Reflections on Session 13

Again, a nice healthy discussions in our conferences! I love them! Nothing better to get opinions out because in the real world you need to have open conversations when an issue appears. There is no pat answer to problems. It is dangerous to have a knee-jerk reaction to a problem. We need to think things through!

Nice job on the wiki! The general thinking in industry nowadays is that a CIO is more a business executive than a technical one. He/she needs to know the business. Don't confuse a CIO with a CTO (Chief Technology Officer). Sorry, but I do not agree that in general the CIO needs to have a computer science degree, a CISSP nor one of those a Microsoft certification. (Of course, that depends on the type of company it is.)

Anyway, just for comparison, this is what one of the previous classes created:

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Chief Information Officer
Wiki Icky Inc.
Adelphi, MD

Announcement Number: WI-CSMN-601
Open: Jul 23, 2007
Closed: Open Until Filled.

Job Description:

Wiki Icky Inc., a leading company in the field of communications and technology innovations, is seeking a Chief Information Officer. The Chief Information Officer (CIO) reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and provides strong collaborative forward thinking, and responsive leadership in the planning, development, implementation, maintenance, and management of Information Technology (IT) as infrastructure. CIO Is in charge of the Management Information Systems (MIS) organization within the company, charged with overseeing operations, setting MIS priorities, and being a top level advocate for the MIS. The CIO will also ensure that information technology is acquired and information resources are managed effectively; develop, maintain and facilitate a sound and integrated information technology architecture; and promote the effective and efficient design and operation of all major information resources management processes for the agency, including improvements to work processes. The incumbent will serve as a member of the senior leadership team and will act as the senior advisor for all information technology within the company.

Company Information:

Founded in 1991, Wiki Icky Inc. grew internally and through acquisitions until the early 2000s. Beginning in 2002, the company began acquiring companies with expertise in information technology products and services, particularly in the networking, distributed computing, and communications arena. Wiki Icky focuses on creating shareholder value while delivering superior products and services to all commercial and government sectors. The company emphasizes excellence in Information Technology Management improvement in all of its operations. Wiki Icky values ethical behavior and promotes a culture of integrity throughout all aspects of its business. This culture is evident in how the company deals with shareholders, employees, customers, partners, and the communities in which it operates.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate will be a visionary, progressive thinker, possessing a strong technical background with excellent management and analytical skills. He or she must possess a stellar record of employee management and demonstrate experience leading organization change and forming collaborative partnerships across organizations with diverse constituencies. He or she will have at least 10 years of experience at the senior management level. The ideal candidate will have experience in both public and private sectors. A MBA from an accredited college or university, with experience in Information Technology, and/or Systems Engineering is required; an advanced degree in a complementary field is highly desirable. A strong record of innovation, leadership, successful experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and implementation, and the ability to understand and engage emerging trends in information technology are essential. Strong knowlege of the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) at level 5 and Project Management experience are essential. Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar certification preferred. should hold an active Secret clearance or have held one in the last two years.

Key knowledge, skills, and abilities of the CIO are:

1. Develop strategic plans and operating policies for computing and information technology;
2. Direct and develop programs and schedules for business and finance data processing, computer services, network communications, and management information services to accomplish corporate goals and objectives;
3. Manage and evaluate information security and data integrity of the company and its business units;
4. Implement the objectives of the information technology needs of the company to ensure the computer capabilities are responsive to the needs of the company's growth;
5. Evaluate overall operations of computing and information technology functions and recommend enhancements;
6. Advise senior management on strategic systems conversions and integrations in support of business goals and objectives;
7. Prepare enterprise objectives and budgets to facilitate the orderly and efficient capture, storage, processing, and dissemination of information;
8. Review and approve major contracts for computing and information technology services and equipment;
9. Coordinate the implementation of high-level security policies, standards and practices for the information systems, communication lines, and equipment;
10. Oversee the development, design, and implementation of new applications and changes to existing computer systems and software packages;
11. Responsible for the development, review, certification and testing of all back-up and disaster recovery procedures and plans;
12. Identify emerging information technologies to be assimilated, integrated, and introduced within the company;
13. Research new computing technologies to determine potential value for the company;
14. Establish company infrastructure to support and guide individual divisions/departments/sites in computing and information technology efforts;
15. Establish and implement short- and long-range departmental goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures;
16. Serve on planning and policy-making committees, providing suggestions for technology based implementation or collaboration;
17. Responsible for application support for end users and achieve best practice metrics including high Service Level Agreement compliance, customer satisfaction scores, and use of technology and processes;
18. Leads implementation activities to achieve desired financial or procedural outcomes for new systems, using standardized implementation, use, and support models.
19. Manage $25 million annual capital budget for new applications;
20. Provide advice and assistance to senior managers on IT acquisition and management;
21. Maintains an inventory of information management hardware and software to identify gaps and needed changes;
22. Interviews and selects managerial and administrative support staff, provides training opportunities, evaluates the performance of incumbents, and reviews and approves administrative duties;
23. Oversee and contributes to Project Management efforts and standards as they relate to CMMI certification, I.T. development and management within the organization;
24. Envision the future of information technology at Wiki Icky Inc. and anticipate its impact on learning, research, outreach, and administration;
25. Develop and maintain a strong Information Assurance program ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all company information resources;
26. Implement and embrace information technology programs that support a strong process orientation to improve upon and maintain current CMMI levels throughout the corporation;
27. Seek opportunities for system consolidation and elimination of redundant functions;
28. Prior experience with migrating operating systems related to mergers and acquisitions;
29. Ability to prioritize between competing projects and resources to ensure work goals are met.
30. Coordinates scheduled training of Information Technology staff to promote professional development;
31. Coordinates upgrades and maintenance of all network, computer and hardware devices;
32. Other duties as assigned;

Salary:

The salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. The pay scale is currently under review for this position, but will range from $185,000 to $210,000 annually. Guaranteed bonus at 25% of annual pay, depending upon meeting company and position specific goals.

