Description
THE OPPORTUNITY
The City of Richland, Washington is seeking an innovative, strategic, and visionary Information Technology leader to serve as the City’s first ever Information Technology Director to guide its next era of digital transformation. This is a rare opportunity for a forward-thinking IT leader to shape the technology landscape of a dynamic community known for its cutting-edge energy research, exceptional quality of life, and strong commitment to public service. The successful candidate will guide a talented team, modernize systems that support essential City operations, and drive initiatives that improve services for the community – making a meaningful impact on the future of Richland.
ABOUT RICHLAND
Richland is located at the confluence of the Columbia and Yakima Rivers in southeastern Washington in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Richland and its sister cities of Kennewick, Pasco, and West Richland make up the Tri-Cities MSA with a population of 322,000. Richland is the third largest city in the region with a population of approximately 64,200 residents.
The region has an average of 300 days of sunshine per year. The city and its citizens are proud of the community’s excellent quality of life, which includes educational opportunities, outstanding health care providers and facilities, cultural and recreational amenities, and municipal services that consistently score very high in community surveys. In addition, Richland receives wide recognition for the beauty of its integrated parks, river-shore, commerce centers, living spaces, and economic opportunities, making it a desirable place to live, work and play.
THE DEPARTMENT
The Information Technology Department, formerly a division under Administrative Services, is a newly established department within the City of Richland, transitioning to strengthen enterprise-wide technology strategy, service delivery, and innovation. The selected IT Director will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping the department’s vision, building organizational capacity, and delivering high-quality, responsive technology services that support City operations and enhance service to the community. The department is comprised of 18 full-time professionals and is structured to support both day-to-day operations and long-term strategic initiatives.
The IT Director will provide executive-level leadership and oversight, with one direct report, the IT Manager, who assists in leading and coordinating the team’s work. The Director will be responsible for guiding technology governance, cybersecurity, infrastructure, applications, and customer service functions across the organization. This position oversees an annual operating and capital budget exceeding $7.5 million and serves as a key advisor to executive leadership on technology investments, risk management, digital transformation, and alignment with City goals. As a member of the City’s senior leadership team, the IT Director will collaborate closely with the department directors and regional partners to modernize systems, improve efficiency, and ensure technology solutions are reliable, secure, and scalable.
THE POSITION
Under the direction of the Assistant City Manager, the Information Technology Director (IT Director) performs complex work planning, organizing, and directing the activities, operations, and personnel of the Information Technology Department. Essential job functions include ensuring the operation of the Information Technology (IT) Department is streamlined and aligned with the business objectives of the City; preparing the department’s annual budget, controlling and monitoring expenses within budget, and ensuring fiscal responsibility; coordinating departmental activities with other City departments and demonstrating and ensuring organizational teamwork; acting as the City’s Chief Information Security Officer; assessing and mitigating risks related to IT information, projects and operations, ensuring compliance with data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity regulations; and strategizing, planning, coordinating, directing, and designing information technology-related activities of the City.
The ideal candidate will have IT leadership experience in a municipal organization, demonstrated experience in technology enhancements and fostering innovation that improves municipal service delivery, effective verbal and written communication skills, and a holistic and collaborative approach toward relationships.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The anticipated hiring range for the IT Director is $155,188 to $186,243, with placement in the range dependent on qualifications. The city offers an outstanding benefits package which includes participation in the State of Washington’s Retirement Plan (PERS), a 4% City-match deferred compensation into a 457 or 401(a) plan and an additional City non-matching contribution of 4% into a 401(a) plan for executive level positions, an excellent open access (preferred provider) medical plan with a substantial City-paid contribution, and City-paid dental and vision plans.
For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure at www.mosaicpublic.com/careers.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
To be considered for this position, interested candidates must submit a cover letter and résumé no later than Monday, February 9, 2026, at:
www.mosaicpublic.com/careers.
Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:
Bryan Noblett | bryan@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 217-3696
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job is qualifying. The most qualified candidates will possess the following:
Education: A Bachelor’s degree with coursework in information technology, computer science, public administration, business, or related field.
Experience: Six (6) or more years of experience in information technology administration, including five (5) years of experience in a senior management capacity, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Certification: Obtain a Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO) certification within two (2) years of hire and maintain it throughout employment with the City.
