Chief Technology and Innovation Officer

Job Description

Chief Technology and Innovation Officer


Reports To: President and Chief Executive Officer


Supervises: Director of Information Technology


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.


Primary Responsibilities
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.


Responsibilities include:
• 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


The CTIO establishes and strengthens enterprise data capabilities to support informed
decision-making and impact measurement.


Responsibilities include:
• 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


The CTIO is accountable for protecting the organization's digital assets and ensuring
system reliability.


Responsibilities include:
• 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


The CTIO leads and develops the Information Technology Services (ITS) department,
ensuring high performance and alignment with enterprise goals.


Responsibilities include:
• 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


The CTIO partners closely with leadership and departmental teams to translate operational
and mission needs into scalable technology solutions.


Responsibilities include:
• 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


The CTIO ensures disciplined financial and operational management of technology
resources.


Responsibilities include:
• 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.

Contact: Jessica Cross - View email address on click.appcast.io - View phone number on click.appcast.io