptions of experience will not be considered. Please include all relevant experience on your application. Description of duties that state, "see resume" will negatively impact consideration for this position. Applicants will not be contacted for additional information. Only applicants considered for this position will be contacted.

Selected candidates may be subject to background and reference checks.

You may apply online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mdotmd. Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on 09/04/2025.

Appropriate auxiliary aids and services for qualified individuals with disabilities will be provided upon request. Please notify in advance. MD Relay Service Number (711). Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

The Maryland Department of Transportation is not sponsoring new employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B at this time due to budgetary constraints. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Federal regulations prohibit H-1B Visa candidates from paying sponsorship fees; all sponsorship fees must be assumed by the potential employer.

Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. will be required to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).

The incumbent in this position will not be a member of a covered bargaining unit.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. MDOT does not discriminate based on age, ancestry, color, creed, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religious affiliation, belief or opinion, sex, or sexual orientation.