Chief Information Officer

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Role: Chief Information Officer

Department: IT

Location: Remote, US Based

Travel: This role requires limited travel, typically two to four trips per year, to support key organizational meetings or global IT initiatives.

General Description: The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is a mission-driven technology executive who provides both strategic direction and hands-on leadership for Operation Smile’s global technology environment. This role reports directly to the CFO and is a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), responsible for shaping how technology advances Operation Smile’s mission to improve health and dignity through safe surgery and sustainable health solutions worldwide.

The CIO is accountable for leading enterprise-wide IT operations, including infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise applications, data governance, and end-user support for more than 30 global offices, 700 employees, and thousands of volunteers. This position oversees a global IT budget, manages key vendor partnerships, and ensures reliable, secure, and scalable systems.

This role requires a visionary who can align technology investments with long-term strategy, deliver cost-effective solutions, and champion innovation — including automation, AI-enabled workflows, and secure collaboration platforms. The CIO will work closely with the CFO, ELT, and Board of Directors, serving as a trusted advisor and ensuring that technology risks, opportunities, and progress are clearly communicated. The CIO will manage the operative IT team and will expand a technology development team to support business applications across departments.

Essential Functions

Strategic Technology Leadership

• Define and execute a multi-year IT strategy aligned with Operation Smile’s global mission and strategic plan.
• Partner with the CFO, ELT, and Board to identify opportunities for technology to enhance impact, scale operations, and improve efficiency.
• Translate organizational needs into a clear, prioritized IT roadmap.
  
  

Enterprise Systems & Digital Transformation

• Oversee the implementation, integration, and optimization of core systems including Paycom (HRIS/Payroll), Salesforce (CRM), ERP/Finance platforms, collaboration suites, and donor databases.
• Champion adoption of emerging technologies (AI, digital health platforms, data integration).
• Drive digital transformation efforts, ensuring future-ready architecture that enables data flow across departments and regions.
• Implement automation and workflow solutions to reduce manual effort and increase efficiency.
  
  

Global IT Support & Infrastructure

• Build a robust global IT support model providing equitable service to the HQ office as well as all international offices.
• Ensure reliable connectivity, secure remote access, and multilingual support as needed.
• Standardize deployment of devices, applications, and collaboration tools across all program countries.
  
  

Cybersecurity & Risk Management

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that protects sensitive patient, donor, and organizational data.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA, GDPR, PCI-DSS, and other international privacy and data protection requirements.
• Oversee business continuity, disaster recovery, and incident response readiness.
  
  

Data Governance & Analytics

• Establish a formal data governance framework and policies to ensure data quality and integrity.
• Build enterprise-wide reporting dashboards that empower leadership to make data-driven decisions.
• Champion a culture of data literacy and promote ethical use of technology and analytics.
  
  

Team Development & Leadership

• Build, mentor, and retain a high-performing IT team across multiple time zones and geographies.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
• Ensure team members have opportunities for ongoing professional development.
  
  

Financial Stewardship & Vendor Management

• Manage the global IT budget, balancing investment with cost control.
• Negotiate vendor contracts to maximize value and minimize risk.
• Monitor service levels and hold vendors accountable for performance.
  
  

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Communicate technology initiatives, risks, and opportunities clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
• Present updates to the ELT and Board of Directors in a way that connects technology to mission outcomes.
• Build strong partnerships with Finance, HR, Fundraising, Programs, Operations, and other departments to ensure IT solutions meet cross-functional needs.
  
  

Requirements

Experience Required (education/work):

• 15 years of progressive IT leadership experience, including 5 years in a senior executive or CIO role leading enterprise-wide technology initiatives.
• Proven experience developing and executing technology strategies in a global or multi-site organization.
• Track record leading digital transformation and large-scale system implementations.
• Deep expertise in enterprise systems, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, and data governance.
• Experience with vendor management and contract negotiation.
• Nonprofit, healthcare, or mission-driven organization experience is strongly preferred.
  
  

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Master’s degree or relevant certifications (CIO, CISSP, PMP) preferred.
  
  

Characteristics/Skills Required

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen; ability to align technology with organizational priorities.
• Skilled communicator, able to explain complex technology concepts to diverse audiences, including Board members.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and change management skills with a focus on building trust and engagement globally.
• Demonstrated ability to foster a data-driven culture and encourage innovation.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and project management skills.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and passion for OSI’s mission.
  
  

Compensation

Operation Smile is committed to pay transparency. The anticipated salary range for this position is $145,000 to $165,000, which may vary slightly based on a candidate’s experience, qualifications, and geographic location.

Why Operation Smile?

Meaningful Work - At Operation Smile, you will engage in meaningful work that transforms lives, providing essential medical care to children and contributing to global health and well-being.

A Brighter Future - Make saving for the future easy with Operation Smile’s 401(k) plan, featuring Safe Harbor and employer matching. Cha-ching!

Happy and Healthy - Kick back and relax with Operation Smile's all-in-one health plans! We've got your health, pharmacy, dental, and vision needs covered for you and your loved ones. No worries, just smiles!

Worry-Free Insurance - Enjoy true peace of mind with 100% paid premiums for life and AD&D insurances. We've got you covered, no matter what!

Take Your Time (Off) - Flexible time off and celebrate with company-paid holidays! More time for fun and relaxation.

Work it, Flex it - Enjoy flexible work arrangements that fit your lifestyle, with remote, on-site, and hybrid work arrangements.

Travel Minus Stress - See the world through our unique employee programs, which offer opportunities to participate in international medical trips, community outreach, and global health initiatives.

Salary Description

145,000 to 165,000