Chief Technology Officer

The Mellon Foundation ("Foundation") is a not-for-profit, grant making organization that believes that the arts and humanities are where complex humanity is expressed, and believes that everyone deserves the beauty, transcendence, and freedom to be found there. Through Mellon’s grants, the Foundation seeks to build just communities enriched by meaning and empowered by critical thinking, where ideas and imagination can thrive. The Foundation makes grants in four core program areas – Higher Learning, Arts and Culture, Public Knowledge, and Humanities in Place – and through its signature Presidential Initiatives. Mellon seeks a Chief Technology Officer ("CTO") to serve to serve the Foundation in a pivotal moment defined by Mellon’s increasingly important societal role as the largest private funder of arts and humanities, bold internal technology transformation initiatives, and the growing influence of AI.

Reporting directly to EVP & COO , the CTO will lead a dynamic, mission-oriented technology team responsible for the strategy, planning, coordination, management, architecture, security, and operation of all aspects of the foundation’s technology environment. Working in close partnership with leaders across the Foundation, the CTO will shape and drive comprehensive enterprise-wide technology, data, and AI strategies and advance the Foundation’s ongoing digital transformation efforts. Acting as an educator, collaborator, and capacity builder, the CTO will promote technology adoption, strengthen tech and data literacy, and connect technological capabilities with programmatic needs. The CTO will also be a service-oriented translator, acting as a key liaison between technology, leadership, and teams across the Foundation to ensure alignment, maximize impact, and best serve the grantmaking mission.

The Mellon Foundation has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this important recruitment.

CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER

The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is part of a strong, people-centered technology organization responsible for the Foundation’s IT environment. With an intrapreneurial mindset and a passion for leading transformative change, the CTO will lead the collaborative creation of a long-term technology strategy and roadmap to ensure the effective and efficient use of technology to achieve the foundation’s objectives. The CTO oversees a team of 19 and reports to the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Refine and drive holistic technology strategy and roadmap for the Foundation in collaboration with key stakeholders and in partnership with the EVP & COO.
• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies, trends, and innovations.
• Build and maintain close business relationships with staff, vendors, consultants, and service providers to ensure alignment between IT strategy/expenditure and the Foundation’s overall business strategy.
• Maintain, evolve, and communicate standards, policies, and procedures to govern the use and management of technology resources and, in partnership with the Legal team, ensure the Foundation is compliant with security guidelines and all applicable laws.
• Oversee the Foundation’s application portfolio and the full life cycle of software management. In collaboration with team members from across the Foundation and the Applications Manager: Identify opportunities for process improvements and new tools; select new tools and negotiate purchase and service contracts with vendors; oversee the development of project plans, schedules, and budgets; and lead effective change management, training, and adoption processes.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of the Foundation’s technology infrastructure, including hardware, software, networks, and systems. Ensure scalability, reliability, and security of IT infrastructure.
• Define and implement data governance frameworks, data security measures, and data analytics strategies. Foster a data-driven culture and leverages data insights to drive Foundation decision-making and innovation.
• Provide leadership and direction to the IT operations team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality technical support services, including service desk and deskside support, with a focus on providing quality and enhanced support.
• Monitor system performance, resolve issues, and ensure uptime and availability of critical systems.
• Responsible for disaster planning and recovery of the IT environment, including testing and, if necessary, implementation.
• Drive digital transformation initiatives and in collaboration with the Communications team, oversee development and maintenance of mellon.org.
• Develop and manage the IT budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and cost-effective utilization of technology investments. Monitor expenses, track ROI, and identify areas for optimization.
• Perform a periodic assessment of the IT environment compared to the evolving needs of the Foundation and make recommendations for upgrades and/or other changes in the IT model.
• Direct staff and vendors in the processes related to the procurement, deployment and maintenance of hardware and break/fix services.
• Responsible for hiring and training IT staff, including overseeing assigned projects to IT team members, conducting performance evaluations of team members, and fostering growth and development of team members.
• Perform related duties and projects as assigned or requested by the EVP & COO.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS

• Minimum of 15 years of professional experience in the information technology field with the creation and development of enterprise-wide information technology including infrastructure and architecture, security, applications support and development, networks, telecommunications, and project management.
• Minimum of 10 years managing a technology environment of similar size and complexity as the foundation’s environment.
• Proven experience leading complex, enterprise-wide IT projects and managing change effectively across multiple departments, ensuring transitions are smooth, well-communicated, and supported by constituents.
• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, and supporting cloud-based systems including software-as-a-service, infrastructure-as-a-service, and business continuity.
• Previous experience designing, reviewing, and deploying well-documented architecture for networks, core infrastructure and cloud-based assets preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in creating key operational metrics for senior management briefings, operational next steps, and project road maps.
• Experience conducting technology and product selections in a well-documented fashion and/or experience with RFP/RFI creation and review.
• Experience in interweaving cybersecurity operations within IT strategy.
• Experience operating in a matrixed highly collaborative environment preferred.
• Previous experience managing or directing information security policy, data loss prevention directives; vulnerability management and patching operations, and penetration testing execution and remediation desired.
• Certification in project management desirable along with a demonstrated project management track record.
• Preferred certifications in any of the following: CISSP, ITLL, CGEIT, CISM, CSM, MSCE, PMI-ACP, PMP.
• Familiarity/knowledge of foundations and/or with grantmaking processes and/or foundation operations preferred.

COMPENSATION AND LOCATION

The Mellon Foundation offers a generous total reward package that includes base salary and a comprehensive benefits program, as well as an excellent working environment. Mellon is committed to providing compensation that is competitive and equitable within the philanthropic sector. The estimated annual salary range for this role is $375-425k. The amount of pay offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to qualifications, unique skills, credentials, or experience that is expected to impact the candidate’s contribution to the role. Mellon will also consider market data as well as the foundation’s internal pay equity framework.

Please note that Mellon maintains a hybrid work schedule, with three days per week in person at the foundation’s Manhattan offices.

APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process.

Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website:

The Mellon Foundation is committed to building an inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Employment opportunities are based on individual qualifications, merit, and organizational need, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds.

Mellon is committed to access and inclusion for our applicants. If you have accessibility requests to support your participation in the hiring process, please let us know at your earliest convenience.