Chief Information Officer - United States Institute of Peace

Who We Are

Peace is our commitment. The United States Institute of Peace represents the American people’s shared values and commitment to peace worldwide. We know that Peace is Security – it advances both U.S. and international security by preventing, managing, and mitigating violent conflict.

We are an independent, non-partisan institution and are actively engaged with peacebuilding efforts worldwide. Together we tackle the most challenging problems and hold fast to the possibility of a more peaceful world. To learn more about USIP programs and job openings, go to https://www.usip.org/about/careers.

If you have a passion for making the world a better place and want to have a front-row seat on the world stage, USIP is the place for you.

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is the senior executive responsible for the strategic vision, leadership, and performance of the Institute's Enterprise Technology team. This role aligns technology, cybersecurity, and data management efforts to the Institute’s strategic objectives. The CIO develops and maintains a comprehensive information technology (IT) and data management systems roadmap, adhering to an appropriate cybersecurity framework, and manages technical resources for a globally distributed workforce. This position oversees a team across multiple domains: end user support, enterprise systems administration, network architecture and engineering, cybersecurity, audio-visual (AV) services and engineering, and data management. This position is in Washington, DC and reports to the Chief Operating Officer.

JOB BRIEF

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is the senior executive responsible for the strategic vision, leadership, and performance of the Institute's Enterprise Technology team. This role aligns technology, cybersecurity, and data management efforts to the Institute’s strategic objectives. The CIO develops and maintains a comprehensive information technology (IT) and data management systems roadmap, adhering to an appropriate cybersecurity framework, and manages technical resources for a globally distributed workforce. This position oversees a team across multiple domains: end user support, enterprise systems administration, network architecture and engineering, cybersecurity, audio-visual (AV) services and engineering, and data management. This position is in Washington, DC and reports to the Chief Operating Officer.

CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS 8/29/2024

TARGET SALARY 

Grade: EX IV - $180,100 - $191,900

The Institute uses the General Schedule salary tables for administering compensation. Offers are determined based upon candidate qualifications, related experience, internal equity, and the amount budgeted for the position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and mentorship to a team of IT and data management professionals, fostering talent development, retention, diversity, and inclusion.
• Drives a culture of engagement, diversity, inclusiveness, excellence, and innovation within and outside the department.
• Oversee the planning, facilitation, and collaboration across USIP to clearly identify and prioritize needs, formulate plans, and execute results driven strategies that positively impact USIP’s enterprises technology services and operations.
• Develops and implements long-term IT objectives and strategies aligned with the Institute's overall strategic goals.
• Oversees the technological infrastructure including enterprise IT & AV systems, network operations, and user support services to ensure optimal performance.
• Working collaboratively with leadership and staff, selects and implements suitable technology to streamline all internal operations and help optimize their strategic benefits. Promotes innovative uses of technology.
• Serves as the technical expert for the Institute on the development and procurement of IT solutions.
• In partnership with the Chief Operating Officer, provides the vision for Institute-wide data activities and systems to determine how the Institute captures, maintains, and presents data and information to facilitate data driven decisions.
• In coordination with the Chief Operating Officer and staff, establishes data management strategies, including master data management and resource sharing initiatives.
• Oversees the planning, budgeting, and efficient delivery of IT and data management services across the entire organization, including international offices.
• Facilitates effective communication and collaboration across the Institute, ensuring alignment between the Enterprise Technology team and other departments.
• Establishes and maintains productive relationships with industry partners, especially within the federal government. Participates in regular meetings of the federal small agency CIO group and Department of Homeland Security small agency group.
• Leads the execution of enterprise projects aimed at addressing business challenges and achieving organizational objectives.
• Fosters effective stakeholder engagement, collaboration, and communication, informing the Executive Office (EO), senior management, and stakeholders of project progress and addressing potential concerns.
• Promotes compliance with regulations and policies, upholds professional standards, and maintains workplace integrity.
• Stays abreast of current IT, cybersecurity, and data management trends and recommends opportunities to improve services and leverages new technologies.
• Establishes and maintains productive relationships with technology vendors, negotiating contracts and overseeing technical interfaces.
• Analyzes the costs, value, and risk of information technology to advise leadership and suggest actions.
• Serves as an IT executive representative for internal and external groups including but not limited to crisis management and continuity of operations teams.

Perform other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, cyber security or a related field. Master's degree preferred. Professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in IT leadership and management, with a proven ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.
• The duties and responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Expert knowledge of current IT trends and capabilities and demonstrated experience utilizing this knowledge of developing and implementing strategic IT plans and budgets for medium- to large-sized organizations.
• Excellent knowledge and experience managing and supporting a complex IT infrastructure, including enterprise IT & AV systems, network operations, and user support services.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, with the proven ability to think strategically, and to effectively develop, communicate, and execute plans with both technical and non-technical audiences at all levels of an organization.
• Excellent organization and leadership skills supervising all phases and functions of staff responsible for a variety of activities impacting multiple enterprise technology domains, including the proven ability to lead and manage a team of technical leaders and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Thorough understanding of data management, analytics, budgeting, operations, and governance, including strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on achieving results and delivering value.
• In-depth knowledge of cybersecurity best practices and experience managing an enterprise information security program.
• Ability to operate independently and complete critical projects on time, on budget, and within scope.
• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Experience working with federal regulations and other regulatory compliance issues.
• Experience working in a global environment and understanding the challenges of managing a geographically dispersed workforce is highly desirable.
• Ability to manage and maintain privileged, sensitive, and confidential information and matters appropriately.
• Strong program management and collaboration skills and experience overseeing intricate projects; and previous experience implementing adaptive programs in highly complex and dynamic environments, with the ability to coordinate the input and priorities of multiple players.

All applicants must be US citizens to be considered for positions with USIP. 

All USIP contract and employee positions are contingent upon the favorable completion of a suitability background investigation.  

HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application package consisting of:
1.  Completed employment application
2.  Cover letter
3.  Resume 

Note: Only those applicants that are selected for further discussions will be contacted.  

USIP is an equal opportunity employer. USIP does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.