Chief Information and Technology Officer

Job Description

Conservation International seeks a Chief Information and Technology Officer (CITO) to develop and champion the organization’s digital transformation agenda and deliver integrated technology solutions to CI’s operations and strategic goals.  Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and engaging with leaders from across the organization, the CITO plays a critical role in enabling the organization’s strategic and operational delivery. They will create a comprehensive vision for digital transformation initiatives that support CI’s mission success, prioritize investments in digital solutions, and leverage technology and best practices to further integrate CI’s global environment in 30+ countries. 

Importantly, the CITO will lead a team of 30+ professionals who collectively oversee the organization’s information and technology operations, computing infrastructure and architecture, business applications management, cybersecurity, and day-to-day user support and training. The ideal candidate will have a passion for team leadership and strong team management skills.  In addition to team leadership and strategic components, the CITO will lead the development of information and technology governance across the organization, including sophisticated organizational IT policies and procedures that ensure smooth, secure, and cost-effective technology operations.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a strategic leader with a proven track record of change management to join a high-growth, mission-driven, global organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy, Vision, and Leadership

• In concert with other senior leaders, develop a forward-looking digital transformation strategy and supporting roadmap that enables the delivery of the organization’s mission, strategies, and objectives in a complex, global environment.
• Translate evolving business needs into technical requirements – plan, scope, and oversee the execution of associated, informed information management and technology initiatives. 
• Proactively advise the organization’s executive leadership on emerging technology trends and their implications, including AI.
• Establish strategic partnerships with aligned organizations and service providers.
• Lead annual and multi-year planning, programming, and budgeting for the IT team. Define IT performance metrics based on the organization’s overall objectives and monitor performance.
• Effectively communicate and present critical matters to senior management and other stakeholders.  On behalf of the division, serve as an effective internal spokesperson and influencer on network security and data protection.

Team Development and Management

• Oversee, direct, and organize the work of information and technology teams towards a unified set of highly leveraged priorities, balancing current needs and strategic investments.
• Deliver prompt, comprehensive, and equitable user support for CI’s global offices, and anticipate evolving user needs.
• Promote a culture of high performance, flexibility, and continuous improvement that values learning, problem-solving, and a commitment to quality.
• Recruit, retain, mentor, and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach: assign accountabilities; set objectives; establish priorities; support upskilling; manage talent;  and monitor and evaluate results.

Systems Modernization and Integration

• Lead the evaluation, selection, implementation, and maintenance of new information systems and technologies, ensuring appropriate investment in strategic and operational systems.  Ensure fiscally responsible procurement.
• Manage innovation across the organization, encouraging experimentation and iteration; encourage agile management principles.
• Lead efforts to integrate and define acceptable use of emerging capabilities and technologies, like AI.
• Facilitate cross-departmental alignment and optimization of shared and compatible tools through the systems governance structure. Ensure IT continues to play a key role in bringing business teams together by optimizing resources and maximizing the use of technology. 
• In collaboration with other stakeholders, determine priorities for modernizing the organization’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and knowledge management systems. 
• As part of a developed digital transformation roadmap, lead a comprehensive, enterprise-wide systems integration and harmonization effort . 

Enterprise Cyber Security, Risk Management, and Data Governance

• Oversee the operability, health, and security of technology systems, communication lines, and equipment, including troubleshooting, upgrades, backup, and system optimization for business sustainability and growth. Responsible for disaster recovery plans and strategies to ensure zero data loss.
• Strengthen the data ecosystem and related processes and investments (including data governance, data management, data analytics, and data privacy) toward organization growth. Identify data opportunities and gaps.
• Enhance the systems of networking and information flow across the organization.
• Interact with senior leadership to monitor and validate the organization’s compliance with internal controls, security-related procedures, and information security policies; play a key role in defining these policies.

Business Process and Global Connection

• Review and manage global IT project resource demands across the enterprise to ensure technology and operations meet current and anticipated capacity needs and demands.
• Oversee the organization’s day-to-day user needs – recommend improvements in process and policy.
• Support CI’s virtual/hybrid working environment in 30+ countries through technology solutions.
• Foster a culture of IT literacy across the organization.
• Ensure IT in Arlington and other global office hubs work seamlessly.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Normal office working conditions.
• The position may require some travel.
• Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process.
• For the health and safety of our employees, their families, and our community, all US-based Conservation International staff are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. This mandatory vaccine requirement applies to all staff working remotely, in a hybrid work arrangement, and on-site in CI US offices. CI follows CDC recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines. Requests for reasonable accommodations or exceptions related to medical or religious reasons will be considered. Candidates are NOT required to state their COVID-19 vaccine status in their application.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Master’s Degree in computer science, information systems, software engineering, or another relevant field.
• 15+ years’ experience in the Information Technology field, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• 7 or more years of experience managing teams. 
• Proven track record of success in facilitating progressive organizational change and development within a growing organization.
• Experience managing IT divisions of complex networks with a mix of strategic, tactical, and service responsibilities.
• Exceptional team leadership and management skills.
• In-depth knowledge of emerging technologies, trends, methodologies, and resource management principles.
• General familiarity with key data privacy and protection requirements in the United States and Europe.
• Executive presence and interpersonal skills to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and affect change through influence.
• Proven financial management and analytical skills, including experience with planning and managing budgets.
• Experience managing organizations using ERPs/CRMs.

Preferred

• MBA
• Experience working in a global organization.
• Project management certification.
• Passion for the conservation of nature and a commitment to Conservation International’s vision and mission.