Chief Information Officer

Job Description

Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. TMCF member-schools include the publicly supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Historically Black Community Colleges(HBCCs), and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). 

TMCF is looking for its inaugural Chief Information Officer (CIO) to serve as a strategic technology leader,establishing the vision and direction for TMCF’s enterprise information technology program. The CIO will oversee the planning, development, and implementation of comprehensive information systems that enhance operational efficiency, strengthen cybersecurity and data integrity, and support the organization’s mission to uplift and advance black colleges and universities. The CIO will lead the Information Systems department in building a modern, secure, and scalable technology infrastructure that enables TMCF to serve its member institutions and stakeholders effectively while minimizing costs and maximizing organizational impact.

Reports To:

President & CEO

Responsibilities:

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive technology strategy that aligns with TMCF’s organizational goals and supports the needs of our HBCU and PBI member institutions.
  • Evaluate current technology systems, infrastructure, and staffing; research emerging solutions; and recommend strategic improvements.
  • Serve as the primary advisor on information systems evaluation, selection, implementation, and ongoing maintenance, while overseeing the selection, acquisition, development, and installation of major enterprise information systems.
  • Translate business needs into scalable, effective technology solutions, ensuring enterprise systems remain central to organizational operations.
  • Communicate IT plans, policies, and technology trends to leadership, staff, and organizational partners.
  • Lead CRM strategy development and implementation.
  • Supervise the development and ongoing maintenance of comprehensive user documentation,including manuals, FAQs, and help resources, covering technology systems, cybersecurity, and AI best practices.

AI & Innovation

  • Identify opportunities to integrate AI into operations and future initiatives.
  • Develop and implement governance frameworks and policies for responsible AI use.
  • Promote AI literacy and adoption across the organization.

IT Operations Governance & Security 

  • Establish and maintain systems for protecting IT assets, ensuring data integrity, and safeguarding the privacy and security of organizational and stakeholder information.
  • Develop and maintain corporate policies and technical standards to protect IT assets, ensure data integrity, and safeguard privacy and security.
  • Strengthen cybersecurity practices and risk management measures.
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
  • Serve as the organization’s primary point of contact for system failures and IT emergencies.

Project Vendor & Financial Management 

  • Manage the complete lifecycle of IT projects, from planning through implementation and measurement of success.
  • Develop, monitor, and manage annual operating and capital budgets for all IT systems and technology initiatives.
  •  Negotiate and maintain master purchase and lease agreements for hardware, software, maintenance, and telecommunications services.
  • Maintain current knowledge of technology vendors, equipment, pricing, and contract terms to optimize organizational value.
  •  Foster strategic relationships between IT resources and external vendors (Salesforce, iCIMS, Gallup), technology partners, and HBCU/PBI stakeholders.
  •  Perform cost-benefit analyses to recommend solutions that maximize value while managing organizational risk.

Data, Reporting & Systems Integration

  • Lead the organization’s data gathering, processing, and distribution functions to ensure management has timely, accurate information for decision-making.
  • Coordinate and manage reporting needs across departments.
  • Establish systems for cost-effective and efficient information flow throughout the organization.
  •  Oversee the development and delivery of comprehensive user training and technical support systems.
  •  Ensure that end users throughout the organization have the tools and support needed to effectively utilize technology systems.

Position Mandatories:

Department: Office of The President

Location: In person/Hybrid, Washington, DC

Employment Type: Full-Time 

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Travel Requirement: Travel required

Supervisory Responsibility: No

Required Competencies and Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 15-20 years of Information Technology experience with at least 10 years of leadership experience.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field required.
  • Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field or related field preferred.
  •  Demonstrated experience in software development and implementation.
  •  Experience managing network communication systems in multi-organizational environments.
  •  Proven ability to analyze and resolve complex technical and organizational issues.
  •  Strategic vision and ability to translate business needs into technology solutions.
  •  Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
  •  Strong team leadership and collaboration skills.
  •  Project and budget management expertise.
  •  Knowledge of cybersecurity, compliance, and data protection practices.

Additional Information:

Compensation

The anticipated compensation range for this position is:

Annual Salary: $175,000 – $230,000 annually 

Bonus eligibility:  Up to 20% of Annual salary  

Actual compensation will be determined based on relevant experience, skills, internal equity, and organizational needs, in accordance with applicable laws. 

Benefits Overview

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) offers a benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision coverage on a cost-shared basis; employer-paid short-term disability (STD), long-term disability (LTD), and basic life insurance; retirement benefits (including a 403(b) plan with employer matching contributions of up to 6% of eligible compensation); paid time off; paid holidays; and professional development opportunities, subject to eligibility and plan terms.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements 

This position may involve extended computer use, lifting up to 15 pounds, and require evening and weekend work. Participation in and assistance with special TMCF events may necessitate a temporary change in normal working conditions, including a shift in days or hours worked, and/or working in alternative locations (e.g., outdoors).

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable Accommodations

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations may contact hr@tmcf.org.

At-Will Employment Disclaimer

Employment with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund ( TMCF)  is at-will. This posting does not constitute a contract of employment or guarantee employment for any specific duration.

Remote Work Addendum 

This position may be performed remotely. Employment is subject to compliance with applicable state and local employment laws based on the employee’s work location.

Paid Leave Addendum 

In addition to any leave or benefits provided by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund ( TMCF), employees may also be eligible for paid sick leave, paid family leave, or other statutory leave and benefits as required by applicable federal, state, or local law.