Chief Information Officer

• Define Enterprise Technology Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive technology roadmap aligned with FFB’s strategic growth objectives and long-term vision.
• Advise Executive Leadership & Board: Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team, and Board committees on digital transformation, technology and cybersecurity risk, AI governance, infrastructure investments, and emerging technologies.
• Lead Digital Modernization: Champion system upgrades, automation initiatives, fintech integrations, digital channel enhancements, and infrastructure transformation efforts.
• Strengthen Cybersecurity & Technology Risk (in partnership with the CISO/CRO): Ensure mature security and risk management practices across identity and access management, vulnerability management, incident response, logging/monitoring, and security awareness; drive measurable risk reduction and timely remediation.
• Lead Operational Resilience, BCP & Disaster Recovery: Own and continuously improve business continuity and disaster recovery programs (testing, tabletop exercises, recovery objectives, lessons learned) and ensure critical services can recover from technology and third‑party disruptions.
• Govern AI & Emerging Technologies: Establish secure, responsible adoption standards for AI-enabled tools including Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT, ensuring regulatory alignment, data classification controls, third‑party due diligence, and enterprise guardrails.
• Optimize Enterprise Platforms: Oversee Microsoft 365 environments, collaboration tools, core banking systems, lending platforms, treasury systems, integration layers, and cloud infrastructure for performance, scalability, and availability.
• Enterprise Data & Integration Strategy: Establish data governance and architecture (data ownership, quality, lineage, retention, and integration/API standards) to improve decisioning, reporting accuracy, and regulatory readiness.
• Drive Technology Delivery Excellence: Lead portfolio governance (prioritization, stage gates, benefits realization), project/program management discipline, and change/release management to deliver outcomes predictably and safely.
• Operate with Service Management Rigor: Ensure strong IT service management practices (incident/problem/change management, SLAs, root-cause analysis, uptime reporting) and continuous improvement.
• Drive IT Governance & Controls: Establish and enforce enterprise IT policies, internal controls, documentation standards, and audit/exam readiness across the technology environment.
• Manage Strategic Vendors & Third Parties: Negotiate and oversee key technology partnerships; strengthen third‑party risk management for critical vendors (monitoring, contract standards, exit plans, and concentration risk) while maintaining disciplined cost management.
• Lead & Develop IT Leadership: Build and mentor a high-performing technology leadership team; develop succession and skills growth while fostering accountability and alignment with FFB’s OneFirst culture.
• Steward Technology Investment: Develop and manage the IT budget, evaluate ROI, and ensure capital allocation supports enterprise priorities.
• Represent the Bank: Serve as the Bank’s technology liaison during regulatory examinations, audits, and strategic industry engagements; coordinate remediation plans and communicate progress to stakeholders.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive technology leadership experience, including senior-level oversight in a financial institution or highly regulated environment.
• Oversight and/or experience with Fiserv or Fiserv Signature environment preferred.
• Proven ability to align technology strategy with enterprise growth, client experience, and operational objectives while maintaining strong governance.
• Strong understanding of banking regulatory expectations related to technology, cybersecurity, third‑party risk management, and operational resilience.
• Demonstrated experience leading enterprise modernization initiatives and large-scale system implementations (core, digital, payments, lending, treasury, or similar).
• Experience establishing technology portfolio governance, program delivery discipline, and IT service management practices.
• Working knowledge of cybersecurity program components and incident response (direct leadership or close partnership with a CISO) with an ability to communicate risk clearly to executive leadership and the Board.
• Experience with cloud environments and cloud governance (security controls, configuration management, cost management/FinOps).
• Strong data and integration mindset; experience improving data governance, reporting quality, and enterprise integration patterns (APIs/middleware).
• Strong financial acumen including budgeting, capital planning, vendor contract management, and benefits realization.
• Senior leadership presence with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for board members and non-technical stakeholders.
• Commitment to accountability, innovation, and long-term enterprise resilience.
• Ability occasionally to work at various locations within driving distance.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for up to 75% of an eight (8) hour workday.
• Ability to review information and details at close range (within a few feet).

What We Offer

• Competitive Pay & Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and employer-paid life and disability insurance.
• Financial Perks:401(k) match, Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP), and banking benefits.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, including 11 Federal Reserve bank holidays.
• Growth Opportunities: Tuition assistance and professional development programs.
• A Supportive Culture: Integrity, collaboration, innovation, and respect are at the heart of what we do.

Who We Are

First Financial Bank is a dynamic financial institution with over $6 billion in assets and a proud history dating back to 1834. With more than 75 banking centers across five states, we are committed to empowering our clients, fostering personal growth, and building community.

Joining First Financial Bank means becoming part of a legacy where your work directly contributes to the stability and growth of the communities we serve. Here, you are more than an employee; you are an essential member of a team dedicated to living out the values of "One First" every day. Be part of a bank that values your contributions and invests in your future!

Ready to Join Us?

Apply now and take the next step in your banking career! We review all applications and will respond promptly.

First Financial Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, military and/or veteran status, or any other Federal or State legally protected classes.