State & Local Governments: IT Workforce Opportunities

State and local governments are modernizing their IT workforce and procurement practices in response to recent federal job cuts. This shift is driven by the need to fill skilled worker gaps and leverage AI technologies for greater efficiency.

Governments in states like Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania are actively seeking skilled workers to support their operations. This push comes as potential funding cuts in areas such as COVID-19 response, social services, and education prompt a broader modernization effort. AI is emerging as a key focus in this transformation, particularly in procurement and IT roles.

Daniel May, a representative from the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO), highlights the opportunity presented by this disruption. He suggests that modernizing state technologies and procurement practices is essential for long-term success. Caitlin Lewis, executive director at Work for America, echoes this sentiment, noting that roles in finance, procurement, and IT are frequently open and in high demand.

To bridge the gap between skilled workers and government jobs, Work for America launched Civic Match. This platform connects job seekers with state and local government opportunities. With over 8,600 job seekers and more than 700 hiring managers, Civic Match is becoming a critical tool for workforce development in the public sector.

AI and Procurement

One of the key areas where AI is making an impact is procurement. Civic Match has partnered with NASPO to promote public procurement careers, particularly for former federal employees. Generative AI is being explored as an early use case, but its successful implementation requires skilled professionals who can navigate these systems.

Daniel May emphasizes the importance of process changes to fully leverage AI. He notes that understanding AI systems is crucial for effective implementation. Caitlin Lewis adds that AI will continue to require human input, especially emotional intelligence, to drive meaningful process changes.

AI Roles in Government

The demand for AI-specific roles is growing. Positions like data and analytics experts, chief innovation officers, digital service leads, chief data officers, and AI policy analysts are becoming increasingly important. Lewis notes that these roles are essential for driving innovation and efficiency in government operations.

Many job seekers are willing to accept pay cuts for government positions, particularly in areas with a lower cost of living. Flexible work options and pension benefits are also significant incentives. Daniel May highlights the purpose-driven nature of state and local government work, emphasizing the impact of procurement on areas like foster care, park design, and school equipment.

In conclusion, state and local governments are taking proactive steps to modernize their workforce and procurement practices. By leveraging AI and platforms like Civic Match, they are attracting skilled workers and positioning themselves for success in a rapidly changing landscape.