Benefits:

Wiki Icky Inc. offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance. 401(k) and Pension Plan. Short and Long-Term Disability. 4 weeks paid vacation, 10 paid holidays, and paid sick leave. Health/Dependent Care Spending Account (Flex Account).

Working Conditions:

The incumbent is assigned to the Office Headquarters in Adelphi, Md. Travel up to 40% is expected with occasional over night stays. This is an exempt position. Some evening and weekend work is required, as well as the ability to work remotely.

For more information regarding the position, minimum qualifications, and application requirements please contact:

Dr. Les Pang
3501 University Blvd. East
Adelphi, MD 20783
Phone: 410-555-1234
E-Mail: **csmn601@umuc.edu**


Wiki Icky Inc.
An Equal Opportunity Employer

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Here is what another previous class came up with:

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IF YOU DO NOT LIVE IN MARYLAND, PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS LISTING. HOW EVER, IF YOU ATTEND UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, YOU MAY APPLY.

Title: Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Company Info:
The Widget Manufacturing Organization (WMO) has been in business for over 20 years. We pride ourselves on our dedication to our clients and employees. Known for the quality widget produced, our widgets have made their way into every corner of the globe. We are committed in providing the best leading technology in the country and look forward in globalizing our technology.

Hours: Full - Time

Length: Perm

Reports To: President / CEO

Salary: $500,000 - $1,250,000, including stock options and 100% possible future ownership.

Location: Dallas, TX

Position Description:
Chief Information Officer (CIO) for a Widget Manufacturing Organization (WMO) will provide a technological vision and leadership to the company wide Information Technology Program. The CIO will lead the WMO network in both planning and implementing enterprise information systems. Must have and demonstrate success in meeting corporate goals, with the ability to develop regional and corporate managers. Additionally, the CIO:

Provides strategic and tactical planning, development, evaluation and coordination of the Information Technology systems for the WMO network.
Facilitates communication between staff, management, vendors and other technological resources within the organization.
Responsible for the management of multiple information and communications systems and projects, including voice, data, imaging and office automation.
Designs, implements and evaluates the systems that supports the end-users.
Oversees and evaluates system security and back up procedures.
Supervises the Network Administrator.
Demonstrates a strong teamwork environment.

Qualifications:
Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in a leadership position and previous CIO experience. A with increasing management and support responsibility in Widget Manufacturing Organization information systems technology, including direct management of a major IT operation. Experience should also include experience with multi-client server environment. The ideal candidate will also have:

Experience with desktop, notebook, handheld and server computer hardware.
Experience with local and wide area networks.
Experience in strategic planning and execution.
Experience with implementation of information technology integrations in a large division/company
Knowledge of various operating systems such as Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Solaris, and Linux.
Extensive hands-on experience managing and integrating Windows 2003 Active Directory and Windows Server 2003.
Extensive knowledge of network security practices preferably with a CISSP certification.
Minium knowledge of Oracle 7i, 8i, 9i, and 10g.
Experience in Unix & SQL server.


Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Leadership experience and strategic direction for capital investment planning process and enterprise architecture to maximize innovative use of technology, protect the organization’s information systems technology, and reduce costs.
Provide leadership and strategic direction to develop and operate a comprehensive enterprise-wide information systems technology security program, including system plans and hardware and software purchases.
Provide a full range of communications and cyber security techniques to protect decentralized communications and cyber resources.
Be able to effectively define an Information Technology vision for the future of our company.
Be the eyes, ears, and heartbeat for the President on issues IT related that involve our company.
Develop and implement an organizational vision integrating national and program goals, priorities, and values. Create work environment that encourages creative thinking and maintain focus, intensity, and persistence under adversity.
Develop programmers and have an effective relationship with multi-national clientele and staff.
Design and implement strategies to maximize employee potential and foster high ethical standards to meet organizational vision, mission, and goals.
Stress personnel accountability and continuous improvement, to make timely and effective decisions and produce results through strategic planning by implementing and evaluating programs and policies.
Acquire and administer, human, financial, materials, and information resources to accomplish the organization’s mission, and use technology to enhance decision making.
Explain, advocate, and express facts and ideas in a persuasive manner in negotiations with internal and external groups. Develop professional network with other organizations, and identify internal and external politic that could significantly impact the organization’s mission and goals. Budget preparation and monitoring, and negotiating with vendors and contractors in IT related business.
Seek out new prospects to introduce new technology of ongoing business
Meets with department managers to review current and future infrastructure development, enhancement needs and requirements to stay abreast of business and operating requirements.
Knowledge of information technology computer systems and software and the ability to manage the entire spectrum of information technology operations.

Proven Skills in:

Negotiating with vendors, contractors and others.
Budget preparation and monitoring.
Showing direction and vision in expanding business globally.
Planning and organizing.
Management and Leadership.
Excellent communication skills.
Proven track record of on-time completion of projects.
Creating strong and effective teams.
Patients and proven peer mediation skills

Demonstrated ability to:

Communicate to all levels within and outside the organization.
Motivate and educate other team members.
Plan, implement and support systems in a complex environment.
Set and manage priorities.
Comprehend complex technical subjects.
Apply complex IT technologies to business strategies.
Mentor and develop talent.

Educational & Certification Requirement

Masters in Business Administration or E-Commerce is highly desirable.
Security Requirement

Candidate is required to posses or be able to obtain a TOP SECRET & POLY GRAPH security clearance.

Please forward your resume only if you are serious about furthering your career in management.

Travel: 10%

Telecommute: No