Chief Technology Officer

Job Description Statement

The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) serves as the executive leader responsible for the strategic direction, technology innovation, and performance of the credit union's information technology, information security, digital banking, data management, and technology infrastructure functions. The CTO ensures technology investments, systems, and digital capabilities support exceptional member experiences, operational excellence, organizational growth, and long-term business objectives. The CTO collaborates closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Leadership Team to execute organizational strategy, strengthen cybersecurity and information security programs, advance digital transformation initiatives, leverage data-driven decision making, and position the credit union to effectively meet evolving member, regulatory, and business needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Align technology investments, systems, and departmental resources with organizational goals and long-term business needs.
• Provide strategic oversight of technology infrastructure, systems architecture, enterprise applications, network operations, telecommunications, and technology support.
• Ensure technology systems and infrastructure remain secure, reliable, scalable, and capable of supporting current operations and future growth.
• Direct technology modernization and digital transformation strategies that improve operational efficiency, employee capabilities, and member experiences.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and industry developments to identify opportunities for innovation, automation, and competitive advantage.
• Establish technology governance and prioritization processes that align projects, system enhancements, and investments with organizational objectives.
• Establish digital banking strategies that support evolving member expectations, organizational growth, operational efficiency, and financial performance.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, industry trends, and member needs to identify opportunities to enhance or expand services.
• Ensure systems and processes are scalable, resilient, and appropriately integrated with the credit union’s broader technology environment.
• Ensure appropriate safeguards, governance structures, policies, and controls protect organizational systems, payment platforms, data, and member information.
• Monitor emerging cybersecurity, payment, operational, regulatory, and third-party risks and guide appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Ensure business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities support the timely restoration of critical technology and payment services.
• Ensure technology and payment initiatives deliver measurable organizational value and achieve intended business outcomes.
• Establish an enterprise approach to data governance, data quality, and information management.
• Promote the effective use of data, reporting, and analytics to support decision-making across the organization.
• Oversee departmental budgets and resource allocation within assigned areas of responsibility.
• Lead and develop direct reports, including performance evaluation, coaching, and succession planning.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, including Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), OFAC and the Patriot Act, and all state and federal laws.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Provides executive leadership and oversight for assigned functions. Responsible for establishing departmental strategy, allocating resources, developing talent, and ensuring achievement of organizational objectives.

Required Performance Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and align the credit union’s technology functions to achieve business objectives.
• Ability to lead through senior leaders and build accountability across multiple functions.
• Strong understanding of financial services technology and digital banking ecosystems.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity, information security, and technology risk management practices.
• Strong business acumen and decision-making ability.
• Ability to lead enterprise-wide technology and digital transformation initiatives.
• Understanding of data governance, business intelligence, and data-driven decision making.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and drive adoption of strategic initiatives.
• Ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with executive leadership, managers, employees, community partners, and external stakeholders.
• Strong project and priority management skills with the ability to balance multiple strategic initiatives.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and manage sensitive organizational matters.