Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of the Agency Chief Information Officer (CIO), the incumbent serves as the Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO), CEA-C. This position provides strategic leadership for the development and implementation of a comprehensive Data and AI program aligned with the transformative goals outlined in the CalHHS IT and Data Strategic Plan.

The CDAO leads the advancement of enterprise data, analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) policies and capabilities to support strategic priorities. The incumbent collaborates with CalHHS Agency, CalHHS Departments, and Office teams to design and operationalize strategies, policies, and solutions that promote the ethical, inclusive, and effective use of data and AI. These efforts support the delivery of person-centered, holistic health and human services that enhance access, quality, and affordability.

Through collaboration with CalHHS Agency and its departments, the CDAO identifies, prioritizes and implements initiatives that strengthens the collective data and technology ecosystem, oversees enterprise data planning, governance, data management and data quality efforts, and drives the development of internal talent, fostering a strong data and analytics culture across CalHHS. The incumbent also performs parallel functions for AI and other emerging technologies and builds the necessary trust-based relationships with stakeholders inside and outside of State government to promote transparency, innovation, and responsible AI usage and data sharing

In all activities, the CDAO ensures that data and AI initiatives support the Agency’s mission of advancing a healthy California for all.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Special Requirements

Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be included. Please see the Examination Information section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission. Applicants who do not submit a SOQ or follow the instructions will be eliminated from the Examination process.

Do not include any confidential information in any documents (i.e., application, resume, or transcripts) you submit for this job vacancy.Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include but is not limited to: Social Security Number(SSN), birthday and/or age, photos, student/other ID number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, exam results,LEAP status, and marital status. Confidential information submitted via a CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automaticallyredacted upon submission.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

1. Strategic Leadership

Demonstrated ability to set and lead enterprise-wide strategies spanning technology, data, and organizational considerations, including defining priorities, success measures, and an operating model that aligns with mission-driven goals. Experience applying this in complex, multi-department/entity environments is desirable.

2.Innovation Mindset and Emerging Technology Acumen

Ability to identify, assess, and leverage emerging technologies and analytics solutions to improve business outcomes, enhance public service delivery, and drive continuous improvement across a large enterprise. Capable of advancing innovation within environments that balance modernization with public accountability, equity, and policy considerations.

3. Enterprise Data Governance & Management Expertise

Deep experience in data governance, data quality, data integration, and enterprise data management to improve data usability, facilitate appropriate data sharing, advance data-informed decision-making, and support evidence-based programs and person-centered service delivery. Experience navigating the policy, privacy, and operational considerations common in governmental or other highly decentralized organizations is beneficial.

4. AI and Advanced Analytics Leadership

Demonstrated experience leading or overseeing the responsible development, deployment, and governance of AI and advanced analytics solutions, including alignment with enterprise architecture, security standards, and regulatory requirements. Ability to promote innovation and scalable adoption within mission-driven, risk-conscious environments such as public sector or other highly regulated organizations.

5. Policy, Ethics, and Regulatory Compliance Knowledge

Strong understanding of data and AI ethics, privacy, risk management, and compliance frameworks, with the ability to develop policies that ensure transparency, equity, and responsible use of data and AI. Experience applying these principles within a context where statutory, procurement, and regulatory oversight requirements are higher, such as public the public sector, is preferred.

6 Cross-Functional Leadership & Stakeholder Collaboration

Proven ability to build trust and lead collaboration across diverse stakeholder groups—including departments, executives, program leaders, researchers, and external partners—to foster a coordinated, person-centered data ecosystem. Able to effectively represent the organization in internal and external forums, including those involving government, community, and policy stakeholders.

7. Change Management & Workforce Development

Experience driving organization al culture change to strengthen data and AI literacy and readiness at scale. Skilled at developing training, supporting adoption of data governance and AI practices, and building a data-driven environment in settings with varying levels of digital and data maturity.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be included. Please see the Examination Information section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission. Applicants who do not submit a SOQ or follow the instructions will be eliminated from the Examination process.