Chief Technology Officer

Job Summary

The Chief Technology and Innovation Officer (CTIO) serves as the organization’s senior most technology leader and a key member of the executive leadership team. This role is responsible for defining, executing, and continuously evolving the organization’s technology and innovation strategy in alignment with mission, growth objectives, and long term sustainability. The CTIO provides both strategic vision and operational leadership across enterprise systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity, data governance, analytics, and digital transformation initiatives. This leader ensures that technology is a strategic enabler of operational excellence, informed decision-making, financial stewardship, and community impact.

1. Strategic Technology Leadership

The CTIO develops and drives a comprehensive, forward-looking technology strategy that aligns with organizational priorities and positions the organization for sustainable growth. Responsibilities include:

• Establishing a multi-year technology roadmap that integrates enterprise systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data capabilities.
• Advising the President & CEO and executive leadership team on technology risks, investments, opportunities, and emerging trends.
• Ensuring that technology initiatives are aligned with strategic objectives, operational priorities, and financial constraints.
• Identifying innovation opportunities that enhance service delivery, operational efficiency, and stakeholder engagement.
• This role requires the propensity to think systemically, balancing immediate operational needs with long term infrastructure development.

2. Enterprise Systems & Digital Transformation

The CTIO spearheads the modernization, integration, and optimization of core enterprise systems to ensure scalability, reliability, and interoperability.

• Overseeing the design, implementation, and ongoing enhancement of enterprise platforms such as ERP, CRM, fundraising systems, inventory and logistics platforms, cloud infrastructure, and data environments.
• Leading complex system integrations, including API architecture, automation initiatives, and cross-platform data alignment.
• Evaluating legacy systems and developing phased transition plans to reduce technical debt.
• Remaining actively engaged in architectural decisions, solution design reviews, and vendor selection processes.
• Ensuring that system implementations are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• The CTIO is expected to retain hands-on technical fluency and the aptitude to engage deeply in architectural discussions while maintaining executive oversight.

3. Data Strategy, Governance & Analytics

• Designing and implementing a comprehensive data governance framework, including data standards, stewardship roles, and quality controls.
• Developing reporting systems and dashboards that provide operational, financial, and strategic insights to leadership.
• Advancing analytics capabilities to support performance measurement, forecasting, and program evaluation.
• Promoting a culture of data literacy and evidence-based decision‑making across the organization.
• This function ensures that data becomes a strategic asset rather than a fragmented operational byproduct.

4. Cybersecurity, Risk & Infrastructure Management

• Developing and implementing comprehensive cybersecurity strategies, policies, and internal controls.
• Conducting risk assessments and mitigation planning to address vulnerabilities.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant data privacy and regulatory standards.
• Overseeing disaster recovery and business continuity planning.
• Managing cloud-native and hybrid infrastructure environments to ensure scalability and resilience.
• This role requires vigilance, disciplined risk management, and proactive infrastructure planning.

5. ITS Department Leadership & Organizational Development

• Developing and retaining skilled technology professionals.
• Establishing clear performance expectations, metrics, and accountability structures.
• Building team capability in architecture, security, systems management, and support functions.
• Fostering a culture of service, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Operating as a "player-coach" when necessary - providing direct technical guidance during high-impact initiatives or critical incidents.
• This leader must build both systems and people simultaneously.

6. Cross-Functional Partnership & Organizational Enablement

• Collaborating with operations, finance, development, and program teams to identify process improvements and system enhancements.
• Supporting fundraising and donor management systems to ensure effective engagement and reporting.
• Enhancing logistics, inventory, and distribution technologies where applicable.
• Clearly communicating intricate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, including board members.
• Ensuring that technology adoption is supported through training, change management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Technology is positioned as a collaborative enabler rather than a siloed function.

7. Vendor, Budget & Resource Stewardship

• Developing and managing the annual technology operating and capital budgets.
• Conducting cost-benefit assessments for major investments.
• Negotiating vendor contracts and monitoring service‑level agreements.
• Holding vendors accountable for quality, performance, security, and value.
• Prioritizing initiatives within resource constraints while maintaining long term sustainability.
• This role requires strong financial acumen and stewardship of donor and organizational resources.

Other Aspects of the Job

• Drives change initiatives with empathy and organizational awareness.
• Maintains high integrity and stewardship over sensitive data and resources.
• Models accountability and ownership, stepping in directly when critical issues arise.
• Demonstrates commitment to equity, inclusion, and service to diverse communities.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressive experience in technology leadership, with at least 5 years in senior or executive‑level roles.
• Foundational experience as a hands‑on technology practitioner (e.G., software engineering, systems architecture, infrastructure, data engineering, or cybersecurity).
• Demonstrated success modernizing legacy or fragmented technology environments.
• Experience leading enterprise‑wide system implementations and integrations.
• Strong understanding of enterprise architecture, cloud platforms, APIs, automation, and cybersecurity best practices.
• Experience establishing data governance and analytics capabilities.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, vendors, and cross‑functional partnerships.
• Experience in nonprofit, healthcare, logistics, public service, or mission-driven organizations preferred.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related technical field required or 4 years of equivalent experience.
• Advanced degree (MBA, MS, or equivalent) preferred.
• Relevant certifications in cloud platforms, cybersecurity, enterprise architecture, or project management are a plus.