Deputy Chief Innovation Officer (Unclassified) (Mayor's Office)

Deputy Chief Innovation Officer (Unclassified) (Mayor's Office)

Join to apply for the Deputy Chief Innovation Officer (Unclassified) (Mayor's Office) role at City of San José .

Overview

Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees plays a key role in the success of San José, the heart of Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work.

Equal Opportunity and Accommodations

The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY), or via email at CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov.

About the Department

The City of San José, the Capital of Silicon Valley, is one of the nation's best managed cities and one of the top ten cities in which to live, work and do business. The Mayor’s Office of Technology and Innovation (MOTI) is charged with making San José the most innovative city in America. Key initiatives for MOTI include fostering economic development through startup focused initiatives like the SJ AI Incentive Program, promoting AI literacy through partnerships with San Jose Public Libraries and San Jose State University such as the MLK AI Hub, and co-developing pilots alongside private industry and city staff such as our object detection pilot. MOTI has also played a significant role in leading the annual Citywide budget process since 2023.

Position Duties

Applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third‑party job board application system. To apply, applicants must complete an application via the City of San José’s website at http : / / www.sanjoseca.gov / citycareers.

Deputy Chief Innovation Officer for the Mayor’s Office

The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan is seeking a visionary leader who is passionate about applying innovative technological solutions to better serve the community and advance Mayor Mahan’s strategic vision for San José. The person will help lead a small but dynamic Technology and Innovation team that is responsible for carrying out the Mayor’s Smart City vision.

• Act as a public face of the Mayor’s Office of Technology and Innovation as appropriate, including representing the city on major stages around the world, interacting with the press, and writing blogs and op‑ed pieces
• Advise the Mayor on major technology and innovation trends and develop strategies and programs to tackle these issues in San José
• Identify, support, and institutionalize pathways for the piloting, implementation, and supplementation of AI and novel technologies with the goal of enhancing service delivery (e.g. “Government Sandbox” initiatives)
• Facilitate, organize, and execute events, convenings, and forums that advance San Jose’s Local AI Ecosystem, such as the SJ AI Innovates series
• Explore, develop, and nurture public / private partnerships centered on innovation with regional stakeholders (e.g. SJSU)

Facilitate learning opportunities related to incubators / accelerators or government tech with hands‑on experience and / or conferences

Employment Type

Unclassified position, contract “at‑will” basis for a specified period of time. Candidates must be willing to work frequent evenings and weekends, and as exempt management employees, are not eligible for overtime compensation.

Employment Conditions

Employees in this classification are not members of the classified civil service. Appointment is on a contract “at‑will” basis for a specified period of time, not extending past the end of the elected official's term. Candidates must be willing to work frequent evenings and weekends. Exempt management employees are not eligible for overtime compensation. This unclassified position requires disclosure of outside investments, real property interest, income and business positions.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to advise the Mayor on matters of public policy.

Required Licensing

Possession of a valid California Driver’s license is required.

Employment Eligibility

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. The City of San José will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications / transfers for H‑1B or other non‑immigrant visas.

Desirable Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, political science, public administration, business administration, public relations or related field. A Master’s degree in public or business administration; or a degree in a technical field related to a municipal function is highly desirable.

Experience

Three (3) or more years of government, public service, or research experience. Experience working for an elected official at the federal, state, or local level or as a public or private sector manager is highly desirable. Candidates with significant private industry experience are also encouraged to apply.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant’s training and experience based on the application and responses to the job‑specific questions. Only the candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews.

Application Requirements

Job‑specific Questions

To learn more information about City Benefits, click on the Benefits tab of this job posting.

Additional information and contact details : For questions regarding duties, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Stephen Caines at Stephen.Caines@sanjoseca.gov.

This position will remain open until filled; applications will be reviewed continuously.

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