Chief Information Officer

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Company: Cfa Institute

Location: Charlottesville, VA 22903

Description:

We are seeking a visionary and operationally outstanding Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead the strategic direction, development, and execution of our product and technology initiatives. The CIO will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for advancing CFA Institute's mission through scalable, secure, and resilient IT systems and digital solutions. This role is central to driving innovation in high-stakes learning products and next-generation learning platforms, leveraging emerging technologies including Generative AI (GenAI) and advanced data analytics.

The role will be located on the US (in approved jurisdictions) or UK and will be eligible for flexible working. The CIO reports to the President & Chief Executive Officer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Technology Leadership
  • Develop and execute a forward-looking enterprise technology strategy aligned with the organization's growth objectives and digital product roadmap.
  • Lead the architecture, design, and implementation of secure, scalable, and resilient IT systems and platforms.
  • Evaluate and integrate cutting-edge technologies, including GenAI, machine learning, and cloud-native applications to enhance the development and delivery of high-stakes assessments and learning products.
  • Expand and elevate the organization's data strategy and capabilities in data governance, analytics, business intelligence and predictive modeling, across all functions including finance, marketing, sales, education etc.
  • Ensure robust governance of data, privacy, cybersecurity, and compliance standards across all systems and platforms.
  • Oversee the development lifecycle of digital products and services, ensuring alignment with user needs, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.


Functional & Operational Leadership
  • Lead a high-performing, multi-disciplinary technology organization, including engineering, IT operations, product management, cybersecurity, and enterprise systems teams.
  • Design and evolve staffing and sourcing models to optimize talent, vendor partnerships, and service delivery across global teams.
  • Manage the IT budget, ensuring ROI on technology investments and alignment with financial and strategic goals.
  • Implement best-in-class IT service management (ITSM), DevOps, and agile development practices to improve speed, quality, and user satisfaction.
  • Promote a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement within the technology function.


Enterprise Systems & Architecture
  • Oversee the strategic planning, selection, and integration of enterprise applications (e.g., ERP, CRM, HRIS, LMS).
  • Define and maintain an enterprise architecture roadmap that supports business scalability, operational efficiency, and digital innovation.
  • Ensure interoperability across platforms and the seamless flow of data across business functions, from product development to customer support.


SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
  • 15+ years of progressive technology leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a CIO or equivalent executive role in a digital, product-centric, or EdTech organization.
  • Proven experience managing enterprise IT infrastructure and digital product development in a mid- to large-sized company.
  • Demonstrated success delivering cloud-based, SaaS, and data-intensive products at scale, especially in education or regulated industries.
  • Deep understanding of the digital assessment lifecycle and the technology ecosystems that support high stakes learning experiences.
  • Familiarity with GenAI and its practical applications in educational content creation, personalization, and automation.
  • Strong background in IT governance, budgeting, strategic planning, and vendor management.
  • Experience leading cybersecurity strategy and risk management in alignment with ISO/IEC 27001, NIST, or similar frameworks.
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science or commensurate education and experience, engineering, or related field; master's degree or MBA preferred.


KEY COMPETENCIES
  • Strategic global thinking and vision
  • Change Management and Organizational Leadership
  • Collaboration and Influence Across Functions
  • Technical Depth in Modern IT and Software Architectures
  • Strong Financial Acumen
  • Communication and Executive Presence - Board Experience desirable


TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
  • Travel will be approximately 25% of the time, including regular travel to our Charlottesville, VA headquarters. International travel to other CFA Institute offices and events will also be required.


About CFA Institute

CFA Institute are the global leader in investment excellence and ethics. With nearly 200,000 charterholders across 160 markets, we drive professional growth, ethical behavior, and better markets. We care about our employees' well-being, offering industry-leading benefits like:
  • Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family
  • Generous leave and time off
  • Competitive retirement plans
  • Flexible work options
  • Wellness, education, and support programs


If you feel this opportunity could be the next step in your career, we encourage you to click "Apply" and complete our three-minute application.

Be part of a team committed to putting investors first and growing economies. Follow us @CFAInstitute on LinkedIn and X.

Important Message: Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirements as CFA Institute cannot make assumptions about your education, experience, or location. We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. CFA Institute prohibits both discrimination and harassment with regard to all identifying characteristics: any individual employee, group of employees, or prospective employee on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, religion, creed or belief, age, marital or partnership status, marital or family status, care giver status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual and other reproductive health decisions, physical abilities/qualities, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, predisposing genetic characteristic, military or veteran status, status as a victim or witness of domestic violence or sex offense or stalking, unemployment status, infectious disease carrier status, migrant worker status, educational background, socio-economic status, geographic location and culture or any other basis protected by applicable law. This policy impacts all aspects of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, development, promotion, demotion, layoff, recall, furlough, transfer, leave of absence, and dismissal. This is a global policy that applies to all CFA Institute employees, regardless of location.

If, due to a disability or current medical condition, you need an accommodation or assistance to complete a job application, you can request one at any stage of the recruitment process. Please send an email to humanresources@cfainstitute.org noting the accommodations or assistance you are requesting. Please do not include any medical or health information in this email. We will review your request and contact you to discuss the possible options and arrangements. We will try our best to provide you with an accommodation or assistance that meets your needs and respects your preferences.

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