Vice President, Government Strategy and Innovation

ABOUT THE ROLE

Accela is seeking a visionary and execution-oriented executive to serve as Vice President of Government Strategy and Innovation. This senior leader will drive strategic pre-sales engagements with government executives, define the roadmap for AI-enabled professional services, and incubate a new consulting practice focused on enterprise transformation for public sector clients. The role operates at the intersection of business strategy, technology innovation, and public sector modernization, with a strong emphasis on customer outcomes, scalable delivery, and thought leadership.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES 

Strategic Advisory & Pre-Sales Engagement

• Serve as a senior advisor to government CIOs, CTOs, and enterprise architects on digital transformation initiatives.
• Partner with Sales, Product, and Delivery teams to shape and close complex, high-impact deals.
• Represent Accela’s strategic vision at executive briefings, government forums, and industry events.

AI-Enabled Services Innovation

• Lead the development and operationalization of AI-enhanced implementation services using technologies such as machine learning, NLP, and automation.
• Collaborate with Product and Engineering to define and scale AI use cases within government workflows.
• Deliver service accelerators and proof-of-concepts that improve implementation speed, quality, and value.

Consulting Practice Development

• Build and lead a new consulting offering focused on digital government, enterprise architecture, and modernization strategy.
• Define go-to-market strategy, service portfolio, delivery model, and success metrics.
• Recruit, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of strategic consultants and enterprise advisors.

Internal Leadership & Enablement

• Contribute to overall Professional Services strategy, delivery planning, and risk management.
• Provide internal thought leadership on integrating AI, data, and enterprise architecture into client engagements.
• Support talent development and elevate delivery team capabilities through mentorship and strategic enablement.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 15+ years of experience in government technology, enterprise architecture, or digital transformation consulting.
• Former CIO, CTO, Enterprise Architect, or senior public sector executive experience strongly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of government procurement, policy, and technology trends, including GovTech and civic innovation.
• Proven track record of leading pre-sales or solution strategy for complex software platforms or consulting services.
• Demonstrated success launching new service offerings, especially in emerging technologies such as AI.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Proficiency in enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman) and AI/ML technologies.
• Familiarity with public sector permitting, licensing, and regulatory (PLR) processes.
• Ability to operate in a high-growth, high-ambiguity environment while leading cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong communication, executive presence, and passion for improving government services.

ABOUT ACCELA
For nearly 20 years, Accela has been an industry leader in designing and delivering government software to improve efficiency, increase citizen engagement and enable the development of thriving communities. Today, citizens are savvy to how services should be delivered, and expect a consistently convenient, openly transparent view into their local government. While government agencies struggle to do more with less, our mission has never been more critical. Accela provides a robust, cloud-based platform of government software solutions that accelerate growth, efficiency, and transparency in communities of all sizes. From planning, to building, to service request management and more, Accela’s SaaS offerings level the playing field for small and medium governments and enable smaller agencies to leverage larger city technologies. Our open and flexible technology helps agencies address specific needs today, while ensuring they are well prepared for the emerging challenges of the future.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Accela believes in developing and nurturing a workplace community where our differences are celebrated, and everyone feels a sense of psychological safety and belonging. Accela is committed to putting resources and attention towards evolving our practices, policies, and philosophies to enable diversity to thrive and to support equity in opportunity for everyone.

COMPENSATION AND WELL-BEING
The annual base salary range for this full-time position is [$250,000-$275,000] (less applicable taxes). The actual annual base salary offered may be adjusted based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, location, education, skills, training, and experience. In addition to an annual base salary, this position is eligible for an annual bonus target. This is a discretionary bonus awarded based on company and individual goal achievement.
 
Accela’s U.S. team members will receive a generous benefits package consisting of options including flexible time off, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, family planning benefits, 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match, health savings account with company contributions, flexible spending account, life, accident, and disability coverage, business travel insurance, employee assistance programs, and other well-being benefits.

Accela is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and will respond to requests for job accommodations.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, or based on disability, gender identity, and sexual orientation.